NIU and ANL researchers identify tin-based catalysts that convert CO2 into common chemicals

In Illinois, researchers at Northern Illinois University and the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Argonne National Laboratory aim to financial incentive industry to capture its carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by making the process profitable. The scientists have identified a family of tin-based catalysts that efficiently converts CO2 into ethanol, acetic acid or formic acid—commonly produced chemicals that are found in many commercial products. For example, ethanol is an additive to nearly all U.S. gasoline. Acetic acid is used in household cleaning products. Formic acid is used in the leather, rubber, textile and other industries.

The scientists reported their new findings recently in the Journal of the American Chemical Society.