C Sequestration by Catalytic C02 Conversion
PI: Devinder Mahajan
Since 1999, DOE has focused on sequestering CO2 in deep aquifers and oceans. The underlying goal is to store CO2 in underground deep formations or oceans where temperatures and pressures are such that CO2 exists as a liquid to allow high storage density and preventing it from entering the atmosphere. The overall C sequestration scheme sequentially involves: 1) CO2 capture from stationary sources (e.g., power plants), 2) transport of captured CO2, and 3) CO2 burial in ocean or deep aquifers. The CO2 capture step involves liberation of liquid solvent for recycle, an expensive step. Our alternate approach involves CO2 capture followed by cataiytic CO2 hydrogenation to produce liquid fuels essentially recycling carbon. A successful development of this concept will close the C loop. (SBU)