A new catalyst has been developed by researchers at Northwestern University that has the ability to convert carbon dioxide (CO2) into carbon monoxide (CO), an important building block for the production of various useful chemicals. By combining CO2 with hydrogen, the catalyst can produce synthesis gas (syngas), which is a valuable precursor for the creation of fuels that could potentially replace gasoline. This new catalyst could provide a solution for disposing of captured carbon from carbon capture technologies, offering a way to convert CO2 into a more valuable product. The study detailing this breakthrough will be published in the journal Science.
The researchers behind this catalyst, led by Milad Khoshooei and Omar K. Farha, have focused on developing a catalyst made from molybdenum carbide, a cost-effective and abundant material. Traditionally, catalysts often rely on expensive metals like platinum or palladium, making them less practical for widespread use. By utilizing molybdenum, a more affordable option, and sourcing carbon from common household sugar, the researchers have created a catalyst that is cost-effective and easy to produce. This approach addresses the key criteria for a practical catalyst: affordability, stability, ease of production, and scalability.
The catalyst developed by the Northwestern researchers has been proven to be highly selective and stable when converting CO2 into CO at ambient pressures and high temperatures. Its high selectivity means that it can target only the CO2 in a mixture of gases, making it an efficient option for industrial applications. Additionally, the catalyst has shown remarkable stability over time, remaining active even after prolonged exposure to harsh conditions. This is particularly impressive given the challenges associated with converting the stable and stubborn CO2 molecule into a useful product.
Farha’s laboratory at Northwestern has been actively involved in developing materials for carbon capture, including metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) that can pull CO2 directly from the air. Combining the new catalyst with MOFs could create a tandem system for carbon capture and utilization, where MOFs capture CO2 from the air and the catalyst converts it into a beneficial product. This approach could offer a more universal solution for managing captured CO2, potentially adding economic value and avoiding the need for underground reservoirs for storage. The researchers believe that a tandem system using distinct materials in sequential steps could be the way forward for more effective carbon clean-up solutions.
The new catalyst, made from molybdenum carbide and common sugar, represents a significant advancement in the field of carbon capture and utilization. By efficiently converting CO2 into CO with high selectivity and stability, this catalyst offers a promising solution for handling captured carbon from industrial emissions. With ongoing support from organizations like the U.S. Department of Energy and the National Science Foundation, researchers like Khoshooei and Farha continue to innovate and explore new possibilities for addressing the global climate change crisis.