PatIntNews

Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (IBN) Scientists have successfully developed a process for converting carbon dioxide into methanol. It is a mild and non-toxic process that employs organocatalysts to activate carbon dioxide for its conversion into methanol.

This research has been published recently in leading international chemistry journal Angewandte Chemie, where IBN's report has been designated a 'Hot Paper.'

A novel organocatalyst, N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) have been used by scientists to activate carbon dioxide for a reaction. NHCs are stable, even in the presence of oxygen therefore the reaction with NHCs and carbon dioxide can take place under mild conditions in dry air. This reaction utilizes only a small amount of NHC to induce carbon dioxide activity in a reaction. "NHCs have shown tremendous potential for activating and fixing carbon dioxide. Our work can contribute towards transforming excess carbon dioxide in the environment into useful products such as methanol," shared Ms Siti Nurhanna Riduan, IBN Senior Lab Officer, who is also pursuing her Ph.D. at IBN under the Scientific Staff Development Award.

This reaction produces NHC-activated carbon dioxide to which Hydrosilane is added to transform it into methanol by adding water through hydrolysis. Dr Yugen Zhang, IBN Team Leader and Principal Research Scientist, explains, "Hydrosilane provides hydrogen, which bonds with carbon dioxide in a reduction reaction. This carbon dioxide reduction is efficiently catalyzed by NHCs even at room temperature. Methanol can be easily obtained from the product of the carbon dioxide reaction. Our previous research on NHCs has demonstrated their multiple applications as powerful antioxidants to fight degenerative diseases, and as effective catalysts to transform sugars into an alternative energy source. We have now shown that NHCs can also be applied successfully to the conversion of carbon dioxide into methanol, helping to unleash the potential of this highly abundant gas."

This research aims to find cheap alternatives for the hydrosilane reagent so that the production of methanol can be even more cost-effective for mass industrial production.

"At IBN, we are innovating effective methods of generating clean energy using green chemistry and nanotechnology. In the face of environmental pollution, global warming and increasing demands on diminishing fossil fuel resources, we hope to provide a viable alternative energy option for industry, and effective sequestration and conversion of carbon dioxide." said Professor Jackie Y. Ying, IBN Executive Director.