Innovative Technologies Driving the Future of Electrification
At the Electrification Institute, we’re focused on developing and implementing the technologies of the future based on the principles of electrification 2.0. Electrification 2.0 offers a sustainable and efficient alternative to current process technologies that still rely on fossil fuels. It encompasses power-to-X solutions that enable the development of new sustainable materials by utilizing renewable electricity and abundant renewable resources, such as CO2, biomass or plastics. As Europe sets ambitious sustainability goals, Electrification 2.0 has emerged as a key solution for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, particularly in the chemical industry.
Our work revolves around three different fields: electrochemistry, plasma chemistry, and power-to-heat. Each of these technologies holds the key to a more sustainable and electrified industrial future. By exploring and advancing these technologies, we aim to contribute to a cleaner, greener world and help industries transition to renewable energy sources.
We see three main advantages of electrifying industrial processes. First, it is a sustainable solution and a significant driver for achieving climate neutrality. Second, it presents interesting business opportunities, as it allows for operational flexibility and can contribute to grid stabilization. Third, it provides high efficiency, particularly when using technologies such as heat pumps.
Electrochemistry
What is electrochemistry?
Electrochemistry is the study of how electricity interacts with chemical reactions. In simple terms, it’s about using renewable electrical energy to trigger chemical changes. This technology is widely used in many industries, from water electrolysis to fuel cells, electrosynthesis, electroplating and water treatment. It offers promising solutions for creating clean energy, storing it efficiently, and even cleaning up the environment. With growing concerns over energy consumption and environmental impact, electrochemistry is a key factor in the move towards more sustainable technologies.
The Electrification Institute’s role in electrochemistry
UAntwerp’s research group ELCAT, embedded in the faculty of applied engineering, joined the Electrification Institute to explore how electrochemistry can be applied on a large scale. Our work focuses on developing electrochemical reactors and catalysts to replace traditional, polluting chemical processes with greener alternatives. We are especially focused on the power-to-X-to-power concept, where we aim to utilize renewable electricity to produce useful chemicals or fuels. This research will help drive industrial electrification and create a more sustainable, low-emission future.
For more information, please visit the website of the research group ELCAT at the University of Antwerp.
Plasma Chemistry
What is plasma chemistry?
Plasma chemistry involves working with plasma, a high-energy state of matter that’s created by adding (electrical) energy to a gas. When a gas becomes ionized, it turns into plasma, a mixture of charged particles (ions and electrons), but also radicals and excited species, besides ground-state gas molecules. This chemically reactive cocktail makes plasma a powerful tool for various applications, such as cleaning surfaces, creating nanomaterials, but especially for power-to-X applications. Indeed, plasma operates by electricity and can quickly be switched on/off, so it is ideal in combination with fluctuating renewable electricity, for converting greenhouse gases and other stable molecules into value-added products like CO or hydrogen. Plasma is also being explored for storing excess renewable energy in sustainable fuels, making it a promising solution for the future of energy storage.
The Electrification Institute’s role in plasma chemistry
At the Electrification Institute and more specifically at our research group PLASMANT, we focus on how plasma technology can help address one of the world’s biggest challenges: converting carbon dioxide (CO2) into useful chemicals and fuels. This is an important step in combatting global warming and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Plasma chemistry offers a more energy-efficient and sustainable alternative to traditional methods, using high-energy electrons to break down stable molecules. Our research is focused on developing scalable, efficient solutions for all these applications, supported by modeling.
For more information, please visit the website of the research group PLASMANT at the University of Antwerp.
Power-to-heat
What is power-to-heat?
Power-to-heat is the process of generating heat electrically. It is often applied to thermocatalytic processes in which heat and catalysts are used to drive chemical reactions. In thermocatalysis, the heat can come from various sources, such as electricity or sunlight. This technology is particularly useful for applications like hydrogen peroxide production, water splitting, and organic chemical synthesis. By using electrical energy to generate heat, thermocatalysis can help improve the efficiency of industrial processes and reduce the environmental impact of chemical production.
The Electrification Institute’s role in thermocatalysis
Through our work with the ElectrifHy research group, the Electrification Institute is at the forefront of applying power-to-heat to transform energy use in the chemical industry. We are exploring how electricity can be used to supply the heat needed for chemical reactions, optimizing energy efficiency while reducing carbon emissions. By developing new reactors and temperature control strategies, we aim to make industrial processes more sustainable and integrate them with renewable energy sources.
For more information, please visit the website of the research group ElectrifHy at the University of Antwerp.
