CO2UTIL (Towards utilisation of CO₂ as green and versatile commodity chemical: Synthesis of methanol and Dimethyl carbonate)

This research project aims at developing a sustainable production process for the synthesis of methanol and DMC using carbon dioxide as a raw material. The process will result in value enhancement of a secondary resource from anthropogenic source, while minimizing environmental impacts. The new process will result in waste minimization for the industry via utilizing waste CO₂ and reducing the hazard of solvents and chemicals conventionally used, while developing new innovative and sustainable products that have high economic value. To facilitate this goal, the project intends to identify new, effective catalysts for methanol and DMC synthesis, and explore safe reaction routes and energy-efficient processes.

One of the key issues is an efficient immobilization of the homogeneous stannoxane/stannane catalyst. Moreover, a catalytic cascade or a single-pot synthesis of DMC from CO₂ and hydrogen only could also be achieved e.g. by combining the methanol and DMC syntheses.

The research is executed in collaboration with the Åbo Akademi University and French universities in an Academy of Finland Project.

Researchers: M.Sc.(Eng.) Esa Turpeinen