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Combined CO2 reduction and biomass valorization

Project description

Biomass-based process converting CO2 into methanol

CO2, as a raw material for fuels and chemicals, is crucial for a sustainable economy. Methanol, a key chemical, is traditionally produced from fossil fuels but faces challenges with water oxidation due to slow kinetics and low-value oxygen production. Supported by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the BiovalCO2red project will develop an innovative (photo-)electrochemical process to convert CO2 into methanol at the (photo-)cathode, using biomass for the anode reaction. The project replaces water oxidation with the oxidation of hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), improving reaction kinetics and offering valuable products. It will focus on material development, catalytic testing, reactor optimisation, and characterisation techniques to design efficient photoelectrocatalytic systems for CO2 reduction.

Objective

Using CO2 as a raw material for the production of fuels and chemicals plays a crucial role in achieving an environmentally friendly and
circular economy. The objective of this project is to create a (photo-)electrochemical process that converts CO2 into methanol at the
(photo-)cathode while simultaneously utilizing biomass for the anode reaction. Methanol is one of the top five chemicals produced in
large quantities, historically relying on fossil fuel-derived feedstocks. Its well-established supply chain makes storage and
transportation convenient. Traditionally, water oxidation has been the primary anode reaction, but its slow reaction kinetics and the
low-value product (oxygen) make it less economically attractive. As an alternative, we propose replacing water oxidation with the
oxidation of hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF). HMF oxidation offers a range of valuable products and more favorable reaction kinetics.
This project encompasses various aspects, including material development, catalytic testing, optimization of reactor parameters, and
advanced characterization techniques to establish the photophysics and reaction mechanisms involved. This comprehensive
approach enables the rational design of photoelectrocatalytic systems and advances our understanding of how to harness light and
electricity for catalytic processes, ultimately contributing to a greener industry and sustainable development.

Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)

Programme(s)

Topic(s)

Funding Scheme

HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships

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Call for proposal

(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2024-PF-01

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Coordinator

UPPSALA UNIVERSITET
Net EU contribution
€ 236 340,00
Address
VON KRAEMERS ALLE 4
751 05 Uppsala
Sweden
Region
Östra Sverige Östra Mellansverige Uppsala län
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
Links
Total cost
No data