Short Description

In this project, waste carbon dioxide from large point sources was converted to saleable medium chain alcohols using low-temperature, light activated catalyst powders. These powders were synthesized, characterized, and tested for their ability to convert CO2 and steam to synthesis gas (CO and H2), an intermediate used for Fischer – Tropsch Synthesis.

Full Description

The conversion of waste carbon dioxide, namely from electric power generators and petroleum refineries, to saleable products was the focus of this study.  A photo-catalyst was formed from titanium and carbon nanotubes.  The conversion of CO2 to alcohols (namely C6 – C8) is a two-step process whereby the CO2 and steam are first converted to synthesis gas.  The synthesis gas is then transformed to commodity chemicals (i.e. diesel fuels and alcohols) using Fischer – Tropsch catalysts.

The catalyst materials exhibited a reduction in band gap energies, pointing towards a shift in light activation from ultra-violet to visible wavelengths.  Only 4 % of solar energy is in the ultraviolet regions, whereas, 54 % is in the visible spectrum.

Funding

This project was funded by Texas Air Research Center and the Center for Advances in Water & Air Quality

Selected Publications

• Zhang, Y., Cruz, J., Zhang, S., Lou, H., Benson, T.J. (2013) “Process Simulation and Optimization of Methanol Production Coupled to Tri-reforming Process,” International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, 38, 13617 – 13630.
• Zhang, Y., Zhang, S., Benson, T.J. (2015) “A Conceptual Design by Integrating Dimethyl Ether (DME) Production with Tri-reforming Process for CO₂ Emission Reduction,” Fuel Processing Technology, 131, 7 – 13.