Synthesis and Design of a Sustainable CO2 Utilization Network
International Congress on Sustainability Science Engineering ICOSSE
2015
4th International Congress on Sustainability Science & Engineering
Abstract Submissions
Session 10: Energy Generation Life-Cycles and Ecological Impact
Thursday, May 28, 2015 - 2:20pm to 2:40pm
In response to increasing regulations and concern about the impact of greenhouse gases on the environment, carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions are targeted for reduction. One method is the conversion of CO2 to useful compounds via chemical reactions. However, conversion is still in its infancy and requires work for implementation at an industrial level. One aspect of this is the development of a methodology for the formulation and optimization of sustainable conversion processes. This methodology follows three stages for the process synthesis, design and more sustainable design. Using a superstructure-based approach a network of utilization alternatives is created linking CO2 and other raw materials with various products using processing blocks. This will then be optimized and verified for sustainability. Detailed design has also been performed for a case study on the methanol synthesis processing block. CO2 conversion processes show promise as an additional method for the sustainable reduction of CO2 emissions.