Simultaneously Upgrading CO₂ and Light Alkanes to Value-added Chemicals

Abstract

Thermochemical CO₂ hydrogenation using molecular H₂ represents a potential pathway in upgrading CO₂ to value-added chemicals. However, in order to achieve a CO₂-neutral or CO₂-negative footprint, it requires the availability of CO₂-free hydrogen and renewable energy. The abundance of light alkanes, such as methane and ethane in shale gas, can be used as an alternative hydrogen source for the thermocatalytic conversion of CO₂. In this talk, the speaker will present the results on the simultaneous upgrading of alkanes and CO₂ for the synthesis of value-added gaseous (CO, H₂ and olefins), liquid (aromatics and oxygenates), and solid (carbon nanofibers and nanotubes) products. The speaker will also briefly discuss combining thermocatalysis with electrocatalysis or plasma-catalysis as potential alternatives to circumvent thermodynamic limitations.

About the Speaker

Prof. CHEN Jingguang is the Thayer Lindsley Professor of Chemical Engineering at Columbia University, with a joint appointment at Brookhaven National Laboratory. He started his academic career at the University of Delaware and rose to the rank of the Claire LeClaire Professor of Chemical Engineering and the Director of the Center for Catalytic Science and Technology. He is the co-author of over 500 journal publications and over 20 United States patents. He served as the President of the North American Catalysis Society during 2017-2025. Prof. Chen received the George Olah Award on Hydrocarbon Chemistry from the American Chemical Society and the Robert Wilhelm Award on Chemical Reaction Engineering from the American Institute of Chemical Engineers. He is a member of the National Academy of Engineering of USA.

For Attendees' Attention

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