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Towards Carbon‐Neutral CO 2 Conversion to Hydrocarbons
Author(s) -
Mattia Davide,
Jones Matthew D.,
O'Byrne Justin P.,
Griffiths Owen G.,
Owen Rhodri E.,
Sackville Emma,
McManus Marcelle,
Plucinski Pawel
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
chemsuschem
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.412
H-Index - 157
eISSN - 1864-564X
pISSN - 1864-5631
DOI - 10.1002/cssc.201500739
Subject(s) - fossil fuel , catalysis , carbon fibers , nanotechnology , materials science , chemistry , biochemical engineering , environmental science , organic chemistry , composite number , engineering , composite material
With fossil fuels still predicted to contribute close to 80 % of the primary energy consumption by 2040, methods to limit further CO 2 emissions in the atmosphere are urgently needed to avoid the catastrophic scenarios associated with global warming. In parallel with improvements in energy efficiency and CO 2 storage, the conversion of CO 2 has emerged as a complementary route with significant potential. In this work we present the direct thermo‐catalytic conversion of CO 2 to hydrocarbons using a novel iron nanoparticle–carbon nanotube (Fe@CNT) catalyst. We adopted a holistic and systematic approach to CO 2 conversion by integrating process optimization—identifying reaction conditions to maximize conversion and selectivity towards long chain hydrocarbons and/or short olefins—with catalyst optimization through the addition of promoters. The result is the production of valuable hydrocarbons in a manner that can approach carbon neutrality under realistic industrial process conditions.