A Multiscale Catalysis and Engineering Approach to CO2-to-X

A Multiscale Catalysis and Engineering Approach to CO₂-to-X
1st supervisor and 1st promotor: Prof. Pieter Bruijnincx (UU)
2nd supervisor: Prof. Niels Deen (TU/e)
Affiliation: Utrecht University
Research theme: Storing Electricity from Renewable Sources in Chemical Bonds

Sustainable energy, materials and chemicals require a transformation to industrial processes with zero or, better, negative CO₂ emissions. To close the carbon cycle, new technologies need to be developed that utilize CO₂ as raw material. Capture at point sources could, for example, reduce emissions by 60% and provide access to huge amounts of CO₂ feedstock for further conversion. CO₂ reduction should then make use of renewably sources electrons or hydrogen to achieve the desired impact.

From a chemical and process point of view, reducing CO₂ to a slate of valuable products, be it chemical intermediates or final products such as renewable energy carriers still require many scientific and technological hurdles to be taken. Here we aim to develop new molecularly-defined catalyst materials and new engineering solutions allow continuous CO₂-to-X processes.

Keywords:

• CO₂ reduction
• Amine-mediated scrubbing
• Reactor design
• Homogeneous and Heterogeneous Catalysis
• Biphasic Catalysis