Efficient CO₂-to-Ethanol Conversion Achieved
Achieving high-yield ethanol synthesis from CO₂ remains one of the most demanding challenges in sustainable catalysis, owing to thermodynamic and kinetic limitations. In this study, conducted by Dr. Andrii Kostyniuk and Dr. Blaž Likozar at the Department of Catalysis and Chemical Reaction Engineering, National Institute of Chemistry, we present a breakthrough approach for direct CO₂ hydrogenation to ethanol using a Cs-promoted CuZnFe catalyst in a continuous flow reactor. The work addresses critical bottlenecks in selectivity and stability, opening new perspectives for CO₂ valorization into renewable liquid fuels.
We designed and optimized a xCs/Cu–Zn–Fe catalyst that enables efficient C–C bond formation and suppresses undesired methanation and methanol pathways. Operating at 300 °C and 20 bar with H₂/CO₂ = 3 and GHSV = 9917 h⁻¹, the system achieved 17.0% CO₂ conversion and a remarkable 78.8 mol% selectivity toward C₂+ alcohols. Ethanol was the primary product, with a space-time yield of 5.0 mmol·gcat⁻¹·h⁻¹, representing one of the highest values reported for CO₂ hydrogenation systems. The study provides in-depth catalyst characterization and mechanistic insights into the role of Cs in modifying surface basicity and facilitating selective ethanol production.
This research, led by Dr. Andrii Kostyniuk and Dr. Blaž Likozar at the Department of Catalysis and Chemical Reaction Engineering, National Institute of Chemistry, demonstrates a scalable and selective route for ethanol synthesis directly from CO₂. The results underscore the importance of advanced catalyst design in overcoming traditional limitations of CO₂ conversion processes. This work contributes to the development of carbon-neutral fuel technologies, aligning with broader goals of the European Green Deal and circular carbon economy.
Link: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1385894725069736
Contact person: andrii.kostyniuk(at)ki.si