M. Sc. Mehran Aliaskari

Dr.-Ing. Florencia Saravia

Objective:
Atmospheric CO₂ is accumulated in water surfaces as bicarbonate. Using electro-membrane processes, it is possible to produce H₂ and O₂, while extracting CO₂ from water. Both CO₂ are H₂ are needed for the power-to-fuel (PtX) processes.

Problem:
The use of seawater for CO_² capture is investigated intensively. However, using fresh water can raise challenges that has not been investigated thoroughly. Moreover, presence of Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ increase the chance of scaling in the membrane stack, causing problems in long time operation of the system.

Tasks:
Investigate use of electro-membrane processes for CO₂ extraction and H₂ generation. System modification for H₂ generation and collection. Measurement and analysis of products (H₂ and CO₂); as well as ion removal by ion exchange membranes. Investigating the working efficiency of the system at different operating parameters (applied current density, pH, salinity, temperature). Exploring fouling, biofouling and scaling in the membrane stack and providing data for the upscaling of the process.