Highly efficient chemical production via electrified, transient high-temperature synthesis

Abstract

In response to the current energy and environmental challenges, reducing or replacing reliance on fossil fuels and striving for carbon neutrality seems to be the only viable choice. Recently, a cutting-edge, eco-friendly method of chemical synthesis via transient Joule heating (JH) demonstrated significant promise across various domains, including methane reforming, ammonia synthesis, volatile organic compounds removal, plastic recycling, the synthesis of functional carbon materials from repurposed solid waste, etc. In this review, the advantages, and latest developments in thermochemical synthesis by flash and transient JH are comprehensively outlined. Unlike the ongoing heating process of conventional furnaces that consume fossil fuels, dynamic and transient JH can get significantly higher reaction rates, energy efficiency, flexibility, and versatility. Subsequently, the transient reaction mechanism, data science optimization, and scale-up production models are discussed, and prospects for the integration of the electrified chemical industry with renewable energy for carbon neutrality and long-term energy storage are also envisioned.