A novel catalyst from the University of Toronto is intended to enable effective conversion of CO2 – even in the presence of sulfur contamination. Valuable raw materials such as ethylene and ethanol are produced.
University of Toronto researchers developed recently a new type of catalyst that can convert CO2 into valuable raw materials such as ethylene and ethanol. The special thing about it is that the method works even with sulfur dioxide contamination.
The process could significantly reduce the cost and energy use of carbon sequestration technologies and sustainably transform industries such as steel and cement production. In the long term, further developed systems should convert CO2 from exhaust gas streams even more effectively – without sacrificing efficiency due to sulfur dioxide.
Catalyst converts CO2 into ethylene and ethanol
Professor David Sinton explained that there are currently better options for low-carbon electricity generation. But industries such as steel and cement production remain particularly difficult to decarbonize. To help these industries, the industry must develop cost-effective methods of carbon capture and conversion.
The researchers therefore used an electrolyzer to convert CO2 and electricity into raw materials such as ethylene and ethanol. The copper catalyst accelerates the reaction and minimizes the formation of unwanted by-products.
Many catalytic converters are designed to only work with pure CO2. However, when the CO2 comes from chimneys, it is often contaminated. Sulfur oxides such as SO2 poison common catalytic converters, which drastically reduces efficiency. Current methods for removing these contaminants are time-consuming, energy-intensive and expensive.
High efficiency even after 150 hours
The University of Toronto’s new catalyst adds a thin layer of polytetrafluoroethylene (Teflon) and a layer of Nafion to prevent the reaction that leads to SO2 poisoning and maintain the efficiency of the catalyst. The researchers tested the catalyst with a mixture of CO2 and SO2. The new system demonstrated a Faraday efficiency of up to 50 percent over 150 hours.
Compared to other catalysts, which quickly lose efficiency under similar conditions, the new compound appears remarkable. The method should be applicable to large areas as it does not change the composition of the catalyst. In the future, researchers would like to focus on other contaminants such as nitrogen oxides and oxygen to further improve the versatility and applications of this technology.
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As a tech industry expert, I find the development of a novel catalyst that can convert CO2 into valuable raw materials to be a groundbreaking advancement. This technology has the potential to address two major challenges facing our world today: climate change and resource scarcity.
The ability to harness CO2, a harmful greenhouse gas, and turn it into useful raw materials opens up new possibilities for sustainable manufacturing and energy production. By recycling CO2 into valuable products, we can reduce our reliance on finite resources and minimize our carbon footprint.
This innovation also has the potential to create new economic opportunities and drive innovation in the green technology sector. Companies that can effectively utilize this catalyst to produce valuable materials will have a competitive edge in the market and contribute to a more sustainable future.
Overall, I believe that the development of this novel catalyst is a significant step forward in the fight against climate change and resource depletion. It showcases the power of technology to drive positive change and offers hope for a more sustainable and prosperous future.
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