BIOCO2 (DIT.AD002.156)

Thematic area

Engineering, ICT and technologies for energy and transportation

Project area

Structure responsible for the research project

Institute for advanced energy technologies "Nicola Giordano" (ITAE)

Project manager

GIUSEPPE BONURA
Phone number: 090-624205
Email: bonura@itae.cnr.it

Abstract

The objective of the Programme is to develop viable solutions in the area of scientific, implementation and teaching process cooperation, effected within the framework of international academic partnerships.

The results of the project should provide a foundation for the development of a lasting cooperation of entities forming a Partnership. Projects implemented under the Programme shall be in line with a long-term development policy of an Applicant and Partners.

The proposal concerns the possibility of storage and utilization of CO2, captured by bio-adsorbents, in various forms:
o dimethylether (or other liquid fuels)
o polyols for the production of polyurethane panes \ synthetic fibers,
o concrete enriched in CO2.

Goals

The scope of the work includes demonstration of the feasibility of the direct catalytic conversion of CO2 (captured from large sources of CO2 emissions) in presence of H2 (as a renewable energy source electrochemically generated from water electrolysis) into dimethyl ether (DME), a green fuel, representing a very attractive alternative for diesel compression-ignited engines, with the major advantage of much lower pollutants and dusts emission in respect of the traditional diesel fuels. Catalytic data obtained during one-pot hydrogenation of CO2-to-DME will be compared with data obtained from the conventional two-step process, involving first methanol synthesis and then its dehydration to DME in a second reactor. Evaluation of the obtained results with data from direct catalytic conversion processes of CO2 will be used to estimate: CO2 conversion (%), energy demand for electrolyzers (MJ/ton DME). This will determine the amount of hydrogen needed to produce renewable energy.

Start date of activity

01/10/2019

Keywords

CO2, DME, bioadsorbents

Last update: 25/08/2025