Thermodynamics study on the generation of electricity via CO2-mineralization cell

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is the principal cause of the greenhouse effect which is due to the excessive consumption of fossil fuels. Several methods have been proposed for reducing CO2 emissions in the atmosphere but none has been completely successful. Recently, a novel technique called the CO2-mineralization cell (CMC) technique, based on CO2 mineralization and utilization (CMU), was proposed by our group. This converts chemical energy from the CO2 mineralization reaction into electricity while also producing highly valuable chemical products. However, some confusion and doubts still exist about its theoretical feasibility. Herein, a thermodynamics study and analysis of the CMC were conducted and the feasibility of generating electricity by CO2-mineralization reaction confirmed theoretically. The corresponding theoretical electromotive force and the maximum electric energy production per 1t carbon dioxide completely consumed under standard conditions were also calculated, and their influential factors fully discussed.