Sung-Ang University researchers use carbon capture and utilization technology to recycle industrial carbon dioxide

Seoul, South Korea, September 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Climate change is a serious concern that needs to be a global priority. Countries around the world are developing policies to reduce the impact of global warming and climate change. For example, the European Union has proposed detailed guidelines for achieving climate neutrality by 2050. Likewise, the European Green Deal places great emphasis on reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Capturing exhaled carbon dioxide (CO₂) and its chemical conversion into useful commercial products is a way to control global warming and mitigate its effects. Scientists are now looking at carbon capture and utilization (CCU) technology as a promising approach for expanding CO₂ Low cost storage and conversion. However, global CCU research is limited to 20 alternative compounds. Different types of CO are given₂ It is important that emission sources consist of a wide range of chemical compounds, making it necessary to investigate in depth the processes that can transform CO.₂ Even at low concentrations.

A team of researchers from Chung-Ang University in Korea is conducting research on CCU processes that use waste products or abundant natural resources as raw materials to ensure their economic feasibility. A team led by Prof Sungo Yoon and Associate Professor Sul-Jin Leerecently published a study where they discuss the use of industrial CO₂ and dolomite—a common and abundant sedimentary rock that is a rich source of calcium and magnesium—for the production of two commercially viable products: calcium formate and magnesium oxide. Researched Available online May 22, 2023 And published in volume 469 Journal of Chemical Engineering On that day August 1, 2023.

„There is a growing interest in using CO₂ To produce valuable products that help mitigate climate change while creating economic benefits. By incorporating CO₂ A process has been developed for hydrogenation and cation exchange reaction, simultaneous metal oxide purification and high value formate production,” Comments Prof. Yoon.

In their study, the researchers used a catalyst (Ru/bpyTN-30-CTF) to add hydrogen to CO.₂, which led to the production of two value-added products, calcium formate and magnesium oxide. Calcium formate, a cement additive, de-icing agent and animal feed additive is also used in tanning. Magnesium oxide, by contrast, is widely used in the construction and pharmaceutical industries. The process is not only feasible but also extremely rapid, providing products in just 5 minutes at room temperature. Furthermore, the researchers estimate that the process could reduce global warming by 20% compared to traditional calcium formate production methods.

The team also evaluated whether their method could replace current production approaches by verifying its environmental impact and economic feasibility. „Based on the results, we can say that Our method provides eco-friendly CO₂ An alternative that can replace conventional approaches contributes to reducing industrial CO₂ emissions,„ Professor Yoon explains.

Although changing the CO₂ While promising in meaningful products, measuring these processes is not always easy. Most CCU technologies have not been commercialized due to low economic feasibility compared to existing commercial processes. „Integrating CCU processes with waste material recycling is environmentally and economically beneficial and may contribute to achieving the net-zero emission target in the future.„Hopefully, Dr. Lee concludes.

Note

teachers: Hyeong Yoon^ATaeksang Yoon^B, Sul-Jin Lee^{b, c}, Sungo Yoon^A

Title of original paper: Conversion of magnesium and calcium ions of dolomite into useful value-added products using CO₂

Magazine: Journal of Chemical Engineering

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2023.143684

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Source: Chung-Ang University