SuperCat: From CO₂ to Net Zero

Project overview

Overview

Meeting the net-zero commitment on greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 means significantly cutting back on emissions by 2035. However, currently, ~80% of our energy supply is dependent on fossil fuels which by default means additional emissions. There is a wide range of technologies that can help us achieve decarbonisation of our energy supply and reach net zero. Using renewable hydrogen to convert emitted CO₂, for the sustainable synthesis of chemicals, such as methanol, could result in a ~ 90% drop in CO₂ emissions. And this could be possible using existing infrastructure.

Indeed methanol is currently used as a solvent, pesticide, and alternative fuel source. It can be blended with gasoline to be used in existing road vehicles, or can be used as a substitute for gasoline or diesel in flex-fuel vehicles and dedicated methanol-fuelled vehicles. However, the lack of robust and active catalysts that convert CO₂ to methanol selectively are currently hindering its wide commercial deployment. This project proposes a new way of controllably producing such catalysts, using a method called exsolution. Instead of depositing the catalytically active sites on the surface of the materials, they emerge on the surface from within following a carefully designed pre-treatment. This allows to spatially and chemically control them, while also provide them with stability against agglomeration and poisoning.

The project is expected to lead to the production of super-catalysts that will allow us to successfully convert a greenhouse gas to basically a necessary chemical for everyday use. It will also ultimately enable a step-change in our progress towards our 2050 net-zero goals.

Who started it

Funder

EPSRC