The Polytechnic University of Milan is conducting research on the processes of CO2 recycling and reuse: “a valid alternative, because instead of hiding under the carpet CO2, it is reused to give life to new products.” Carlo Giorgio Visconti, a researcher at the Polytechnic University of Milan, tells us about the new project born from the collaboration with Maire Tecnimont to study ways of recovering CO2 as a raw material for the petrochemical industry. In this process, renewable energy sources also play a significant role.
Understanding the Project’s Objectives
The goal of our project is to develop a technology that can convert CO2 into light olefins such as ethylene, propylene, and butene, which are fundamental molecules in the chemical industry for synthesizing a wide range of products including polymers, plastics, synthetic rubbers, solvents, additives for fuel, medicines, cosmetics, and detergents. By recycling CO2, we can reduce the consumption of fossil fuels, thereby reducing emissions that are linked to the extraction, transportation, and refining stages of these same fuels.
The project aims to create a closed-loop system where CO2 is captured from industrial sources, converted into olefins, and then used to produce new chemicals. This approach has the potential to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, while also providing a new source of revenue for industries that would otherwise be reliant on fossil fuels.
The Role of Renewable Energy Sources
One of the main challenges in energy production from renewable sources is regulating their availability on the market and controlling user requests for energy. This leads to a surplus of energy that is not utilized, which is subsequently lost due to the impossibility of accumulating it. However, this excess energy can be used to produce hydrogen from water, which can then be converted into CO2.
The olefins produced through this process are no longer just an industrial product of interest due to their reactivity but become a tool with which we can store chemical energy in surplus situations. In those cases where I have excess energy, I use the same to produce hydrogen from water and convert it into CO2, resulting in light olefins.
The integration of renewable energy sources is crucial for this project, as they provide a sustainable source of power that can be used to drive the conversion of CO2 into olefins. This approach not only reduces greenhouse gas emissions but also provides a reliable source of energy for industrial processes.
Project Timeline and Team
The activities will last for 3 years and will be conducted at the Laboratory of Catalysis and Process Catalysis of the Department of Energy at the Polytechnic University of Milan. The team of professors involved includes Prof. Pio Forzatti, Prof. Luca Lietti, and Dr. Carlo Giorgio Visconti. Additionally, a doctorate student and a postdoctoral fellow will be involved in the project, along with students from courses of study in Chemical Engineering and Energy at the Polytechnic University of Milan.
The team is working closely together to develop a comprehensive understanding of the processes involved in converting CO2 into olefins, as well as the integration of renewable energy sources into the industrial process. The collaboration between researchers, engineers, and industry experts will be crucial for the success of this project.
The Consequences of Accumulating CO2 in the Troposphere
While scientific data shows a direct relationship between the increase in CO2 concentration in the troposphere and climate changes, I believe that this should not be the only stimulus for reducing CO2 emissions. Recycling also means less pollution and reduced consumption of raw materials. Recycling CO2 specifically means reducing our need for carbon, or fossil fuels. And as we all know, the depletion of fossil fuel sources is a topic just as relevant as controlling CO2 emissions, which can drastically change the destiny of future generations.
The accumulation of CO2 in the troposphere has significant consequences for human health and the environment. Rising temperatures, more frequent natural disasters, and altered ecosystems are just a few examples of the devastating impact of climate change. By reducing CO2 emissions through recycling, we can mitigate these effects and create a more sustainable future.
Effects of CO2 Capture and Storage Processes
The sequestration of CO2 in deep geological formations is a technology that has received significant funding in recent years. Experts agree that storing CO2 is possible, chosen wisely and operated with caution, but there is no such thing as a “zero-risk” situation. The public’s opinion often isn’t adequately informed on the benefits or risks associated with new technologies, leading to fears based on unauthoritative or scientifically unprepared voices.
One of the problems associated with capturing and storing CO2 processes is cost, currently unsustainable unless significant incentives are provided. However, with continued research and development, it is possible that these costs will decrease over time, making CO2 capture and storage a more viable option for industries.
Reconciling CO2 as a Raw Material
In my opinion, CO2 can become an important building-block for the chemical industry in the coming decades. The availability of increasing renewable energy opens up a whole range of perspectives that seemed unrealistic when trying to meet the energy demands of processes based on fossil fuels.
Once activated or made reactive, the CO2 molecule can theoretically recreate all organic chemistry. There is therefore space for drastically reducing CO2 emissions, going far beyond the limits agreed upon by Italy and many other countries as part of the Kyoto Protocol.
FAQs
- What are the potential applications of converting CO2 into olefins?
Converting CO2 into olefins has numerous applications in the chemical industry, including the production of polymers, plastics, synthetic rubbers, solvents, additives for fuel, medicines, cosmetics, and detergents.
- How does the use of renewable energy sources impact the process of converting CO2 into olefins?
The use of renewable energy sources provides a sustainable source of power that can be used to drive the conversion of CO2 into olefins. This approach not only reduces greenhouse gas emissions but also provides a reliable source of energy for industrial processes.
- What role do captured CO2 emissions play in industrial processes?
Captured CO2 emissions can be converted into light olefins, which can then be used to produce new chemicals. This approach has the potential to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, while also providing a new source of revenue for industries that would otherwise be reliant on fossil fuels.
- Can CO2 capture and storage technologies be used to mitigate climate change?
Yes, CO2 capture and storage technologies have the potential to mitigate climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions from industrial sources. However, these technologies are still in their early stages, and further research is needed to ensure their effectiveness and scalability.
- Why is recycling CO2 an important alternative to traditional methods?
Recycling CO2 is an important alternative to traditional methods because it provides a new source of revenue for industries that would otherwise be reliant on fossil fuels. It also reduces greenhouse gas emissions and pollution, making it a more sustainable option in the long term.
- How will the increasing availability of renewable energy sources impact the chemical industry?
The increasing availability of renewable energy sources is likely to have a significant impact on the chemical industry, providing a new source of power that can be used to drive industrial processes. This approach not only reduces greenhouse gas emissions but also provides a reliable source of energy for industries.
- What are the long-term implications of using CO2 as a building-block for industrial processes?
The long-term implications of using CO2 as a building-block for industrial processes are significant, with potential benefits including reduced greenhouse gas emissions, pollution, and raw material consumption. However, further research is needed to ensure that these technologies are safe, effective, and scalable.
In conclusion, the project aims to develop a technology that can convert CO2 into light olefins using renewable energy sources. This approach has the potential to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, while also providing a new source of revenue for industries that would otherwise be reliant on fossil fuels. The integration of renewable energy sources is crucial for this project, as they provide a sustainable source of power that can be used to drive the conversion of CO2 into olefins.