Effect of promoters and supports on Cu-Mo2P catalyst for the hydrogenation of CO2 into higher alcohols

• Grant number: 21/13899-8
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• Start date: August 01, 2022
• End date: March 31, 2024
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Chemical Engineering - Chemical Process Industries
• Principal Investigator: Liane Marcia Rossi
• Grantee: Dyovani Bruno Lima dos Santos
• Host Institution: Instituto de Química (IQ). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Company: Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Escola Politécnica (EP)
• Associated research grant: 20/15230-5 - Research Centre for Greenhouse Gas Innovation - RCG2I, AP.PCPE

Abstract

Brazil is the world's second-largest ethanol producer, but the CO2 emitted during fermentation and the burning of sugarcane bagasse ends up in the atmosphere. The conversion of CO2 from sugarcane ethanol refineries into chemicals, for example, methanol, ethanol, acetic acid, is an opportunity to enhance and diversify Brazil's chemical industry. This process of direct conversion of CO2 to higher alcohols is still quite challenging due to the complexity of the possible reaction routes which depends on the operational conditions and the catalyst employed. Thus, for the synthesis of C2+ alcohols, the formation of C-C bonds on the catalyst surface before its hydrogenation and desorption is crucial. For this to occur, the addition of basic promoters and supports with neutral or basic characteristics to aid the active components and suppress undesired side reactions is determinant. However, a deep understanding of their effects on CO2 hydrogenation has been little explored so far. In this scenario, this project is based on the development of multifunctional Cu-Mo2P-based catalysts aiming for high catalytic activity, stability, and selectivity to ethanol. Furthermore, in the understanding of the electronic and geometric effects caused by the addition of different alkali metals and supports to the reaction mechanism and correlate them to product distribution. This is a very challenging project and will be developed under the CPE/FAPESP/SHELL BRAZIL - RESEARCH CENTER FOR GAS INNOVATION - Phase III - Call for Proposals 2020 (Case 2020/15230-5) - as part of the project "Development of catalytic routes for the conversion of CO2 into chemicals and monomers" of the CCU Program. (AU)