The Potential for Electrons to Molecules Using Solar Energy
This online engineering PDH course will establish key challenges and opportunities to help enable further deployment of electrons-to-molecules (E2M) technologies, connecting these challenges to solar photovoltaics (PV) where possible.
E2M technology involves electrochemical conversion, which uses electricity to break molecular bonds and produce new molecules. Various electrochemical conversion technologies split water into hydrogen and oxygen, reduce carbon dioxide into other hydrocarbon molecules and several other possible combinations. Though the course does not attempt to provide an exhaustive summary or analysis of the potential products from E2M systems, the course does provide an initial overview that can be used to identify the potential opportunities and challenges for PV and E2M systems. The course considers the potential for E2M to produce key chemicals and fuels that currently rely on hydrocarbons for production, either as a reactant or a source of high-grade heat. Specifically, analyses are presented for sustainable production pathways for hydrogen, ammonia, carbon monoxide, ethylene, ethanol, methanol, formic acid, and methane.
This 3 PDH online course is intended for all engineers concerned with renewable energy and its role in decarbonizing the economy.
This PE continuing education course is intended to provide you with the following specific knowledge and skills:
- Using solar energy to increase the energy level of various molecules through electrochemical processing
- Determining potential interfaces between PV and the organic chemicals sector
- Developing pathways and technologies that enable decarbonization
- Analyzing sustainable production pathways
- Quantifying electricity requirements to produce appropriate products at current market sizes
- Identifying products that can be produced via pathways that rely on electricity as a feedstock
Upon successful completion of the quiz, print your Certificate of Completion instantly. (Note: if you are paying by check or money order, you will be able to print it after we receive your payment.) For your convenience, we will also email it to you. Please note that you can log in to your account at any time to access and print your Certificate of Completion.