From chemical processes to electrochemical processes: The key to minimal entropy production

Exothermic chemical reactions exploited in the chemical industry today represent opportunities for the development of fuel cell like devices that can perform these reactions electrochemically. Thereby, the excessive generation of waste heat is avoided and electric power is produced. Moreover, the reactions that exhibit a positive entropy change (DeltaS > 0) when performed electrochemically may enable the direct conversion of heat into power to compensate for AS. The rapid development of fuel cell technology appears to be an ideal precursor for such new developments. On the other hand, interest form the chemical industry for the development of fuel cell technology can boost the market penetration of conventional fuel cells. In some cases, conventional fuel cell types like the MCFC and the SOFC may be used without change, in other cases maybe only the anode or cathode catalyst materials have to be modified or replaced. New, dedicated electrochemical reactors may be developed. Because of the different reactions, reactants, and products, a new research area for the design of new electrocatalyst lies ahead.