Economic analysis and life cycle assessment of an electrochemical reactor for CO2 and ethylene glycol conversion
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Author (Corporation)
Publication date
26.09.2025
Type of student thesis
Course of study
Collections
Type
01A - Journal article
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Editor (Corporation)
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Parent work
Energies
Special issue
DOI of the original publication
Link
Series
Series number
Volume
18
Issue / Number
19
Pages / Duration
5125
Patent number
Publisher / Publishing institution
MDPI
Place of publication / Event location
Edition
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Abstract
Progressive climate change and the increasing concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere represent one of the most serious challenges facing modern energy systems. At the same time, the global overproduction of plastics, particularly polyethylene terephthalate (PET), places a significant burden on the natural environment and waste management infrastructure. Electrochemical reactors offer a promising solution by enabling the simultaneous conversion of CO2 and EG into valuable products such as carbon monoxide and glycolic acid, using electricity derived from renewable energy sources. Carbon monoxide can be further processed into high-energy synthetic fuels, such as propanol, while glycolic acid holds substantial importance in the pharmaceutical and plastics industries. An economic analysis was conducted to estimate the capital expenditures required for an electrochemical reactor and to assess the investment’s profitability based on the net present value (NPV) indicator. In addition, a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) was carried out to evaluate the environmental impact of the proposed technology, with particular attention to its carbon footprint. The results indicate that the profitability of the system strongly depends on the market price and purity of glycolic acid, as well as on access to low-cost renewable electricity. The LCA confirms a significantly lower carbon footprint compared to conventional CO production, though further technological advancements are required for industrial deployment.
Keywords
Economic analysis, Life Cycle Assessment, Photo-electrochemical reactor, Ethylene glycol, Carbon dioxide
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ISBN
ISSN
1996-1073
Language
English
Created during FHNW affiliation
Yes
Strategic action fields FHNW
Publication status
Published
Review
Peer review of the complete publication
Open access category
Gold
License
Citation
Oliwia, B., Janusz, K., Andretta, A., Kamil, N., & Mateusz, B. (2025). Economic analysis and life cycle assessment of an electrochemical reactor for CO2 and ethylene glycol conversion. Energies, 18(19), 5125. https://doi.org/10.3390/en18195125