Loukia Pantzechroula Merkouri
My research project
Superior catalyst design for both CO2 capture and flexible CO2 utilisation
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.
Supervisors
University roles and responsibilities
- Plant Manager - ENG3190 Process Operation and Management (Mar. - Apr. 2021)
My qualifications
Research
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)