Abstract—The prospects of the formate cycle are considered: the fixation of CO
2 from the atmosphere in the form of formic acid in low-temperature electrochemical reduction, and further use of formic acid (formates). A brief review of effective catalysts (in particular - without the use of platinoids) for the direct oxidation of formates in a fuel cell and for the decomposition of formates with hydrogen evolution is given in the aspect of "green energy". Perspectives of formates, as a hydrogen accumulator, and as a carbon monoxide (CO) accumulator are shown. Particular attention is paid to the dual use of formate, as a combined raw material for the Fischer-Tropsch process, which allows a simple, technological and cost-effective production of synthetic liquid fuel (ergic-gasoline) suitable for classic automotive engines. It was suggested that formic acid should be used as an energy carrier produced in solar or wind power plants as a buffer reserve or a commercial product.
Index Terms—Formic acid, hydrogen accumulator, Fischer-Tropsch process.
Mikhail Gotovsky, Vladimir Mikhailov, Vitaly Lychakov, Yuri Sukhorukov, and Ekaterina Sukhorukova are with “Polzunov Institute” St. Petersburg Russia (e-mail: gotma@rambler.ru, gendir@ckti.ru, vitalyl@yandex.ru, teploobmen@ckti.ru, kottusha@rambler.ru).
Alexander Gotovsky is with “Energetic System Consulting” (ESC) St. Petersburg, Russia (e-mail: exclub@rambler.ru).
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Cite: M. Gotovsky, A. Gotovsky, V. Mikhailov, V. Lychakov, Y. Sukhorukov, and E. Sukhorukova, "Formate Cycle: The Third Way in Green Energy," International Journal of Chemical Engineering and Applications vol. 10, no. 6, pp. 189-194, 2019.
