CO2 capture and its conversion into high-value chemicals: an alternative for using the green H2 from Chile - 2024/2027

The project focuses on two main axes. First, the use of sustainable solvents for CO2 capture will be studied. These solvents, which are expected to be biodegradable, economical and with favorable physicochemical properties for this process, require to be a promising alternative in terms of availability and ease of use.

Second, the team will investigate the conversion of captured CO2 into high value-added compounds, such as methanol and hydrocarbons. This process will benefit from the increase in the production of green hydrogen in Chile, since these products are obtained by CO2 hydrogenation. The goal is to design catalysts that optimize the production conditions of these compounds and improve current technologies.

Additionally, process simulations, technical-economic analysis and life cycle analysis of the precursors and processes involved will be carried out in order to evaluate the sustainability and risks of the project. These studies will allow proposing viable options for CO2 capture and valorization and developing a prototype based on the experimental results and studies carried out.

Competition: 2024 Regular Technology Ring of the National Agency for Research and Development (ANID).

Project duration: 3 years

Director: Roberto Canales (PUC)

Sub-Director: Elodie Blanco (PUC)

Principal Investigators: Nestor Escalona (PUC), Alejandro Karelovic y José Matías Garrido, (Universidad de Concepción)