Event date:
Jul 27 2023 10:00 am

Stable titanate Nanorod Supported Cu/ZnO/Al2O3 Catalyst for Methanol Synthesis

Speaker(s)
Dr. Usman Salahuddin
Venue
Dean’s Smart Lab, 4th floor SBASSE Building
Abstract
The conversion of CO2 into methanol as a valuable chemical fuel holds promise in mitigating global warming and reducing CO2 emissions. However, the process's economic feasibility is hindered by its energy-intensive demands at high temperature and pressure. In this talk, a novel titanate nanorod supported Cu/ZnO/Al2O3 (CZA) catalyst is introduced for efficient CO2 conversion into methanol at low temperature (200-250°C) and low pressures (1-10 bar). Unlike the conventional pellet structured CZA catalyst, the titanate nanorod forest serves as a stabilizing support for co-precipitated CZA nanoparticles, effectively retarding their thermal sintering due to strong metal support interaction. Additionally, the nanorod supports exhibit favorable CO2 and H2 sorption at low temperature, facilitating both mass transfer and reaction kinetics.

Usman Salahuddin is a researcher, an engineer and a dedicated learner. He holds a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from NUST. He furthered did his studies through a Fulbright Ph.D. in Material Science at the University of Connecticut, focusing on nanomaterial and renewable energy applications. Throughout his career, he've contributed to various companies, aiming to integrate innovative technologies for a greener world. His passion lies in addressing the global energy challenges and creating practical solutions for a sustainable future, while constantly seeking new opportunities for growth and impact.