A comparative techno-economic analysis for implementation of carbon dioxide to chemicals processes

doi:10.1016/j.cjche.2024.07.013

Chinese Journal of Chemical Engineering ›› 2024, Vol. 75 ›› Issue (11): 86-101.DOI: 10.1016/j.cjche.2024.07.013

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A comparative techno-economic analysis for implementation of carbon dioxide to chemicals processes

Zhun Li¹, Jinyang Zhao², Ping Li¹, Yadong Yu², Chenxi Cao^3,4

1. State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China;
2. School of Business, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China;
3. Key Laboratory of Smart Manufacturing in Energy Chemical Process, Ministry of Education, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China;
4. Engineering Research Center of Process System Engineering, Ministry of Education, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China

Received:2023-10-23 Revised:2024-07-12 Accepted:2024-07-15 Online:2024-08-23 Published:2024-11-28
Contact: Ping Li,E-mail:lipingunilab@ecust.edu.cn;Chenxi Cao,E-mail:caocx@ecust.edu.cn
Supported by:
This work is supported by National Key Research & Development Program-Intergovernmental International Science and Technology Innovation Cooperation Project (2021YFE0112800), National Natural Science Foundation of China (Key Program: 62136003), National Natural Science Foundation of China (62273149), the Programme of Introducing Talents of Discipline to Universities (the 111 Project) under Grant B17017 and the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities.

A comparative techno-economic analysis for implementation of carbon dioxide to chemicals processes

Zhun Li¹, Jinyang Zhao², Ping Li¹, Yadong Yu², Chenxi Cao^3,4

1. State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China;
2. School of Business, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China;
3. Key Laboratory of Smart Manufacturing in Energy Chemical Process, Ministry of Education, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China;
4. Engineering Research Center of Process System Engineering, Ministry of Education, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China

通讯作者: Ping Li,E-mail:lipingunilab@ecust.edu.cn;Chenxi Cao,E-mail:caocx@ecust.edu.cn
基金资助:
This work is supported by National Key Research & Development Program-Intergovernmental International Science and Technology Innovation Cooperation Project (2021YFE0112800), National Natural Science Foundation of China (Key Program: 62136003), National Natural Science Foundation of China (62273149), the Programme of Introducing Talents of Discipline to Universities (the 111 Project) under Grant B17017 and the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities.

Abstract

Abstract: CO₂-based carbon-neutral organics production processes could potentially reshape the chemical industry. However, their feasibility and net carbon footprint rely strongly on the sources of H₂. Herein, we present a comprehensive comparative techno-economic analysis of CO₂-based methanol (CO₂TM) and α-olefins (CO₂TO) manufacturing using various feedstock supply modes: (1) the standalone mode with external CO₂ but H₂ from on-site water electrolysis, (2) the integrated mode with both CO₂ and H₂ recovered from coal-chemical plants, and (3) the integrated mode with recycled CO₂ but H₂ from on-site water electrolysis. The integration of CO₂TM and CO₂TO into coal-to-olefins (CTO) and coal-to-methanol (CTM) facilities is currently cost-effective and can reduce net CO₂ emissions by 65.7% and 68.5%, resulting in a three-fold and two-fold increase in carbon efficiency, respectively. As carbon tax policies and electrolysis technologies continue to evolve, standalone CO₂TM and CO₂TO are projected to become more economically competitive than CTO and CTM by 2035-2045.

Key words: CO₂ hydrogenation, α-Olefins, Methanol, Techno-economic analysis, Power to chemicals

摘要： CO₂-based carbon-neutral organics production processes could potentially reshape the chemical industry. However, their feasibility and net carbon footprint rely strongly on the sources of H₂. Herein, we present a comprehensive comparative techno-economic analysis of CO₂-based methanol (CO₂TM) and α-olefins (CO₂TO) manufacturing using various feedstock supply modes: (1) the standalone mode with external CO₂ but H₂ from on-site water electrolysis, (2) the integrated mode with both CO₂ and H₂ recovered from coal-chemical plants, and (3) the integrated mode with recycled CO₂ but H₂ from on-site water electrolysis. The integration of CO₂TM and CO₂TO into coal-to-olefins (CTO) and coal-to-methanol (CTM) facilities is currently cost-effective and can reduce net CO₂ emissions by 65.7% and 68.5%, resulting in a three-fold and two-fold increase in carbon efficiency, respectively. As carbon tax policies and electrolysis technologies continue to evolve, standalone CO₂TM and CO₂TO are projected to become more economically competitive than CTO and CTM by 2035-2045.

关键词: CO₂ hydrogenation, α-Olefins, Methanol, Techno-economic analysis, Power to chemicals

Zhun Li, Jinyang Zhao, Ping Li, Yadong Yu, Chenxi Cao. A comparative techno-economic analysis for implementation of carbon dioxide to chemicals processes[J]. Chinese Journal of Chemical Engineering, 2024, 75(11): 86-101.

Zhun Li, Jinyang Zhao, Ping Li, Yadong Yu, Chenxi Cao. A comparative techno-economic analysis for implementation of carbon dioxide to chemicals processes[J]. 中国化学工程学报, 2024, 75(11): 86-101.

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A comparative techno-economic analysis for implementation of carbon dioxide to chemicals processes

A comparative techno-economic analysis for implementation of carbon dioxide to chemicals processes

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