CH3OH in CMR

7th Joint Call: CH3OH in CMR

The proposal aims to develop a catalytic membrane reactor for methanol synthesis via CO₂ hydrogenation, integrating advanced catalysts and selective zeolite membranes. This process addresses both CO₂ emission reduction and the production of valuable methanol, contributing to climate change mitigation and renewable energy development.
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Background

Methanol production from CO₂ offers dual benefits: reducing greenhouse gas emissions and producing a valuable industrial chemical. Cu–ZnO and MoP catalysts have shown high CO₂ conversion and methanol selectivity, while other metal oxides (Au, Zr, Ti, La, In, Ga, etc.) are also promising.

A major challenge lies in overcoming thermodynamic limitations: equilibrium constraints require high pressure, optimal temperature, and continuous removal of products (methanol, water). Membrane technologies, especially hydrophilic zeolites (e.g. LTA, SOD, ZSM-5), provide selective water permeation and shift the reaction equilibrium forward. The project focuses on developing defect-free zeolite membranes and catalyst–membrane integration for continuous operation.

The project

CH3OH in CMR will:

  • Develop advanced catalyst systems (MoP, Cu–ZnO–ZrO₂ doped with metals).
  • Design and fabricate NaA zeolite membranes with tailored Si/Al ratios for water selectivity and stability.
  • Integrate membranes with catalysts in a three-layer catalytic membrane reactor (catalyst, zeolite, α-Al₂O₃ support).
  • Demonstrate compatibility between CO₂ conversion rates and water permeation performance.
  • Collaborate with industrial partner PTT to apply the technology for CO₂ management in large-scale gas plants.
  • Facilitate technology transfer among research partners in Thailand, Malaysia, and Germany.

The science

The project integrates catalysis, membrane technology, chemical engineering, and materials science. Key scientific advances include:

  • Catalyst optimisation for high selectivity in CO₂ hydrogenation.
  • Design of defect-free zeolite membranes for selective water removal.
  • Integration of reaction and separation into a single catalytic membrane reactor.
  • Operando testing to optimise process conditions (pressure, temperature, selectivity).
  • Contributions to CO₂ utilisation technologies aligned with the Paris Agreement and IPCC climate goals.

This approach represents a breakthrough for green methanol production and sustainable CO₂ valorisation.

The team

The CH3OH in CMR partners are:

  • Assoc. Prof. Dr. Unalome Wetwatana Hartley (Coordinator), King Mongkut’s University of Technology North Bangkok (KMUTNB), Thailand
  • Dr. Sebastian Wohlrab, LIKAT, Germany
  • Prof. Dr. Mohamed Kheireddine Aroua, Sunway University, Malaysia
  • Nuchanart Siringuan, PTT Public Company Limited, Thailand
  • Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nur Awanis Hashim, Universiti Malaya (UM), Malaysia

 

Contact:

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Unalome Wetwatana Hartley              E-Mail: unalome.w.cpe@tggs-bangkok.org 

Tags
ENVIRONMENT/CLIMATE CHANGE