The climate crisis demands an end to carbon-based fossil energy production. However, most materials and chemicals today's society are depending on are based on carbon byproduct from fossil energy production. In order to maintain the necessary access to carbonaceous materials/chemicals, new technology is needed using alternative carbon sources, e.g. CO2 or biomass.
The challenge is the low reactivity of CO2. Energy must be supplied both for CO2 capture and conversion to other chemicals. Energy requirements for chemical reactions can be reduced by using catalysts. A catalyst is a substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction without being consumed and without changing the chemical equilibrium.
How the scientists work
The project focus is on CO2 reuse by studying organic carbonate synthesis, typically ethylene carbonate. Organic carbonates can be used, for example, as modern solvents or as raw materials for polymers, advanced battery electrolytes, pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals.
The ALCOPOP project will develop a circular, bioeconomic synthesis of ethylene carbonate from biomass sourced ethylene glycol and CO2 from flue gas purification. This will be achieved by combining catalysis and tailored process technology to overcome the thermodynamic limitations of the reaction. The new concept will be integrated into an amine-based CO2 capture plant.
Collaborative project
ALKOPOP is a research project funded by the Norwegian Research Council and is coordinated by The University of South-Eastern Norway (USN).
The project is a collaboration between USN, SINTEF Industri, Herøya Industripark AS og Bilfinger Industrial Services Norway AS.