Newcastle: Energy-efficient recycling of waste CO2

Development opportunity

Researchers at the University of Newcastle upon Tyne, UK, are looking for partnerships to commercialise a catalyst-driven method that converts carbon dioxide into cyclic carbonates. This process, once optimised, could allow up to 4 per cent of the UK’s CO2 emissions to be recycled.

Michael North, professor of organic chemistry, and his team at Newcastle have developed an aluminium-derived catalyst that drives the reaction between CO2 and epoxides, generating cyclic carbonates at room temperature and atmospheric pressure. This contrasts with the conventional reaction process that occurs under high temperature and pressure.

North says that this technology could be a way of decreasing carbon emissions that contribute to global warming. He explains: “If our catalyst could be employed at the source of high-concentration CO2 production, for example in the exhaust stream of a fossil-fuel power station, we could take out the carbon dioxide, turn it into a commercially valuable product and at the same time eliminate the need to store waste CO2.”

Cyclic carbonates are used in the manufacture of solvents, paint-strippers and biodegradable packaging, but also increase fuel efficiency and reduce CO2 emissions as they act as a class of anti-knocking agents. North says: “To satisfy the current market for cyclic carbonates, we estimate that our technology could use up to 18 million tons of waste CO2 per year, and a further 30 million tons if it is used as an anti-knocking agent.”

Conventional conversion methods use more CO2 than they consume, which makes North’s method attractive. He says: “Using 48 million tons of waste CO2 would account for about per cent of the UK’s CO2 emissions, which is a pretty good contribution from one technology.”

Stephen Price, from North’s laboratory, says: “The technology remains at an early stage within the university labs although we have already sought protection via two patent applications. We have some funding in place to finance the next round of technology development and the commercial development plan. We are also awaiting news of a further funding application. We are, of course, always happy to discuss our plans with other potential funders. In about 12 months, assuming continued technical success, we hope to be in a position to move to a pilot plant which will require significant investment.”