Brazilian petrochemical company Braskem and the University of São Paulo will research ways to convert carbon dioxide (CO2) into other chemical products through catalytic and electrocatalytic processes, the company said on Aug. 28.
Conventional catalysis typically relies on thermal energy by burning fossil fuels, as the University of Virginia’s Gunnoe Research Group notes. Electrocatalysis uses electricity, meaning renewable energy can be used partially or fully for CO2 conversion, Braskem says.
The partners aim to create technologies that enable the reuse of CO2 to produce chemical products, such as olefins and alcohols. If successful, the process would reduce emissions, while providing a raw material source for polyolefins production.
The partnership aligns with Braskem’s goal to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 15% by 2030 and attain carbon neutrality by 2050, says Gus Hutras, head of the global Process Technology team at Braskem.
"In recent years, Braskem has signed several partnerships to study the possibilities and alternatives for using the CO2 generated by its operations,” Hutras said in a prepared statement. “Through this new project, the company expands its collaboration with academia and helps foster domestic research in partnership with major educational institutions across Brazil. We expect the initiative to bring benefits for the industry in terms of CO2 conversion and that we can learn and contribute by mobilizing our expertise to scale up sustainable solutions for Brazil and the world.”
The University of São Paulo will lead the effort through its Research Center for Greenhouse Gas Innovation alongside the Federal University of São Carlos. The universities are in the second year of a five-year partnership to develop innovative routes for CO2 conversion through catalytic and electrocatalytic processes.
Braskem will contribute with investments and its expertise in industrial processes and will monitor and guide the studies.
