New technology for converting CO2 to CO holds potential for carbon capture and energy saving in the steel sector

Source: The post is based on the article “New technology for converting CO2 to CO holds potential for carbon capture and energy saving in the steel sector” published in “PIB” on 3rd November 2023

Why in the News?

National Centre of Excellence in Carbon Capture and Utilisation (NCoE-CCU) at IIT Bombay has developed a carbon dioxide (CO2) conversion technology.

What is the CO2 Conversion Technology developed?

Developed by: National Centre of Excellence in Carbon Capture and Utilisation (NCoE-CCU) at IIT Bombay.

Purpose: It converts carbon dioxide (CO2) to carbon monoxide (CO) under electrocatalytic conditions at ambient temperatures and in the presence of water.

What is the significance of this CO2 Conversion Technology?

Carbon monoxide(CO) is a widely used chemical in the industry especially in the form of syngas. 

In the steel industry, CO is an essential ingredient for converting iron ores to metallic iron in blast furnaces. 

Currently, CO is generated by partial oxidation of coke/coal which leads to a significant production of CO2 as an end product of this process. 

If this emitted CO2 can be captured and converted into CO, it can lead to a circular economy in this process while reducing the carbon footprint and associated costs. 

Currently, the process for CO2 to CO conversion occurs at elevated temperatures (400-750 °C) making it an energy-intensive process.

But this newly developed CO2 conversion process requires only minimal energy as it can proceed under ambient temperatures (25-40 °C) in the presence of water. 

Moreover, the energy required for this electrocatalysis reaction can be harnessed directly from a renewable energy source (in the form of a solar panel or windmill) for a carbon-neutral conversion process.

UPSC Syllabus: Environment