Reactors for CO2 utilization

In this presentation, the first focus will be set on the importance of reactors in chemical and energy conversion processes and the main reactor types that are used in the industry will be presented. The limiting criteria for choosing the right reactor for the desired application will be listed, evidencing the fact that “one-size-fits-all” solutions are not well suited to chemical reactor engineering. The case of amine solvent degradation and experimental reactors to mimic conditions observed in CO2 capture plants will be discussed, with a special focus on the choice between batch and semi-continuous reactors (batch feed on the liquid side, continuous gas feed).
The basics of reactor engineering will then be applied to CO2 chemical conversion processes, for which the main CO2 conversion pathways will be detailed, and the coupling between the CO2 re-use route and the selected reactor will be highlighted. Among others, the main CO2 chemical re-use routes include the synthesis of various organic molecules ranging from fuels for energy storage up to polymers for new materials and applications.
Finally, a short description of the activities of the PEPs and CERM groups in the field of CO2 capture and re-use will be presented. In particular, activities about solvent degradation for CO2 capture and power-to-methanol as a technology for long-term (interseasonal) energy storage will be detailed.