The chemical industry is exploring ways to replace fossil oil and gas with renewable sources. Last week, TNO presented new results from the Photons-to-Chemicals (P2C) project. This project uses sunlight directly to convert biogenic CO2 and green hydrogen into raw materials for the chemical industry.
Biomass plays a key role in the transition to a circular economy, not only as an energy carrier but especially as a supplier of sustainable carbon. While the production of chemicals from biomass often involves high energy demands, TNO is exploring a shorter route using photocatalysis.
Direct conversion via photocatalysis
In photocatalysis, sunlight acts as the direct driver for a chemical reaction. In TNO's setup, biogenic CO2 is combined with green hydrogen to produce so-called C1 chemicals, such as methanol and formic acid.
These materials serve as the basis for the production of sustainable plastics, resins, and transportation fuels. By using sunlight, dependence on the (overloaded) electricity grid is reduced and the energy efficiency of the entire process remains high.
Use of biogenic CO2 flows
An essential part of the technology is the use of carbon that is already present in the cycle.
- Origin: The required CO2 comes from biogenic sources, such as emissions from biogas plants or bio-refineries.
- Scalability: The system is modular. This makes it technically feasible to produce chemical building blocks even at smaller, local bio-facilities, instead of emitting CO2 solely as a residual product.
Economic relevance for the biomass sector
The development of this technology could change the business case for processing bio-based feedstocks. When CO2 from biomass is captured and converted into high-quality chemicals, this residual product acquires market value. This stimulates the transition from biomass combustion to biomass refining, where the carbon component is optimally utilized.
Source: TNO Newsroom
Photo: art jazz, Adobe Photostock
