Technical-economic evaluation of green hydrogen production associated with electrochemical treatment of industrial effluents

• Grant number: 24/21912-2
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: February 01, 2025
• End date: January 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Chemical Engineering - Chemical Process Industries
• Principal Investigator: Luis Augusto Martins Ruotolo
• Grantee: Luisa Gaigher Franco
• Host Institution: Centro de Ciências Exatas e de Tecnologia (CCET). Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCAR). São Carlos , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 23/06600-1 - Production of green hydrogen from electrochemical treatment of industrial effluents, AP.R

Abstract

The modern world faces a growing concern about the negative impacts of constant population growth on the environment, driven by the high demand for resources and inputs. In this context, global efforts to promote the transition of the energy matrix to more sustainable models stand out, aiming to reduce pollution generated by human activities, especially those related to industry, carbon dioxide emissions, and dependence on fossil fuels. Among the most promising alternatives for global decarbonization, hydrogen emerges as a versatile energy carrier, widely supported by the scientific and industrial communities. However, most of the hydrogen currently produced still comes from non-renewable fossil sources, driving the search for sustainable production routes. In this scenario, "green hydrogen," obtained through water electrolysis using renewable energy sources, stands out as a prominent solution, offering high-purity hydrogen with low environmental impact. Nevertheless, minimizing the energy consumption associated with its production remains a critical challenge, requiring innovations to make the processes more efficient and economically viable. Thus, this project proposes the development and evaluation of a semi-pilot scale electrochemical flow reactor, integrating green hydrogen production with the electrochemical treatment of industrial effluents. The proposed approach aims to replace the typical Oxygen Evolution Reaction (OER) of industrial electrolyzers with the electrochemical degradation of organic pollutant compounds, using boron-doped diamond (BDD) anodes, while producing H2 through the cathodic reaction using nickel electrodes. This innovative system, operating synergistically, has the potential to make the electrochemical treatment of effluents economically viable through the commercialization of the green hydrogen produced, promoting environmental and economic benefits. The performance of both processes will be evaluated based on operational variables impacting kinetics, efficiency, and energy consumption, seeking to optimize results and enhance the system's feasibility.