Thermochemical processes leverage high-temperature thermal energy and technology to produce valuable chemicals and feedstocks as well as provide a stable and compact means for intermediate- and long-term energy storage. The utilization of thermal energy to accomplish chemical work provides a unique opportunity and pathway for deeper penetration of renewable energy, e.g. concentrating solar power, not only into the electrical power market, but also into the industrial and agricultural sectors.
Much of the recent focus in thermochemistry has been on improving mixed ionic- and electronic-conducting (MIEC) redox-active metal oxide materials for use in thermochemical cycles that produce H2 and CO from H2O and CO2, or simply to store and release heat.
Powerful computational techniques are now being utilized in this discovery task with some success, and the research community has established benchmarks and procedures for comparison. However, the field is expanding beyond the intensive study of MIECs with increasing focus on other crucial and promising applications and chemistries, e.g. recovering N2 from air and synthesizing ammonia, and carbon-based storage chemistries. Additionally, thermal routes to upgrading feedstocks such as biomass and natural gas remain relevant. There is also an increasing realization and attention paid to the critical importance of the reactors, systems, and operating strategies for implementing these chemistries in an impactful, scalable, and economically viable manner.
The practical impact on the world of thermochemistry ultimately relies on the continued growth and participation of a vibrant, informed, and multidisciplined community addressing the technology and science in a broad and holistic manner. The aim of the current Research Topic is to illustrate the increasing cross-discipline reach, breadth, and sophistication of the field, contributing to its ongoing growth and expansion.
We will accept the following article types: Original Research, Methods, Reviews and Mini Reviews. Areas of interest in this Research Topic may include, but are not limited to:
• Novel thermochemical cycles for production of feedstocks and chemicals
• Novel thermochemical approaches to energy storage
• Advanced materials for thermochemistry
• Advanced methods for discovery and development of materials for thermochemistry
• Novel reactors and systems for thermochemistry or incorporating thermochemistry
• Engineering and technoeconomic analysis of materials, processes, and systems relevant to or incorporating thermochemistry
• Significant demonstrations of thermochemical processes and devices
Keywords:
Thermochemistry, Fuels, Chemicals, High-temperature, Solar
Important Note:
All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
Thermochemical processes leverage high-temperature thermal energy and technology to produce valuable chemicals and feedstocks as well as provide a stable and compact means for intermediate- and long-term energy storage. The utilization of thermal energy to accomplish chemical work provides a unique opportunity and pathway for deeper penetration of renewable energy, e.g. concentrating solar power, not only into the electrical power market, but also into the industrial and agricultural sectors.
Much of the recent focus in thermochemistry has been on improving mixed ionic- and electronic-conducting (MIEC) redox-active metal oxide materials for use in thermochemical cycles that produce H2 and CO from H2O and CO2, or simply to store and release heat.
Powerful computational techniques are now being utilized in this discovery task with some success, and the research community has established benchmarks and procedures for comparison. However, the field is expanding beyond the intensive study of MIECs with increasing focus on other crucial and promising applications and chemistries, e.g. recovering N2 from air and synthesizing ammonia, and carbon-based storage chemistries. Additionally, thermal routes to upgrading feedstocks such as biomass and natural gas remain relevant. There is also an increasing realization and attention paid to the critical importance of the reactors, systems, and operating strategies for implementing these chemistries in an impactful, scalable, and economically viable manner.
The practical impact on the world of thermochemistry ultimately relies on the continued growth and participation of a vibrant, informed, and multidisciplined community addressing the technology and science in a broad and holistic manner. The aim of the current Research Topic is to illustrate the increasing cross-discipline reach, breadth, and sophistication of the field, contributing to its ongoing growth and expansion.
We will accept the following article types: Original Research, Methods, Reviews and Mini Reviews. Areas of interest in this Research Topic may include, but are not limited to:
• Novel thermochemical cycles for production of feedstocks and chemicals
• Novel thermochemical approaches to energy storage
• Advanced materials for thermochemistry
• Advanced methods for discovery and development of materials for thermochemistry
• Novel reactors and systems for thermochemistry or incorporating thermochemistry
• Engineering and technoeconomic analysis of materials, processes, and systems relevant to or incorporating thermochemistry
• Significant demonstrations of thermochemical processes and devices
Keywords:
Thermochemistry, Fuels, Chemicals, High-temperature, Solar
Important Note:
All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.