New research finds way to scrub carbon dioxide from factory emissions, make useful products

 

Researchers at Oregon State University have found that a new metal organic framework, that can be loaded with a common industrial chemical propylene oxide can catalyse the production of cyclic carbonates from the CO2 produced from factory flu gases. In this way carbon dioxide can be harvested from many industrial chimneys. This new three-dimensional lanthanide based metal organic framework produces these cyclic carbonates from biogas, a mixture of carbon dioxide methane and other gases which are found in the decomposition of organic matter. The material is in organic - inorganic hybrid material made up from positively charged metal ions surrounded by lanthanide metals and tetra carboxylate linkers.  These linkers form a repeating structure that look something like a cage and these nano-sized particles absorb gases like a sponge. The new substance is very stable in water and at high temperatures which makes it ideal for use in chemical chimneys. The carbonates that are produced have a broad range of industrial applications including making polar solvents and the precursors for making polycarbonate contact lenses and the electrolytes in found in lithium batteries. So as well as removing the carbon dioxide from the chimney useful products can be made.



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