Flow Reactor System for a Comprehensive Research & Development Program in GHG Reduction Technologies

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This proposal is requesting funding for a catalytic flow reactor system to perform different reaction pathways in CO2 capture and conversion processes. The reactor will be integrated with an available gas analyzer to identify the evolved gases from different reactions. The requested equipment will support three comprehensive research programs in the area of carbon capture and conversion. A common theme for all three programs is to develop new materials for carbon capture and conversion to improve carbon dioxide (CO2) uptake efficiency, activity of materials, and avoid carbon deposition on the surface of the catalysts for CO2 conversion processes. In addition, there are two co-applicants, Drs. Hector Siegler and Hua Song, who will benefit from this equipment. Dr. Siegler's research efforts focus on the understanding of the mechanisms involved in thermochemical processes such as torrefaction, hydrothermal liquefaction, and catalytic pyrolysis. Dr. Song investigates catalyst development for different chemical processes.***Most of the greenhouse gas emissions that cause climate change are associated with the burning of fossil fuels. Over the next few decades, capturing CO2 and converting it to value-added chemicals could become a significant method for mitigating climate change. Despite international efforts, there remain many unanswered questions and uncertainties regarding the optimum method to capture and conversion technologies. Three research programs will use the requested flow reactor system to investigate the development of novel materials that can potentially make major advances in the development of viable carbon capture and conversion technologies. The flow reactor integrated with gas analyzer will result in measurements of vital kinetic parameters required for the study of the kinetics and the reaction mechanisms.***The research programs supported by the requested equipment are centred on the advanced training and education of Highly Qualified Personnel (HQP) at different levels. The application of the equipment in the execution of objectives of these research programs provides very fertile ground for students. 20 HQPs (11 PhD students, 4 MSc students, 3 postdocs, and 2 research assistants) will use this equipment to achieve their research goals. The setup will also be used to train undergraduate summer research assistants (typically three per year).***This research will generate fundamental knowledge about the synthesis of novel solid materials and bench-scale studies, in order to utilize the best material options for a long-term pilot-scale unit. It is anticipated that the innovative knowledge and technologies generated from the three research programs will be readily transferable for commercialization, thereby facilitating environmentally friendly energy production. The development of carbon capture and conversion technologies will be of special benefit to Canada, establishing it as a pioneer in CO2 emission reductions on a global scale.**