Research Projects

Hydrogenation of CO2 is a method that utilizes carbon dioxide to produce fuel and also, contribute to the recycling economy. During the process, alcohols, alkanes, and carbon monoxide are often generated. In the past decade, CO2 hydrogenation to produce methanol has been extensively studied. However, CO2 conversion to ethanol (used as fuel and finds huge applications in various chemical industries) is yet to be explored in detail. The selective generation of ethanol is challenging as it requires suppression of other by-products such as methanol, higher alcohols, alkane, and carbon monoxide formation. This project aims to strategically synthesize a set of novel catalysts which will be employed to selectively produce ethanol at significant rates. The study would include optimization of process parameters, in situ spectroscopy studies and development of a suitable kinetic model. Additional research gaps such as catalyst stability, recyclability, and water-catalyst interaction will also be carefully investigated, which can help to tailor the process for considerable ethanol production rate. The outcome of this study will be used for developing a common guideline for determining optimal process parameters and their scale up. Fundamental understanding of the process would facilitate development of large-scale processes and subsequent, commercial production of ethanol.