Switchable dual function material captures CO2 in three chemical reactions

Surrey University researchers have a greater understanding of how their switchable dual function material captures and converts carbon dioxide, an advance that could put Britain ahead in carbon capture technology.

AdobeStock

The Surrey team’s switchable DFM - NiRuNa/CeAl - consists of nanoparticles of a bimetallic alloy, in combination with a dispersed Na-based adsorbent. These elements are combined to create a unique material for capturing and converting CO2 using three chemical reactions.

The ‘switchable’ nature of the DFMs comes from their ability to produce multiple chemicals depending on the operating conditions or the composition of the added reactant. This makes the technology responsive to variations in demand for chemicals as well as the availability of renewable hydrogen as a reactant. The team’s findings have been published by the Journal of Materials Chemistry A.

In a statement, lead author Dr Melis Duyar said: "Pursuing advanced carbon capture technology is more than just the right thing to do for our planet - it's an exceptional opportunity for the UK to emerge as a global front-runner, leveraging the vast potential of green energy products born from this process.

Register now to continue reading

Thanks for visiting The Engineer. You’ve now reached your monthly limit of news stories. Register for free to unlock unlimited access to all of our news coverage, as well as premium content including opinion, in-depth features and special reports.  

Benefits of registering

  • In-depth insights and coverage of key emerging trends

  • Unrestricted access to special reports throughout the year

  • Daily technology news delivered straight to your inbox