Supported by the National Research Foundation Singapore (NRF), the $4.6m three-year research programme aims to electrochemically produce ethanol and n-propanol from CO2. These two fuels can then be further dehydrated to produce ethylene and propylene respective.
Announcing the project, the duo said that by effectively converting CO2 into other useful products, and by going so hope to reduce carbon emissions and its impact on the environment.
The study will be led by Associate Professor Jason Yeo Boon Siang from the National University of Singapore’s Department of Chemistry, one of the authorities in the field of CO2 reduction.
“CO2 is a major cause of global warming. Converting it into useful products is a promising strategy to mitigate carbon emissions and close the carbon cycle,” said Professor Chen Tsuhan, NUS Deputy President of Research and Technology at the National University of Singapore.
“For nearly a decade, the National University of Singapore researchers have been building up fundamental research capabilities in the area of CO2 reduction. We are therefore delighted to receive support from Shell and NRF to further develop and test our research findings in an industry setting.”
“The innovative and commercially viable solutions generated through this research programme will help to build a path for a green future for generations to come.”
Emily Tan, General Manager of City Solutions at Shell Renewables and Energy Solutions, added, “We are excited to be partnering the National University of Singapore and NRF of this study.”
“To address climate change, we would need to change the way we use and provide energy. This opportunity to testbed a novel approach to better utilise CO2 purposefully or cleaner energy and chemicals.”
“The collaboration will also help to nurture talent in this increasingly important space and is testament to how Shell is partnering with stakeholders to bring about low-carbon solutions for sustainable change.”
Source: National University of Singapore