Motivation
Carbon capture, storage and various utilisation routes have been proposed as part of a worldwide greenhouse gas emissions mitigation initiative to limit the increase of global temperatures to 1.5 °C (UNFCCC, 2015).
Part of the research effort on utilising CO2 focuses on its usage in high volume applications and production of high value products. In this project, we aim to convert emitted CO2 to high value carbon products (Advanced materials) via the use of solar as the main renewable energy source.
Objectives
This project’s main objective is to develop a less carbon intensive decarbonation of limestone through CO2 capture and its conversion to advanced material.
Through the utilization of molten salts and electrochemistry the novel process is optimized to utilize renewable solar energy to provide the thermal energy for the conversion of CO2 to valuable advanced materials made of carbon such as carbon nanotubes.
Methodology
The project takes a holistic three-pronged approach to achieve its objectives; its main areas of research include:
- Electrolysis optimisation studies with the aim of developing a design for the manufacture a pilot process.
- Development of a thermodynamic model for the prediction of the optimum system parameters necessary for the electrodeposition of the desired carbon products.
- Process economics and carbon footprint study to assess the feasibility of the developed approach for carbon capture.
Solar Thermal Conversion of CO2 into Valuable Nanomaterials
Project ID
NPRP12S-0322-190433
Project Partners
Qatari Diar and SMEET W.L.L
Status
Ongoing QNRF Funding