Ionic Liquids and Porous Structures for CO2 Valorization

MIT PIs:
Mircea Dincă – Associate Professor Department of Chemistry

PT PIs:
Ana Vital Morgado Marques Nunes – LAQV-REQUIMTE/FCT-UNL

Abstract: The possibility of using CO2 as an alternative carbon source is a high interest research topic which opens the way for a carbon circular economy. The field is experiencing a very fast-evolving scenario with several industrial initiatives taking place namely at pilot scales or demo size units. Main constraints in terms of industrial applicability rely on the stability of the catalyst, as well as its accessibility and reusability which are essential factors to consider. The NOVA team has been involved in different approaches for CO2 conversion (into cyclic carbonates, methane and syngas) and has successfully developed chemical processes using ionic liquids (ILs) as solvents either to dissolve or to stabilise efficient metal catalytic systems. The aim of this project is to explore synergies between ILs and Metal Organic Frameworks (MOfs) and Covalent Organic Frameworks (COFs) not only in terms of increased catalytic activity, but also in terms of easy separation, recyclability and suitability for fixed bed operations. Complementary skills of the researchers involved will provide the multidisciplinarity required for success in this project. The collaboration with the MIT group will be of crucial importance due to wide experience in both MOFs and COFs synthesis in order to develop the most effective systems for each application. The NOVA team will further benefit from the experience acquired and technical deliverables of previous and on-going projects related with CO2 conversion. The team expects that synergies between ILS and MOFs/COFs will originate essential breakthrough developments to boost the technologies under study by opening new perspectives of industrialization.