United Kingdom – Engineers at Northumbria University are developing a new system that could recycle carbon dioxide and water into renewable future fuels.
The North East’s five universities have partnered to form Northern Accelerator, which provides funding for the development of innovative businesses based on local academic research. The existing partnership between Northumbria University and SUEZ Recycling and Recovery UK will be strengthened by this £50,000 award. This partnership has the potential to build a secure and long-lasting pipeline of carbon-based fuels made from waste flue gases.
Impact on society
The team, led by Dr. Shahid Rasul, a senior lecturer in the University’s Department of Mechanical and Construction Engineering, has successfully converted CO2 into gas and liquid fuels using a low-cost copper-based catalyst. Manufacturing of drugs, alcohol, and fragrances, as well as industrial and domestic heating, all use carbon monoxide. This development is anticipated to have a significant impact on society as well as industry, particularly in the production of specialty chemicals, pharmaceuticals, electronics, and the metallurgy sector.
The procedure will not only produce future fuel more sustainably, but will also generate energy from waste, including landfill waste, and prevent atmospheric emissions by capturing and reusing gases like methane. It does this by using cost-effective and efficient materials and electrolysers that in turn use renewable electricity.
