SK Innovation has achieved a significant milestone by successfully converting carbon dioxide into carbon monoxide through advanced electrochemical catalytic reactions. This achievement has the potential to revolutionize the production of various chemical products and play a crucial role in reducing carbon emissions in the manufacturing industry.
The SK Innovation Institute of Environmental Science & Technology, renowned for its innovative research and development (R&D) initiatives, has successfully produced approximately 1 kg of carbon monoxide per day using the innovative “diatomic catalyst technology.” This selective process of converting carbon dioxide into carbon monoxide was documented in the esteemed “Chemical Engineering Journal” on November 29. The involvement of the domestic electrochemical system specialist, “Techwin,” in the research project highlights the collaborative efforts to advance this transformative technology.
The diatomic catalyst technology, initially introduced by the skilled team at the SK Innovation Institute of Environmental Science & Technology and published in the esteemed environmental academic journal “Applied Catalysis B: Environmental” last year, has shown exceptional promise. Unlike traditional catalysts comprised of numerous clustered atoms, the mono-atomic catalysts, which involve individual atom separation, have demonstrated remarkable improvements in catalytic activity. Furthermore, the catalyst’s efficacy has been further enhanced in the diatomic form, proving to be a game-changer in the field.
This year’s research resulted in the successful development of a diatomic form of the catalyst containing nickel and iron, significantly boosting its performance. This innovative catalyst was then applied to an electrolyzer with multiple electrode cells, leading to the conversion of carbon dioxide into carbon monoxide through electrochemical catalytic reactions.
The potential impact of this ground-breaking research is two-fold – it not only addresses the urgent need to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, a major contributor to the climate crisis, but also secures a valuable supply of carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide plays a crucial role in the production of essential chemical products like acetic acid and plastics and has garnered attention as a key raw material for producing alternative fuels such as methanol and synthetic crude oil. Moving forward, the Institute of Environmental Science & Technology aims to further enhance the catalyst’s performance and establish mass production capabilities for the commercialization of this next-generation carbon reduction technology. Collaboration efforts within SK Innovation and with external parties will be integral to this ongoing initiative.
Lee Seong-jun, Head of SK Innovation’s Institute of Environmental Science & Technology, emphasized the paramount importance of addressing carbon emissions and the climate crisis, highlighting the significance of leveraging catalyst technology expertise in advancing carbon reduction strategies. He also expressed the company’s commitment to strengthening its R&D capabilities to make meaningful contributions to carbon reduction efforts.
This ground-breaking achievement by SK Innovation serves as a testament to the power of innovative technological advancements in addressing pressing environmental challenges. The successful conversion of carbon dioxide into carbon monoxide has not only opened up new possibilities for sustainable chemical production but also offers a ray of hope in the global fight against climate change. As SK Innovation continues to set new benchmarks in cutting-edge research and development, the future of carbon reduction technology appears more promising than ever.
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