Designing Novel Catalysts for the Fixation of CO2 into Fuels and Chemicals Ref.No.SSTCRC2660
1. Introduction
Indian group leader has extensive research experience on designing a wide range of porous nanomaterials (zeolites, mesoporous materials, MOFs, COFs, POPs, metal phosphonates). These materials have huge potential in heterogeneous catalyst and this has significant societal impact by enabling green chemistry and sustainable energy solutions. Catalysis over these materials reduce waste, facilitate CO2 conversion to fuels and fine chemicals, and advance sustainable development goals (SDGs). Methanol, the major CO2 reduction product can be converted into dimethyl ether (DME), a biofuel over these porous nanocatalysts, and this has significant impact on the society by enabling a circular carbon economy, transforming greenhouse gas emissions into clean-burning, non-toxic, and high-energy-density fuel. So the objective of this project is to explore different novel porous materials for environmental solution while producing value added chemicals and renewable fuel.
2. Research Progress
Conventional CO2 hydrogenation typically yields methanol, dimethyl ether (DME), methane, or mixed hydrocarbons, while selective, high-yield synthesis of a clean burning fuel production is very challenging. To obtain high selectivity in the CO2 hydrogenation process efficient bifunctional catalysts are required, which combines the reduction process and an acid-catalyzed hydrocarbon upgrading function, and optimized reaction environments to suppress by-products (methane, heavy hydrocarbons) and manage the inhibitory effect of water. We have synthesized several bifunctional catalysts with tailored acidic supports (e.g., HZSM-5, SAPO-34, β-zeolite) for selective DME production.
In this project we will investigate how catalyst composition, acidity, metal dispersion, and pore structure influence the methanol and DME selectivity and their yields. We will optimize the operating parameters (temperature, pressure, H2/CO2 feed ratio, catalyst etc.) for maximum CO2 conversion and methanol/DME selectivity.
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