che_december-2024 - 30

COMMON ELECTROCHEMISTRY
MYTHS AND CONCERNS
FIGURE 2. Consider safety aspects in the scaling process of an electro-organic synthesis process
Moreover, iodo waste can be fed
in, and the complete mineralization
of organics results in periodination
[5]. This approach exemplifies the
resource- and chemical-efficient
nature of electrochemical syntheses
[5-7].
A method for the oxidative ring
opening of cyclic hydrocarbons
was also developed to eliminate
the need for an oxidizer. By utilizing
nickel oxide hydroxide anodes,
a process was established
for synthesizing substituted adipic
acid derivatives from lignin-derived
feedstock and was successfully
scaled up to over 10 liters [8-9].
These examples epitomize the potential
of electrosynthesis to enable
conversions that are not only mild,
resource-efficient, and sustainable,
but also capable of being scaled up
to meet industrial requirements.
Downstream processing
On top of classical synthesis, electrochemistry
is also used for downstream
processing. Applied electrochemical
downstream methods
are
electrodialysis,
wastewater
treatment and electrostatic purification.
An interesting example in electrochemical
waste utilization is the
upcycling of chlorinated persistent
pesticides. This waste is not readily
decomposed by nature and has
been put into landfills on a multi-million-ton
scale. In order to tackle this
30
problem, researchers developed an
electrosynthesis (e-shuttle) for upcycling
this waste, which generated
benzene and chlorine equivalents -
both base chemicals that are highly
relevant for the industry [10]. This
example highlights the versatility of
electrochemical processes in the
search of a sustainable future.
Challenges
The innovation of electrosynthesis
can lead to many approaches for
optimizing chemical processes, but
also poses challenges. Modern approaches
do not focus on electrochemical
stand-alone systems, but
integrate electrochemical sub-steps
as a part of a longer process chain.
This enables the gradual implementation
of electrochemical innovations
in the industrial environment.
One of
the
biggest
Unlike
challenges
when using electrochemistry in the
chemical industry is the technical
implementation.
chlor-alkali
electrolysis, which has been used on
a technical scale for decades, most
electrochemical syntheses and processes
are completely new and have
to be designed from scratch. There
are almost no commercially
available
pilot systems for the examples
mentioned above, and to the current
authors' knowledge, there are
no plants on an industrial scale that
are commercially available. The lack
of availability of these plants requires
1. Scaling up in electrochemistry is always
done by numbering up. Not true
- some methods use different cell setups
and special electrode designs
2. Electrochemistry has its own distinct
language. Yes, but as in any scaling process,
chemists and engineers must bridge
their different languages
3. Electrochemical equipment will cause
sparks or shocks that are dangerous to
operators. Most electrochemical cells
operate below 10 V d.c. However, stray
current can be a problem in electrochemical
plants
4. Electrochemistry is expensive. Although
systems are often customized,
electrochemical processes can compete
economically due to lower carbon dioxide
emissions
technical
implementation
within
every company and their workshops,
or highly individualized plants from
the few available manufacturers (for
electrodialysis, for example, Eurodia,
MEGA, Fumatec).
It is even more difficult to find suppliers
for large-scale plants in the field
of organic electrosynthesis. Both
options require knowledge of the
hurdles and peculiarities of an electrochemical
pilot plant and the ability
to fix them internally. To dispel fears
of
implementing
electrochemical
processes, this article aims to avoid
prejudices and typical mistakes from
the outset [12-13].
Specific considerations
So let's dive into the possibilities of
electrochemical processes and share
with you our experience in scaling up
FIGURE 3. A proof of concept is typically started on
the laboratory scale
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING WWW.CHEMENGONLINE.COM
DECEMBER 2024

http://WWW.CHEMENGONLINE.COM

che_december-2024

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of che_december-2024