SUPERCAT: Super Catalysts - from CO2 to Net-Zero

Meeting the net-zero commitment on greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 means significantly cutting back on emissions by 2035. However, currently, ~80% of our energy supply is dependent on fossil fuels which by default means additional emissions. There is a wide range of technologies that can help us achieve decarbonisation of our energy supply and reach net zero.

Using renewable hydrogen to convert emitted CO2, for the sustainable synthesis of chemicals, such as methanol, could result in a ~ 90% drop in CO2 emissions. And this could be possible using existing infrastructure.

Indeed methanol is currently used as a solvent, pesticide, and alternative fuel source. It can be blended with gasoline to be used in existing road vehicles, or can be used as a substitute for gasoline or diesel in flex-fuel vehicles and dedicated methanol-fuelled vehicles. However, the lack of robust and active catalysts that convert CO2 to methanol selectively are currently hindering its wide commercial deployment.

This project proposes a new way of controllably producing such catalysts, using a method called exsolution. Instead of depositing the catalytically active sites on the surface of the materials, they emerge on the surface from within following a carefully designed pre-treatment. This allows to spatially and chemically control them, while also provide them with stability against agglomeration and poisoning.

The project is expected to lead to the production of super-catalysts that will allow us to successfully convert a greenhouse gas to basically a necessary chemical for everyday use. It will also ultimately enable a step-change in our progress towards our 2050 net-zero goals.