New ‘supercatalyst’ can turn carbon dioxide and methane into fuel

Scientists at the University of Surrey in the UK have developed a new and cost-effective catalyst to recycle two of the main causes of climate change – carbon dioxide (CO₂) and methane (CH₄).

In a study published in Applied Catalysis B: Environmental, the scientists describe how they created an advanced nickel-based catalyst strengthened with tin and ceria, and used it to transform CO₂ and CH₄ into a synthesis gas that can be used to produce fuels and a range of valuable chemicals.

The project is part of the UK Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council’s Global Research Project, which is looking into ways to lessen the impact of global warming in Latin America. The study has led the University of Surrey to file a patent for a family of new ‘supercatalysts’ for chemical CO₂ recycling.

According to the Global Carbon Project, global CO₂ emissions are set to rise in 2017 for the first time in four years – with carbon output growing on average 3% every year since 2006. While carbon capture technology is common, it can be expensive and, in most cases, requires extreme and precise conditions for the process to be successful. It is hoped this new catalyst will help make the technology more widely available across industry, and make extracting carbon dioxide from the atmosphere easier and cheaper.

“This is an extremely exciting project and we believe we have achieved something here that can make a real impact on CO2 emissions.”Tomas Reina, University of Surrey

“This is an extremely exciting project and we believe we have achieved something here that can make a real impact on CO₂ emissions,” said Tomas Reina from the University of Surrey. “The goal we’re all chasing as climate scientists is a way of reversing the impacts of harmful gases on our atmosphere – this technology, which could see those harmful gases not only removed but converted into renewable fuels for use in poorer countries is the Holy Grail of climate science.”

“Utilizing CO₂ in this way is a viable alternative to traditional carbon capture methods, which could make a sizable impact to the health of our planet,” said Harvey Arellano-Garcia, head of research in the chemical engineering department at the University of Surrey. “We’re now seeking the right partners from industry to take this technology and turn it into a world-changing process.”

This story is adapted from material from the University of Surrey, with editorial changes made by Materials Today. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent those of Elsevier. Link to original source.