Development of hybrid catalysts for conversion of CO2 into chemicals and fuels

Abstract

The technologies for the capture and conversion of carbon dioxide in higher value-added products have environmental and economic advantages due to the reduction of emissions of this greenhouse gas and the high availability of the same to be used as raw material. However, carbon dioxide presents great thermodynamic stability and its conversion processes are challenging. A reaction that stands out in the context of CO2 transformation is the Reverse Water Gas Shift (RWGS) reaction, in which hydrogen gas is used to reduce CO2 in CO, producing H2O. Carbon monoxide is an important precursor for the chemical industry, for example in the preparation of hydrocarbons (fuels) through the Fischer-Tropsch reaction. Other reactions that use carbon dioxide are Oxidative Dehydrogenation (ODH) and Dry Reforming (DR), being the first responsible for the production of olefins through the dehydrogenation of one alkane and the second one by the direct transformation of alkanes in syngas. To accomplish such reactions, in gas phase, it is necessary to use catalysts, especially Ni. Cu and Co. The main focus of this project is on the development of catalysts for the CO2 processes described above, as well as the study of these processes under supercritical conditions. This objective will be achieved through innovation in the design of nanometric and hybrid catalysts employing concepts of nanotechnology and support doping with different species of nitrogen, in search for activation of the CO2 molecule. (AU)