The coal-based chemicals technology team of the National Institute of Clean-and-Low-Carbon Energy (NICE) made important research progress in the catalytic conversion of carbon dioxide into olefins and sustainable aviation fuel on August 16. The team identified how supports and binders introduced during catalyst shaping significantly affect the structure of active phases and catalytic performance, providing an important theoretical basis for precisely regulating metal-support/binder interactions in CO2 hydrogenation catalytic systems. The findings, titled Zn-mediated modulation of Fe-Si interactions to achieve a balance between stability and selectivity in CO2 hydrogenation, were published in the top international catalysis journal Chin. J. Catal (impact factor: 17.2).
As a clean and sustainable route, CO2 hydrogenation can convert carbon dioxide into high-value products such as olefins and sustainable aviation fuel, making it a major focus in both research and industry in recent years. However, developing catalysts with high activity, high selectivity and excellent stability remains challenging. This study provides valuable guidance for designing industrial-grade catalysts subject to demanding shaping processes and stringent long-term stability requirements, and offers a new approach to developing CO2 hydrogenation catalysts suitable for industrial applications.
In recent years, the research team has continued fundamental research with an applied focus on the synthesis of olefins and aviation fuel through CO2 hydrogenation. The team has developed proprietary high-thermal-conductivity iron-based catalysts and overcome challenges in catalyst shaping and scale-up, with catalyst performance reaching world-leading levels. The team has published over 10 papers in authoritative journals including Chin. J. Catal., ACS Catal., Fuel, ChemCatChem, and has filed for or been granted more than 10 invention patents. The project team will further advance technology development for green fuel synthesis, provide technical support for CHN Energy's business expansion in green and clean fuels and its efforts to achieve the carbon-peaking and carbon-neutrality goals.
