Sustainable methanol

Winner: 2022 Environment, Sustainability and Energy Division Horizon Prize: John Jeyes Award

For the discovery, fundamental understanding, and technical development of a novel catalytic technology for the recycling of carbon dioxide to produce sustainable methanol.

Celebrate the sustainable methanol team

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Based at ETH Zürich, TotalEnergies, Institute of Chemical Research of Catalonia and Paul Scherrer Institute, the Sustainable Methanol team are being recognised for the discovery, fundamental understanding, and technical development of a novel catalytic technology for the recycling of carbon dioxide to produce sustainable methanol.

The team's work offers a technically viable solution for recycling carbon dioxide to produce methanol – an essential chemical commodity. New technologies that utilise carbon dioxide (CO₂) are crucial for achieving global targets to overcome our reliance on fossil fuels in the fight against climate change.

In this project, the team discovered a new family of catalytic materials based on indium oxide – these materials show excellent performance in converting CO₂ to methanol. By carefully controlling the architecture of the catalytic material at the nanoscale, they have been able to demonstrate an industrially feasible process.

The discovery offers a technically viable solution for recycling carbon dioxide to produce methanol as a key chemical and energy carrier in a sustainable manner.

The team

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Marçal Capdevila-Cortada, Post-doctoral Researcher, Institute of Chemical Research of Catalonia, ICIQ
Alessia Cesarini, Masters Student, ETH Zurich
Daniel Curulla Ferré, Senior Scientist, Total Research & Technology Feluy
Matthias Frei, Doctoral Student, ETH Zurich
Rodrigo García-Muelas, Doctoral Student, Institute of Chemical Research of Catalonia, ICIQ
Roland Hauert, Senior Scientist, Empa Dübendorf
Klara S. Kley, Masters Student, ETH Zurich
Frank Krumeich, Senior Scientist, ETH Zurich
Núria López, Professor, Institute of Chemical Research of Catalonia, ICIQ
Oliver Martin, Doctoral Student, ETH Zurich
Cecilia Mondelli, Senior Scientist, ETH Zurich
Javier Pérez-Ramírez, Professor, ETH Zurich
Thaylan Pinheiro Araújo, Doctoral Student, ETH Zurich
Begoña Puértolas, Post-doctoral Researcher, ETH Zurich
Olga Safonova, Senior Scientist, Paul Scherrer Institut
Joseph A. Stewart, Research Engineer, Total Research & Technology Feluy

Q+A

What were the biggest challenges in this project?

Joseph A. Stewart: The initial discovery of this active material for CO₂ transformation was exciting, however, identifying and understanding the active site proved critical in taking this technology further.

Why is this work so important and exciting?

Javier Pérez-Ramírez: The process offers a technically viable solution for recycling carbon dioxide to produce methanol as a key chemical and energy carrier in a sustainable manner.

Where do you see the biggest impact of this technology/research being?

Joseph A. Stewart: The insights gained are not restricted to methanol production but will be key in many CO₂ transformations to sustainable fuels and chemicals.

How do you see this work developing over the next few years, and what is next for this technology/research?

Javier Pérez-Ramírez: As technical solutions for catalytic CO₂ conversion become established, the next milestone is to ensure the broad implementation of CCU (carbon capture and utilization) technologies as part of defossilization strategies.

What inspires or motivates your team?

Javier Pérez-Ramírez: Our team is driven to solve important problems for future generations. Having an ambitious mission with industrial targets at the end of the road, but at the same time, the freedom to develop fundamental tools for catalyst design keeps us fuelled.

Why is chemistry important?

Matthias Frei: Reducing our reliance on fossil resources is imperative and requires a fundamental redesign of established pathways towards chemicals, materials, and energy carriers. As spearhead in this transformation, the chemical community will deeply impact human society in the coming decades.

What advice would you give to a young person considering a career in chemistry?

Núria López: Master your expertise but be creative and explore the interface between different areas, risk and get out of your comfort zone.