Loukia Pantzechroula Merkouri
About
My research project
Superior catalyst design for both CO2 capture and flexible CO2 utilisationThe growing trend of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions driven by the increase of global energy consumption makes mandatory a commitment of the scientific community to investigate routes for CO2 valorisation. The transformation of CO2 into valuable fuels and chemicals, or chemical recycling, is the most desired but at the same time the most challenging solution to combat CO2 emissions. Indeed, CO2 is a highly stable molecule, thus making difficult its conversion under normal conditions.
In this project different chemical processes that can use CO2 as a carbon pool are studied. Advanced catalytic materials able to catalyse more than one reaction efficiently are needed within the CO2 utilisation schemes to benefit from end-products flexibility. Additionally, dual functional materials that enable both the capture and conversion of CO2 into carbon negative chemicals are studied. Synthesis, characterisation and testing of heterogenous catalysts are the main aspects of the project.
Supervisors
The growing trend of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions driven by the increase of global energy consumption makes mandatory a commitment of the scientific community to investigate routes for CO2 valorisation. The transformation of CO2 into valuable fuels and chemicals, or chemical recycling, is the most desired but at the same time the most challenging solution to combat CO2 emissions. Indeed, CO2 is a highly stable molecule, thus making difficult its conversion under normal conditions.
In this project different chemical processes that can use CO2 as a carbon pool are studied. Advanced catalytic materials able to catalyse more than one reaction efficiently are needed within the CO2 utilisation schemes to benefit from end-products flexibility. Additionally, dual functional materials that enable both the capture and conversion of CO2 into carbon negative chemicals are studied. Synthesis, characterisation and testing of heterogenous catalysts are the main aspects of the project.
University roles and responsibilities
- Plant Manager - ENG3190 Process Operation and Management (Mar. - Apr. 2021, Feb. - Mar. 2022)
My qualifications
ResearchResearch interests
Loukia's research interests are focused on carbon dioxide recycling, and thus the development of innovative materials/catalysts, which will not only be able to capture carbon dioxide, but they will also convert it into valuable fuels and chemicals. Her aim is to develop active catalysts for the following applications:
- End-products flexibility in CO2 utilisation schemes (switchable catalysts)
- Combined carbon dioxide capture and utilisation (dual functional materials)
Research interests
Loukia's research interests are focused on carbon dioxide recycling, and thus the development of innovative materials/catalysts, which will not only be able to capture carbon dioxide, but they will also convert it into valuable fuels and chemicals. Her aim is to develop active catalysts for the following applications:
- End-products flexibility in CO2 utilisation schemes (switchable catalysts)
- Combined carbon dioxide capture and utilisation (dual functional materials)
Publications
Carbon dioxide (CO2) is one of the most harmful greenhouse gases and it is the main contributor to climate change. Its emissions have been constantly increasing over the years due to anthropogenic activities. Therefore, efforts are being made to mitigate emissions through carbon capture and storage (CCS). An alternative solution is to close the carbon cycle by utilising the carbon in CO2 as a building block for chemicals synthesis in a CO2 recycling approach that is called carbon capture and utilisation (CCU). Dual Function Materials (DFMs) are combinations of adsorbent and catalyst capable of both capturing CO2 and converting it to fuels and chemicals, in the same reactor with the help of a co-reactant. This innovative strategy has attracted attention in the past few years given its potential to lead to more efficient synthesis through the direct conversion of adsorbed CO2. DFM applications for both post combustion CCU and direct air capture (DAC) and utilisation have been demonstrated to date. In this review, we present the unique role DFMs can play in a net zero future by first providing background on types of CCU methods of varying technological maturity. Then, we present the developed applications of DFMs such as the synthesis of methane and syngas. To better guide future research efforts, we place an emphasis on the connection between DFM physiochemical properties and performance. Lastly, we discuss the challenges and opportunities of DFM development and recommend research directions for taking advantage of their unique advantages in a low-carbon circular economy.
Advanced catalytic materials able to catalyse more than one reaction efficiently are needed within the CO2 utilisation schemes to benefit from end-products flexibility. In this study, the combination of Ni and Ru (15 and 1 wt%, respectively) was tested in three reactions, i.e. dry reforming of methane (DRM), reverse water-gas shift (RWGS) and CO2 methanation. A stability experiment with one cycle of CO2 methanation-RWGS-DRM was carried out. Outstanding stability was revealed for the CO2 hydrogenation reactions and as regards the DRM, coke formation started after 10 h on stream. Overall, this research showcases that a multicomponent Ni-Ru/CeO2 -Al2O3 catalyst is an unprecedent versatile system for gas phase CO2 recycling. Beyond its excellent performance, our switchable catalyst allows a fine control of end-products selectivity.