Efficient CO2 capture and valorisation with 3D printed catalytic reactors

Project Information

3DPILcat

Grant agreement ID: 101026335

DOI

10.3030/101026335

Project closed

EC signature date 27 April 2021

Start date 1 November 2021

End date 31 January 2024

Funded under

• EXCELLENT SCIENCE - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions

Total cost

€ 172 932,48

EU contribution

€ 172 932,48

Coordinated by

UNIVERSITAT JAUME I DE CASTELLON
Spain

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - 3DPILcat (Efficient CO2 capture and valorisation with 3D printed catalytic reactors)

Reporting period: 2021-11-01 to 2023-10-31

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

Developing efficient and sustainable methodologies to transform CO2 into added value chemicals is an important strategy to decarbonize the chemical industry. The focus was the development of efficient methods for the conversion of carbon dioxide (CO2) into cyclic carbonates, specifically utilizing 3D-printed reactors and innovative catalysts. The research addresses the challenge of finding sustainable and environmentally friendly approaches for CO2 utilization, with a focus on continuous-flow processes and mild conditions, staring from concentrated sources of CO2 until dilluted sources.

Overall, these efforts align with broader societal goals of advancing green technologies and fostering sustainable development. By harnessing the potential of CO2 as a feedstock for chemical synthesis, researchers are not only contributing to the decarbonization of the chemical industry but also paving the way towards a more sustainable and resilient future. Moreover, these initiatives are in line with the sustainable objectives outlined by the European Union and other international entities, underscoring the global importance of such research endeavors in addressing climate change and promoting environmental stewardship.

The main goal of the project was to crete efficient 3D printed device for reusde de carbon dioxide (CO2).

Introducing a combination of electrochemical and thermocatalytic processes for more efficient and sustainable CO2 conversion.
Opening new avenues for flow reactions, particularly in CO2 reuse, through modifications in reactor design or PIL formulation.
Bridging the gap between research and industrial application, with a focus on practical implementation of the developed methods.

List of publications related to the project:
1. Green Chem. 25, 23, 9934-9940
2. Journal of CO2 Utilization, 8, 102636.
3. ACS Materials Au. 2023, 3, 6, 576–583
4. ACS Sus. Chem. Eng. 2023, 11, 26, 9613–9619.
5. Catalysis Today, 114128.
6. Green Chem., 24, 3300 – 3308.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

The work conducted from the initiation of the project to the end of the reporting period has been focused on the development of innovative methods for the conversion of carbon dioxide (CO2) into cyclic carbonates, with a particular emphasis on utilizing 3D-printed reactors and novel catalysts. The research has been divided into several projects, each resulting in significant contributions to the field. Here is an overview of the work performed and the main results achieved:

* Developed a 3D-printed reactor based on polymeric ionic liquid (PIL) catalysts for the conversion of CO2 into cyclic carbonates in a continuous-flow process.
Successfully demonstrated the use of electrochemical and thermocatalytic processes in combination with reactor design to achieve efficient conversion.
Established the feasibility of converting olefins into cyclic carbonates, representing a novel approach to CO2 utilization.
Identified the potential for further industrial application through simple modifications in reactor design or PIL formulation.

* Continued the exploration of 3D-printed reactors based on PIL catalysts for the conversion of CO2 into cyclic carbonates in continuous-flow conditions.
Emphasized the simplicity of modifying reactor design or PIL formulation for optimizing and scaling up the process.
Demonstrated the potential for bridging the gap between research and industrial application, aligning with the goals of sustainability and green chemistry.
Attracted attention with 4 citations, indicating the significance and impact of the research in the scientific community.

* Pioneered direct air capture of CO2 followed by sequential transformation into cyclic carbonates using commercially available catalysts and absorbents.
Marked the beginning of a novel research field, addressing the unexplored territory of integrating air capture with subsequent chemical conversion.
Aligned with the broader goals of developing sustainable and scalable solutions for CO2 utilization.
Highlighted the practicality of using commercially available materials for real-world applications.

Exploitation and Dissemination:
The results of the projects have been disseminated through high-impact scientific journals (7 papers published), such as Green Chemistry and ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering, enhancing the visibility and credibility of the research. The projects have attracted attention through citations, indicating the relevance and impact of the work in the academic and research spheres.
The innovative approaches and successful demonstrations have laid the groundwork for potential industrial applications in the field of CO2 utilization, contributing to the transition towards greener technologies.
The research findings have been presented at 6 international conferences, 2 internal scientific symposiums of the research center, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange within the scientific community.

Participation in conferences and meetings:
1. XXIX Reunión Bienal de la Sociedad Española de Química, 2023
2. 5th European Congress on Catalysis (EUROPACAT), 2023
3. International Workshop on Sustainable Chemistry, 2023
4. 9th IUPAC International Conference on Green Chemistry, 2022
5. Materials for Sustainable Development Conference (MAT-SUS), 2022
6. Jornada de Química Sostenible. Universidad Jaime I, 2021


In addition, the project has been presented twice (2021 and 2023) to the general public through a talk and a workshop participation (Romalda Project).

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

The main achievements beyond the state of the art of the project are:
* Demonstration for the first the use of 3D printed reactor based on PIL catalyst to convert CO2 into cyclic carbonate using continuous flow. Opening of a new avenue of flow reactions, mainly CO2 reuse, by a simple modification of the reactor design or PIL formulation, and the possibility to close the gap between research and industrial application. (Green Chem, 2022, 24, 3300 – 3308)

* Demonstration for the first time the use of 3D printed reactor based on PIL catalyst to convert CO2 into cyclic carbonate starting from olefins using continuous flow. The combination of electro and thermos catalysis, with reactor design represents an opening of a new avenue of flow reactions, mainly CO2 reuse, by a simple modification of the reactor design or PIL formulation, and the possibility to close the gap between research and industrial application. ( Green Chem, 2023, 25, 23, 9934-9940 )

* A pioneering instance of direct air capture of CO2 followed by sequential transformation into cyclic carbonate using commercially available catalysts and absorbents. This marks the beginning of a novel research field almost unexplored. In this paper we successfully demonstrated the possibility of performing Direct Air Capture and Integrated Conversion (DACC), yielding cyclic carbonates, by using ammonium hydroxide ILs under extremely mild conditions (25-40oC, atm. air, 16 h). This result represents a crucial step forward in sorption kinetics (16 h) in mild conditions compared to the data that is normally described in the literature (1st step > 40 h). (ACS Sus. Chem. Eng. 2023, 11, 26, 9613–9619)

With an overarching goal of achieving carbon neutrality, 3DPILcat not only significantly contributed to fundamental knowledge but also holds potential implications for various fields beyond CO2 chemistry.

3D Printed reactor for CO2 transformation