Transforming Cement Manufacturing with Electrochemistry
Leah Ellis, a former researcher for Tesla’s battery team, took a different path after earning her doctorate. Rather than pursuing a high-paying job, she won a prestigious fellowship and joined MIT professor Yet-Ming Chiang to work on a clean-tech project. Together, they are scaling up an electrochemical method for producing cement.
The Problem with Traditional Cement Making
Cement production is a major contributor to global carbon dioxide emissions. The conventional process involves heating raw materials to extremely high temperatures, resulting in high carbon emissions. Ellis and Chiang saw an opportunity to replace this process with an electrochemical solution that is powered by renewable energy.
Introducing Sublime Systems
In 2020, Ellis and Chiang co-founded Sublime Systems to develop their new method of cement production. Their approach replaces the fossil fuel-powered process with an electron-driven reaction. This innovative process not only reduces carbon emissions but also operates at ambient temperatures, making it more efficient.
Benefits and Funding
Sublime Systems has attracted $50 million in funding from clean-tech investors, including LowerCarbon Capital and The Engine, as well as grants from the US Department of Energy. Their technology offers a fossil-fuel free alternative to cement production, making it an attractive option for customers who are striving to meet emissions targets.
The Future of Cement Manufacturing
Ellis believes that electrochemistry has the potential to transform many other industries beyond cement production. The efficiency and precision of electrochemical reactions make them a promising solution for reducing reliance on fossil fuels in various sectors.
Cement Industry’s Green Transition
The cement industry is motivated to adopt greener practices, particularly in regions with carbon dioxide emissions pricing. While some companies are considering carbon capture technologies, Sublime Systems offers a cost-effective alternative by producing clean cement directly through electrochemistry.
By challenging the status quo and collaborating across disciplines, Ellis and Chiang are leading the way towards a more sustainable future for cement manufacturing.
