Asian researchers have been busy exploring new potential uses for CO2 as the nexus between sustainability and utilisation moves ever closer.
A research team affiliated with the Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology [UNIST] in Korea, and led by Professor Jungki Ryu, claims to have made a significant breakthrough in sustainable technology through the development of a method to convert CO₂ into methanol – a process that could play a vital role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and producing environmentally friendly fuels. Their findings were published in Advanced Materials and highlighted in Phys.org.
The innovative copper catalyst developed by the research team selectively produces methanol and achieved a maximum selectivity of up to 70%, among the highest reported for copper-based catalysts, rivalling the performance of costly precious metal catalysts. Typical copper catalysts exhibit selectivities of only 10%-30%.
Methanol is a versatile chemical widely used as a fundamental raw material in the production of plastics. Its liquid state allows for easy storage and transportation, making it increasingly attractive as a hydrogen carrier and fuel cell energy source.
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