Solar Energy Powered Material-Based Conversion of CO2 to Fuels

Conversion of carbon dioxide to useful products, including gasoline or commodity chemicals, via reaction with methane is problematic due to the energy inputs needed to overcome the large endothermic heats of reaction involved. Moreover, use of fossil fuels or carbon-based renewable fuels as energy sources will result in more CO2 released than is converted. Non-carbon renewable sources of energy, including wind and solar, are intermittent and so present challenges in terms of availability of the high quality, high temperature thermal energies needed for high-yield CO2 upgrading and the impact of this variability on downstream manufacturing steps. Our process makes effective use of intermittent high-grade solar energy by employing a multi-functional material. This material enables the alternating capture and release of solar energy and is highly effective for processing CO2 and CH4 into intermediate products. We also provide for load leveling of the process to maintain constant product production levels. This process utilizes our highly efficient catalyst support for enhanced reaction rates, enabling process intensification and scalability. This combination and approach will enable effective use of solar power, regardless of location or diurnal or seasonal variations, as a pathway to converting waste carbon dioxide into cost-effective commercial products. In Phase I we demonstrated the viability of our proposed process through demonstration of our materials ability to store solar energy when the process is on-sun, release the energy for off-sun use, and convert CO2 and CH4 into chemical intermediates carbon monoxide and hydrogen rich syngas. We showed that the process can produce gasoline at less than $3.00 per gallon based on current and future estimates on costs of solar thermal energy, CO2 and natural gas. In Phase II, we will develop the technology into an integrated process, including applicability of using concentrating solar power to provide high grade thermal energy, study the impact of feed composition on material performance, and options for downstream upgrading of the reaction intermediates. This will be done with realistic on-/off-sun duty cycles and in conjunction with technology providers and customers. Outcome will be a cost-effective replacement for petrochemicals and fuels, enabling solar-powered production of gasoline at a cost point of less than $3.00/gallon, repurposing carbon dioxide emissions into useful products, and improving US energy independence, and increasing US technical expertise.