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Cited by 248Hybrid Renewable Energy SystemsElectrocatalysts for Energy ConversionCO2 Reduction Techniques and Catalysts

Renewable electricity storage using electrolysis

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Yan, Zhifei, Hitt, Jeremy L., Turner, John A., Mallouk, Thomas E.·2020·Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
DOI 10.1073/pnas.1821686116PMC PMC7293654
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Abstract

Electrolysis converts electrical energy into chemical energy by storing electrons in the form of stable chemical bonds. The chemical energy can be used as a fuel or converted back to electricity when needed. Water electrolysis to hydrogen and oxygen is a well-established technology, whereas fundamental advances in CO 2 electrolysis are still needed to enable short-term and seasonal energy storage in the form of liquid fuels. This paper discusses the electrolytic reactions that can potentially enable renewable energy storage, including water, CO 2 and N 2 electrolysis. Recent progress and major obstacles associated with electrocatalysis and mass transfer management at a system level are reviewed. We conclude that knowledge and strategies are transferable between these different electrochemical technologies, although there are also unique complications that arise from the specifics of the reactions involved.

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Authors
Yan, Z., Hitt, J. L., Turner, J. A., & Mallouk, T. E.
Affiliations
  • University of Pennsylvania (US)
  • Private address, Broomfield, CO 80023
Corresponding author
  • Turner, John A.
  • Mallouk, Thomas E.
ORCID
Venue
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
Publisher
National Academy of Sciences
Published
2019-12-16
Volume
117
Issue
23
Pages
12558-12563
ISSN
  • 0027-8424 (ISSN-L)
  • 1091-6490
DOI
10.1073/pnas.1821686116
PMC
PMC7293654
OpenAlex
W2995145484
Cited by
248
References
58
Citations by year
2026: 18 · 2025: 42 · 2024: 47 · 2023: 42 · 2022: 34 · 2021: 48 · 2020: 16 · 2019: 1
FWCI
8.67
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
www.pnas.org/site/aboutpnas/licenses.xhtml (vor, 183 d)
Locations
  • Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed Central (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • OSTI OAI (U.S. Department of Energy Office of Scientific and Technical Information) (submittedVersion)
Funders
  • U.S. Department of Energy (DE-FG02- 07ER15911)
  • Canadian Institute for Advanced Research (CIFAR-BISE)
Topics
  • Physical Sciences › Energy › Energy Engineering and Power Technology › Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems
  • Physical Sciences › Energy › Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment › Electrocatalysts for Energy Conversion
  • Physical Sciences › Energy › Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment › CO2 Reduction Techniques and Catalysts
Keywords
renewable energy storage, electrolysis, water electrolysis, hydrogen production, CO2 electrolysis, electrocatalysis, mass transfer, liquid fuels, seasonal energy storage, electrochemical reactions

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