An Electrochemical Screening Reactor Kit for Rapid Optimization of Electrosynthesis Applications

Electrosynthetic processes powered by renewable energy present a viable solution to decarbonize the chemical industry, while producing essential chemical products for modern society. However, replacing well-established thermocatalytic methods with renewable-powered electrosynthesis requires cost-efficient and highly optimized systems. Current optimization of electrolysis conditions towards industrial applications involving scalable electrodes is time-consuming, highlighting the necessity for the development of electrochemical setups aimed at rapid and material efficient testing. To address this challenge, we introduce a 3D-printed electrochemical screening reactor designed for rapid optimization of relevant electrochemical parameters, utilizing electrode and membrane materials comparable to those in scalable electrolyzers. The reactor comprises eight individual two-compartment cells that can be operated simultaneously and independently. To evaluate the reactor's ability to provide meaningful insights on scalable cell designs, trends were compared with data from conventional scalable systems for electrochemical hydrogenations (EChH), demonstrating fast and accurate parameter optimization with the screening reactor. A detailed description of the reactor design and construction data files are provided using open-source tools, enabling easy modification for anyone. We believe this screening reactor will be a valuable tool for the scientific community, for facilitating the discovery of reactions with customized electrode designs and rapidly improving conditions in established large-scale electrolyzers.