Integrated Carbon Capture and Utilisation

"Reduction of atmospheric carbon dioxide is critical to limit the effects of global warming and presents one of the key global challenges of the 21st century. Use of renewable energies alongside capture and utilisation of carbon dioxide are the main approaches being taken to achieve this. Integrated Carbon Capture and Utilisation (ICCU) is a new and highly efficient strategy to simultaneously capture carbon dioxide and convert it into a renewable fuel, without the need for additional concentration, transport and storage steps used in conventional Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCU).

This project will, evaluate the combination of an absorbent and heterogeneous catalyst for the integrated capture and hydrogenation of carbon dioxide to fuels. A range of dual function materials combining, for example metal oxide and catalyst components will be prepared, characterised and tested in an integrated reactor. Balancing of the conditions for the adsorption and catalytic reaction steps, taking into account any equilibrium limitations and the effect of side products, such as carbon monoxide and water, will be vital to optimise the outcome of the integrated process which will be evidenced by the rate and yield of fuel produced.

The project will develop a range of skills including preparation, characterisation and testing of absorbent and catalyst materials; measurement of gas uptake; evaluation of mass and energy balances and technoeconomic evaluation. "