Dual-purpose hybrid nanomaterial captures and converts carbon dioxide into industrial chemicals and fuel

This technology is a hybrid nanomaterial composed of polymer chains grafted onto inorganic or organic nanoparticles that enables carbon dioxide capture and conversion.

Unmet Need: Carbon dioxide capture and conversion in a single reactor

Current carbon capture and conversion materials have low efficiency and require separate reactors for capture and conversion. Additionally, corrosive CO2 capture solvents are often needed, in addition to an energy-intensive high-pressure reactor. As such, there is a need for carbon capture technology that combines both capture and conversion processes into a single reactor without high pressure or corrosive solvents.

The Technology: Hybrid nanomaterial enables single nanoreactor for carbon capture and conversion

This technology is a hybrid nanomaterial composed of polymer chains grafted onto inorganic or organic nanoparticle cores. Carbon dioxide captured by the nanomaterial is released via a temperature switch and converted within the same reactor to the desired reaction products by the catalytic core. The nanoparticle core and polymer chain are readily modified, allowing the hybrid nanomaterial to perform varied reactions. Additionally, the solvating properties of the polymer chains eliminate the need for corrosive solvents, and the negligible vapor pressure of the nanomaterial allows use at elevated temperatures without a high-pressure reactor. By both capturing and converting carbon dioxide in a single low-pressure reactor, this technology promises to greatly reduce the energy and resources needed to recycle carbon dioxide into usable products.

Applications:

• Capture and conversion of carbon dioxide into industrial chemicals and fuel
• Biomass conversion media
• Low vapor-pressure chemical reactions

Advantages:

• Single reactor for CO2 capture and conversion
• Modular components
• Capable of high-temperature operation without a high-pressure reactor
• Increased durability of nanomaterial
• Carbon conversion does not require corrosive solvents

Lead Inventor:

Ah-Hyung Alissa Park, Ph.D.

Patent Information:

Patent Status

Related Publications:

• Petit C, Bhatnagar S, Park AH. “Effect of water on the physical properties and carbon dioxide capture capacities of liquid-like Nanoparticle Organic Hybrid Materials and their corresponding polymers” J Colloid Interface Sci. 2013 Oct. 1; 407: 102-108.

• Park Y, Decatur J, Lin KY, Park AH. “Investigation of CO2 capture mechanisms of liquid-like nanoparticle organic hybrid materials via structural characterization” Phys Chem Chem Phys. 2011 Oct. 28; 13(40): 18115-18122.

Tech Ventures Reference:

• IR CU12036

• Licensing Contact: Dovina Qu