Energy and environment friendly materials research for sustainable chemical energy storage

In the energy transition road map, the foreseen introduction of renewal energy sources together the use of smart grids arises very relevant questions concerning the availability of energy storage systems. In this framework,... [ view full abstract ]

In the energy transition road map, the foreseen introduction of renewal energy sources together the use of smart grids arises very relevant questions concerning the availability of energy storage systems. In this framework, spite of the huge efforts performed in the electrochemical battery developments, the capacity for storing very large quantities of energies is still an open challenge especially considering the limitations shown by the current technologies for higher energies than some MWh’s.

In this talk, chemical energy storage will be presented as a clear alternative for contributing to storage very large quantities of energy in the range of GWh. Direct and indirect use of the solar energy will be reviewed. Special attention will be paid in the production of solar fuels (Hydrogen and CO2 reduced products) as well as in the potential uses of the solar hydrogen or the green electricity for producing fuels such as the synthetic ones, the green methane or added value chemical’s.

Likewise, catalyst material developments and electrochemical cell configurations will be discussed and, finally, the efficiency values will be connected with the different involved mechanisms in transforming solar or electrical energy in chemical one.