Exsolved catalysts for the conversion of CO2 to methanol

The UK Government pledged to net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, significantly cutting back on emissions by 2035. However, currently, 90% of our energy supply is dependent on fossil fuels resulting in additional emissions. To decarbonise our energy supply and reach net zero, we need to increase our use of hydrogen as well as utilise the CO2 being emitted. The use of hydrogen, coupled with the conversion of that excess CO2, for the sustainable synthesis of chemical feedstocks, including methanol, and higher hydrocarbons, could result in 90% drop in CO2 emissions making this
process an exciting future prospect. Indeed, the use of CO2 as feedstock for fuel and chemicals synthesis is possible using existing technology but materials challenges, such as kinetic limitations and poor stability, prevent the development of efficient processes. For this to become viable, efficient catalyst design tailored towards CO2 hydrogenation is of essence. In this project we are aiming (a) to design and prepare stable and highly active materials for the production of chemicals and fuels from CO2, and (b) developing fundamental understanding of the principles that govern electivity and activity to the desired products. To accomplish these ambitious targets, we employ exsolution, an approach to producing nanoparticles which display enhanced activity and stability against deactivation mechanisms. This project will explore the exsolution of highly active heterostructures from a range of supports seeking to develop the new state of the art catalysts for CO2 conversion to high value fuels or chemicals.