Bart C. A. de Jong: "Catalytic processes for synthetic fuel production"
Promotors : 1st promotor: Prof Erik Heeres, co-promotor: Dr Jingxiu Xie
Abstract: Hydrocarbons are extensively used for the production of chemicals and fuels, and are traditionally obtained from fossil resources such as oil, coal and natural gas. To mitigate the associated carbon emissions, efforts are directed towards reducing usage of hydrocarbons, for example by replacing conventional gasoline powered vehicles with electric alternatives. Nonetheless, the use of hydrocarbons is inevitable for certain sectors, particularly in the chemical and aviation industries. Therefore, to improve the carbon footprint of these industries, alternative processes to produce drop-in hydrocarbons from renewable resources are essential. One possible pathway is the production of hydrocarbons from CO2 and H2 via the Fischer-Tropsch mediated route. In this route, CO2 is converted to CO and subsequently CO is converted to hydrocarbons. Normally, these two reactions are proposed to be connected at the process scale, requiring extensive separations and purification steps. This thesis corrects key misconceptions that have shaped previous interpretations of catalytic CO2 conversion and offers integration of the CO2-to-hydrocarbon pathway on multiple scales, from particle- to reactor levels. In this manner, the direct conversion of CO2 into synthetic fuels is achieved. The insights gained provide design principles for future catalytic systems that combine high CO2 conversion with efficient hydrocarbon production.