CO2 High-Temperature Electrolysis Technology Toward Carbon Neutralization in the Chemical Industry

The chemical industry is a major carbon emitter in China and must be focused on for China to achieve its goal of carbon neutralization. Carbon dioxide (CO2) high-temperature electrolysis based on solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOECs) is an important technology to achieve China’s carbon emission reduction, peak carbon emission, and carbon neutralization goals. Moreover, this technology can realize the recycling utilization of CO2 and thereby contribute to considerable environmental benefits and potential economic benefits. Thus far, a great deal of progress has been made in CO2 high-temperature electrolysis technology at the laboratory stage and pilot stage, although the large-scale industrial application of this technology still requires further development. This review focuses on recent progress in state-of-the-art cell materials for high-temperature CO2 electrolysis, discusses the future research directions of SOEC technologies, and proposes possible SOEC-coupled chemical industry carbon neutralization solutions.