Researchers in France and Chile are collaborating on a two-year project to advance electrochemical technologies for efficient energy production and storage, potentially paving the way for carbon neutrality. The initiative, dubbed “Electrolysis of Water at High Temperature and CO₂ Valorization to Achieve Carbon Neutrality (ECHO),” is funded by the French National Research Agency (ANR) and is based at École Centrale de Lille.
The project is led by Melanie Colet Lagrille, an academic from the Department of Chemical, Biotechnological and Materials Engineering (DIQBM) at the Faculty of Physical and Mathematical Sciences. The research aims to develop a solid oxide electrolyzer at a bench scale – an electrochemical device capable of efficiently converting steam into hydrogen (H₂) and carbon dioxide (CO₂) into methane (CH₄) when operating at high temperatures. This technology could leverage available energy sources to produce synthetic fuels for storage and use in various energy systems.
Researchers are exploring the integration of these electrolyzers with nuclear energy generation systems, which could allow for energy storage in the form of chemical fuels and improve the overall efficiency of energy systems.
The development builds on Colet Lagrille’s expertise in solid oxide cell studies, focusing on designing advanced electrochemical devices that convert chemical and electrical energy with high efficiency. The work involves using advanced materials based on transition metals and rare earth elements, which offer properties that can optimize system performance.
“The objective is to manufacture an optimized electrochemical system using advanced materials based on transition metals and rare earth elements, that allow for the production of synthetic fuels with high energy efficiency,” explained Professor Melanie Colet Lagrille.
The project too includes collaboration with Rose-Noelle Vannier as a co-investigator and the participation of doctoral students Carol Salazar Espinoza and Kevin Huilcarema Enríquez. This international collaboration is expected to strengthen scientific networks and expand the reach of research developed in Chile, creating fresh opportunities for cooperation in the field of energy technologies.
The project provides opportunities for DIQBM doctoral students to participate in scientific collaboration and access advanced experimental infrastructure and laboratories, furthering the development and analysis of new electrochemical systems. “We seek to establish international collaboration networks that expand the impact of research developed in Chile and allow students and young researchers from the Department to connect with world-class research groups,” added the academic from the University of Chile.
The initiative aims not only to advance the development of technologies for energy production and storage but also to strengthen the training of new researchers and the international projection of research conducted in the Department of Chemical, Biotechnology and Materials Engineering.
Miriam Valenzuela N. – Comunicaciones DIQBM
