Next to biomass, CO2 from industrial processes (short to middle term) or from the air (middle to long term) can be a valuable resource. However, it is difficult to react due to thermodynamic considerations. Reactions with hydrogen offer a way out, since the energy is carried in the molecule.

 

The goal of the present research is two-fold:

1. to develop hybrid solid catalysts where CO2 activation with H2 happens on a reducible oxide surface

2. to set-up an experimental laboratory for the study of CO2 reuse reactions that imply hydrogen to added value bulk chemicals, such as methanol, olefins, dimethylether or Fischer-Tropsch fuels. The platform would explore different reactor configurations while testing various catalysts.

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The ultimate goal of this research is to tackle the challenges associated with a whole range of reactions that were historically based on syngas (CO and H2) and that now want to use CO2 for producing value-added chemicals (fuels, methanol, DME, olefines). As a consequence, this PhD thesis will focus on the optimization of catalyst and process designs that are needed for efficient and sustainable CCU routes.