Abstract
The manufacture of cement is the single largest industrial source of CO2 emissions. Here, we report an electrochemical flow reactor that continuously converts limestone into calcium hydroxide, a chemical precursor to cement clinker, at high product formation rates. This three-compartment electrolyser operates with approximately 100% current efficiency and generates pure O2, H2, and CO2 streams that can be utilized downstream without purification. A preliminary life-cycle analysis indicates that this electrochemical process can decrease CO2 emissions per tonne of cement and potentially achieve cost parity with incumbent cement manufacturing.