University of Pittsburgh researchers have developed a highly efficient nanocatalyst that demonstrates significant activity for both CO2 hydrogenation and Fischer-Tropsch to Olefins (FTO) synthesis, with exceptional stability over extended reaction periods. The catalyst's versatility enables the production of light olefins from various feedstocks, offering practical benefits for the chemical industry.
Description
Used to produce chemicals, plastics, solvents, cosmetics, drugs, detergents, and more, light olefins are important raw materials in the chemical industry, with global demand on the order of 200 million tons per year. Traditionally, light olefins are produced from steam cracking and catalytic cracking of naphtha, gas oil, or light alkanes; however, these processes are costly and not environmentally friendly. There has also been significant interest in reducing the dependence on petroleum for these chemicals. To address this, researchers have designed a nanocatalyst to promote CO2 hydrogenation and FTO synthesis, which offer a direct route to convert feedstock CO2 or syngas to light olefins without any intermediate steps.
Applications
• CO2 hydrogenation
• Olefins synthesis
Advantages
This catalyst catalyzes direct CO2 hydrogenation to produce light olefins with up to 37% CO2 conversion and 65% light olefins in the hydrocarbon distribution. It also demonstrates what is likely to be the highest-ever reported iron time yield (FTY) with 41% selectivity for light olefins and excellent stability, remaining highly active for 100 hours continuous time on stream. It shows very little degradation after repeated catalytic reaction cycles totaling 550 hours. This catalyst can be used effectively for the direct conversion of CO2 and H2 to light olefins and for direct FTO synthesis, thus paving the way for cleaner, cheaper production of these crucial chemical building blocks. Overall, this catalyst is versatile, efficient, and composed of inexpensive materials.
Invention Readiness
This invention is currently in the design stage.
IP Status
https://patents.google.com/patent/US20220111361A1
