Development of catalytic adsorbent systems based on mesostructured MgO type adsorbents and atomically dispersed noble metal catalysts supported on CeO2 for integrated CO2 capture and conversion

• Grant number: 24/08192-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• Start date: August 01, 2024
• End date: May 31, 2028
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Chemical Engineering - Chemical Technology
• Principal Investigator: Luiz Henrique Vieira
• Grantee: Maria Isabella Zachi Soares
• Host Institution: Instituto de Química de São Carlos (IQSC). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Carlos , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 22/06419-2 - Development of catalytic adsorbents for application in the integrated CO2 capture and conversion, AP.GR

Abstract

This PhD proposal will comprise studies using catalytic adsorbents for an integrated process of CO2 capture and conversion with high selectivity for CO, produced through the reverse water-gas shift route (rWGS). The adsorbent fraction of the system will be composed of variations of mesostructured MgO, prepared from the synthesis method using hard templates. In addition to the adsorption capacity of the pure oxide, the influence of promoters composed of molten alkali metal salts on the surface should be verified. The catalyst fraction will be composed of materials based on Pd and Pt atomically dispersed (single atoms) on CeO2 surfaces, prepared by redispersion through high-temperature trapping (atom trapping). It is intended to optimize the fraction of surface defects of CeO2, through defect formation induction methodologies at high temperatures and high vacuum by annealing or control of crystal morphology, in order to achieve the highest possible loading of single atoms stabilized on the surface. The materials will be evaluated in an integrated capture and conversion system, and structurally and chemically characterized through ex-situ and in-situ techniques in order to confirm the formation of the desired structures and also establish a relationship between structure and activity during the reaction. With the development of this work, it is expected to obtain materials that overcome frequent problems encountered by dual-function materials (DFM), commonly used in the process, but having limitations when the adsorption capacity and control over the resulting product of the reaction.