Tag: Carbon Dioxide Conversion

Illinois Tech’s Breakthrough: Transforming CO2 into Propane for a Greener Future

Researchers at the Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, have unveiled a groundbreaking electrolyzer technology in a significant stride toward green energy. Detailed in a recent Nature Energy publication, this innovation can convert carbon dioxide into propane, presenting a scalable and economically feasible solution. This advancement is especially pertinent as the United States aims for net-zero… Continue reading Illinois Tech’s Breakthrough: Transforming CO2 into Propane for a Greener Future

Researchers at the Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, have unveiled a groundbreaking electrolyzer technology in a significant stride toward green energy. Detailed in a recent Nature Energy publication, this innovation can convert carbon dioxide into propane, presenting a scalable and economically feasible solution.

This advancement is especially pertinent as the United States aims for net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. The effort to diminish carbon dioxide emissions from power generation and industrial sources continues to develop. Assistant Professor Mohammad Asadi from Illinois Tech’s Chemical Engineering Department led this study.

Asadi emphasizes the importance of renewable chemical manufacturing: “This is key in completing the carbon cycle without losing the everyday chemicals we rely on.” His electrolyzer is distinguished by a novel catalytic system that employs cost-effective, abundant materials to generate tri-carbon molecules. These molecules are essential for producing fuels like propane, used in various applications, from home heating to aviation.

The research team combined experimental and computational methods to comprehensively understand the catalyst’s function, focusing on aspects that affect its reaction efficiency, selectivity, and durability.

A standout aspect of Asadi’s invention is using a flow electrolyzer, allowing for continuous propane production. This approach significantly leverages traditional batch processing, enhancing commercial viability.

Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy Program Director Jack Lewnard lauds the creation of this laboratory-scale flow electrolyzer prototype. “Optimizing and scaling this prototype is crucial for a sustainable, cost-effective, and energy-efficient carbon capture and utilization process,” he says.

Asadi is no stranger to sustainable energy innovations. He developed a catalyst to produce ethanol from industrial waste gas carbon dioxide. Recognizing the potential of this green propane technology, he partnered with global propane distributor SHV Energy to expand and market the system.

Keith Simons, SHV Energy’s Head of Research and Development for Sustainable Fuels, hails this development as an exciting new avenue for sustainable propane production, benefiting global users of this vital fuel.

Contributions to this study also came from Illinois Tech’s Duchossois Leadership Professor and Physics Professor, Carlo Segre, University of Pennsylvania’s Materials Science and Engineering Professor, Andrew Rappe, and University of Illinois Chicago Professor, Reza Shahbazian-Yassar. Mohammadreza Esmaeilirad (PhD CHE’ 22) was the paper’s lead author.

A Milestone in Sustainability: Turning CO2 into Propane

In the realm of sustainable energy, a groundbreaking achievement is emerging, poised to redefine the propane industry’s role in the global energy landscape. At the forefront of this revolutionary development are the visionary researchers at the Illinois Institute of Technology (ITT), whose recent breakthrough holds the promise of transforming carbon dioxide (CO2) into propane –… Continue reading A Milestone in Sustainability: Turning CO2 into Propane

In the realm of sustainable energy, a groundbreaking achievement is emerging, poised to redefine the propane industry’s role in the global energy landscape. At the forefront of this revolutionary development are the visionary researchers at the Illinois Institute of Technology (ITT), whose recent breakthrough holds the promise of transforming carbon dioxide (CO2) into propane – a scientific milestone that has long eluded the grasp of the scientific community. This milestone signifies a remarkable stride towards the complex intersection of energy production and environmental sustainability.

In an era characterized by an urgent need to combat climate change and transition towards sustainable energy sources, the conversion of CO2 into larger, valuable molecules, such as propane, assumes paramount importance. This endeavor aligns seamlessly with the global mission to curtail CO2 emissions and expedite the shift towards sustainable energy solutions. For decades, scientists have undertaken the arduous quest to decipher the enigmatic secrets of CO2 conversion, and the ITT’s recent breakthrough represents a monumental leap towards realizing this ambitious vision.

Contrary to conventional wisdom, ITT’s approach departs from the traditional utilization of metal oxide-based catalysts for CO2 conversion. Such traditional methods often encountered insurmountable challenges, including catalyst deactivation and a lack of selectivity in product formation, particularly the ability to yield a single molecule like propane. In contrast, ITT’s innovative strategy leverages economically viable materials, complemented by a transition to continuous processing, thereby enhancing efficiency and paving the way for scalability – an indispensable facet of any solution seeking to reshape entire industries.

At the core of this revolutionary process lie meticulously crafted particles composed of a combination of three elements: molybdenum (Mo), phosphorus (P), and carbon (C). These elements form the fundamental structure upon which the conversion of CO2 into propane is based. Nevertheless, the intricacy of this procedure goes beyond these elements. The inclusion of ionic liquids based on imidazolium introduces an additional layer of complexity that enhances the specificity of the catalytic process. This deliberate integration steers the chemical reaction towards the desired result of propane production, ensuring both effectiveness and accuracy.

The implications of ITT’s breakthrough resonate far beyond the confines of their laboratory. The conversion of CO2, a notorious greenhouse gas, into a valuable energy source like propane carries the dual potential of reducing emissions while enhancing energy accessibility. With sustainability at its core, this achievement foretells a future where energy production and environmental preservation harmoniously coexist. Essentially, a circular renewable hydrocarbon process has been unveiled, assuring the longevity of propane as a viable energy source.

As we navigate the path towards a sustainable energy future, collaboration and expansion will be instrumental. Industry partnerships, government initiatives, and global cooperation will amplify the impact of this remarkable discovery. The collective endeavor to refine the technology, explore novel applications, and seamlessly integrate it into existing energy infrastructure transcends disciplinary and geographical boundaries.

In essence, the discovery of CO2-to-propane conversion stands as a testament to human innovation and determination. In an era where the world fervently seeks cleaner energy solutions, ITT’s pioneering electrolyzer device shines as a beacon of hope—a tangible illustration of how science and technology can align with environmental aspirations. The journey towards a sustainable energy future may be complex and multifaceted, but milestones like this underscore the pivotal role of the propane industry in forging a brighter world for future generations.

Revolutionary Discovery: Turning Air Pollution into Clean Fuel

Chicago, IL — A recent report in the journal, Nature Energy, highlights exciting news in the world of eco-friendly energy. Scientists at the Illinois Institute of Technology have created a special machine that transforms harmful carbon dioxide into useful propane, all while being practical and affordable. The United States has big goals to reduce the… Continue reading Revolutionary Discovery: Turning Air Pollution into Clean Fuel

Chicago, IL — A recent report in the journal, Nature Energy, highlights exciting news in the world of eco-friendly energy. Scientists at the Illinois Institute of Technology have created a special machine that transforms harmful carbon dioxide into useful propane, all while being practical and affordable.

The United States has big goals to reduce the pollution that comes from burning fuels by 2050. To reach these goals, we need smart ways to reduce the carbon dioxide we produce. That’s where Dr. Mohammad Asadi and his team come in. Dr. Asadi, who studies chemicals and engineering at Illinois Tech, led this incredible project.

Dr. Asadi explains, “We want to make chemicals that are good for the environment. This way, we don’t have to throw away the chemicals we already use.”

What’s fascinating about Dr. Asadi’s machine is its magic ingredient. This machine uses simple things to change carbon dioxide into molecules that make fuels such as propane. Propane is useful for many things, from heating homes to flying airplanes.

To understand how the machine works, the team used both experiments and computers. They wanted to know how the machine changes carbon dioxide into propane and how to make it work even better.

The machine has another special trick. It works non-stop to make propane. This is different from older ways that stop and start. This new design makes it easier to make great amounts of propane continuously.

Jack Lewnard, who leads a program about new energy technologies, says, “This new machine is a big step forward. It helps us capture carbon and make useful things out of it. This is good for our planet.”

Dr. Asadi has also used a similar machine to make ethanol, which is a type of alcohol, from pollution in the air. Now, with this new discovery, he’s working with a big company that provides propane. They want to use his machine to make clean propane that people can use.