Unraveling the role of H2O in Ni-Ga-based catalysts in CO2 hydrogenation to methanol

• Grant number: 24/05899-6
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• Start date: November 01, 2024
• End date: October 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry - Physical-Chemistry
• Principal Investigator: Liane Marcia Rossi
• Grantee: Jean Castro da Cruz
• Host Institution: Instituto de Química (IQ). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 21/00675-4 - Tying up materials for electrochemical energy storage and catalysis, AP.TEM

Abstract

The challenges arising from climate change and the pursuit of energy sustainability have been driving the search for innovative solutions worldwide. In the Brazilian context, where the sugarcane industry plays a significant role in the economy, a unique opportunity arises to address these issues. This project proposes to explore the capacity of the sugarcane industry not only to produce ethanol from sugarcane but also to convert unwanted byproducts such as carbon dioxide (CO2) into valuable compounds like methanol. To achieve this goal, the project focuses on studying highly efficient catalysts capable of selectively converting CO2 into methanol while maintaining the stability and economic viability of the process. In this context, NiGa catalysts have shown superiority over the Cu/ZnO/Al2O3 catalyst widely used in industry. Studies reveal that these catalysts exhibit a lower propensity for deactivation and better catalytic performance under ambient pressure conditions. Despite the progress in the literature, to the best of our knowledge, there remains a gap in research regarding the influence of water presence on NiGa catalysts for CO2 conversion to methanol. As water is a byproduct of the CO2 hydrogenation reaction, it is crucial to evaluate its impact on catalytic efficiency, as well as on the reaction mechanism involved in methanol synthesis. In summary, this project aims not only to contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions but also to create a more efficient and sustainable methanol production route, taking advantage of the resources available in the Brazilian sugarcane industry.