Our research and development (R&D) explores the use of underutilized and low-value materials, such as petroleum coke and asphaltenes, for their potential application in improving carbon dioxide (CO2) capture efficiency, lowering costs, and using less energy than conventional materials.
Our areas of focus
We are investigating using petroleum coke, biochar, and asphaltenes in our lab to produce activated carbon and electrochemically induced asphaltenes for CO2 capture, respectively, with the potential of high capture efficiency, lower cost, and lower energy requirements. We are also studying hydrate-based CO2 separation, integrating and optimizing the process in two steps similar to the sorption-desorption mechanism. The process is further optimized by using chemical promoters to improve CO2 capture efficiency and lower the energy required. This includes:
- developing synthesis methods for producing activated carbon from petroleum/bitumen coke and biochar for highly efficient CO2 capture
- exploring electrochemical capture of CO2 by using bitumen asphaltenes
- investigating hydrate-based approach for CO2 capture and separation by using kinetic and thermodynamic promoters and process optimization
Contact information
For information about our team, research, or to work with us, please contact:
Jinwen Chen, Ph.D., FCAE, Director – Downstream and Renewables
jinwen.chen@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca
(780) 884 9337