Carbon dioxide decomposition using SrFeCo0.5Ox, a nonperovskite-type metal oxide

Abstract

Greenhouse gas emission reductions need to be realized urgently to mitigate climate change. The most realistic solution is to store carbon dioxide (CO2) underground; however, this approach suffers from several problems such as leaks and contaminations are susceptible to earthquakes and have high cost. Therefore, many researchers are actively studying CO2 decomposition or utilization instead of storage. Such studies aim to decompose CO2 into useful materials. Although metal oxides of previous studies decomposed CO2 completely into carbon (C) at similar to 300 degrees C, these results were obtained only in a laboratory-scale batch-type reactor. For practical applications, decomposition of a continuous flow of CO2 needs to be achieved. In this report, we demonstrate CO2 decomposition using metal oxide catalysts such as spinel-type Ni-ferrites and Sr/Fe-based nonperovskites. Based on the suggested reaction mechanism, catalysts were selected and tested in a continuous CO2 decomposition reactor. CO2 decomposition of up to similar to 90% was achieved, and decomposition of >= 80% lasted for more than one hour at moderate temperatures. Because SrFeCo0.5Ox catalyst selected based on a theoretical mechanism shows high decomposition and good reproducibility, it is anticipated that these results contribute to GHG emission reduction.