Larger catalyst batches could make carbon recycling cheaper and easier to scale
Turning carbon dioxide into industrial chemicals used in everything from synthetic fuels to plastics and pharmaceuticals is costly. But new research shows it does not have to be.
Researchers from the University of Mississippi and Texas A&M University have discovered a more cost-effective and scalable method for producing carbon-recycling catalysts. By creating larger batches of these catalysts, the team aims to overcome one of the biggest barriers to commercializing carbon recycling technology. Current methods involve developing nanostructured catalysts at the milligram scale, often around 50 to 100 milligrams, using conventional silver-based catalysts.
However, the new approach demonstrates that 75-gram batches can be produced without losing performance. Carbon recycling has the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, as carbon dioxide accounts for 80% of the nation's greenhouse gas emissions from human activities. The researchers believe that the new catalyst design, which uses a nickel-and-iron single-atom catalyst, could lower the cost of recycling to $145 per ton, compared to the current market price of around $400 per ton.
Additionally, the process would emit around 25% fewer greenhouse gases than current methods. One of the key challenges for large-scale adoption is the stability of the catalysts over long periods of use in industrial settings. The research team is currently working on improving the long-term stability of the catalysts to ensure they can withstand the demands of industrial applications.
Written by urgent.news from Phys.org's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
