Catalytic hydrogenation of CO2 for hydrocarbon production via methanol
This project focuses on Carbon Capture and Utilization (CCU). The purpose of the project is to experimentally investigate CO2 hydrogenation to produce hydrocarbons that can be used in the chemical industry. This is done via methanol production, as an intermediate.
We are specifically investigating new catalysts for the methanol-to-hydrocarbon moiety with the goal of increasing selectivity to desired hydrocarbons and reducing catalyst deactivation under conditions favorable for methanol synthesis.
A tandem catalyst, where one part produces methanol and the other part hydrocarbons, is used. The advantage of this concept is that you continuously remove methanol, which results in more methanol being produced when equilibrium is not reached. But a challenge is that at low temperatures that are good for methanol synthesis, the catalyst for hydrocarbon production deactivates easily, due to coking.
When the project is completed, we will have manufactured several different catalysts, characterized them thoroughly using a range of methods and measured their activity, selectivity and stability in a continuous high-pressure reactor for CO2 hydrogenation to hydrocarbons. This is a basic science project that aims to increase the understanding of how the catalyst composition can affect activity and selectivity.
The projects' goal
The goal of this project is to study CO2 hydrogenation to hydrocarbon, via methanol as an intermediate. More specifically, the goal is to further develop the catalyst for the methanol to hydrocarbon step to increase selectivity and stability under conditions favorable for methanol synthesis. When the project is completed, we have manufactured several different catalysts, characterized them carefully with a range of methods and measured their activity, selectivity and stability in a continuous high-pressure reactor for CO2 hydrogenation to hydrocarbons.
The aim is that the results from this project will be summarized in an article and published in a scientific journal.
Participating Parties
Chalmers University of Technology, Perstorp, Siemens Energy
Period
2023-06-01 – 2024-09-30
Total budget
SEK 615,000
Read the final report
Interview with the project leader
Basic research for efficient conversion of CO2 to fuel and chemicals
Contact the operational area manager
