Gloggnitz, Austria, 03.10.2024
A groundbreaking process for converting CO2 into industrial alcohol or gases, developed in collaboration between Johannes Kepler University Linz (JKU) and GIG Karasek, is on the verge of industrial application. The patent filed by JKU has been transferred to GIG Karasek, marking a significant step towards sustainable industrial production.
The technology was developed as part of a successful project on CO2 valorization, funded by the Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG), which was jointly carried out by JKU and GIG Karasek.
The research team at JKU, led by Assoc. Univ.-Prof. Wolfgang Schöfberger (Head of the SchöfberferLabs), and the GIG Karasek team, headed by Dr. Mohammad Rezaei, developed specialized catalysts and electrochemical cells that can convert CO2 into valuable substances like syngas.
The catalysts are used in GIG Karasek's electrochemical utilization unit, ECO2CELL®. By applying an electric voltage, the reduction of CO2 at the cathode and the oxidation of water to oxygen at the anode are promoted. Depending on the applied voltage and the use of different catalysts, various end products are generated. This technology has the potential to make industrial processes not only more cost-effective but also significantly more climate-friendly.
"Our society is unimaginable without industry. Therefore, we must design production in a way that does not destroy our livelihoods. At JKU, my colleagues and I work on such methods every day. This project exemplifies how academic research and industrial innovation can go hand in hand to create real solutions for urgent environmental problems," explains JKU chemist Wolfgang Schöfberger.
JKU Rector Stefan Koch emphasizes: "The JKU not only wants to generate knowledge, but also actively shape the future. The transformation from scientific paper to practice is the crucial step. Here we see an example of how this can be achieved - for the benefit of the business location and as an important contribution to the energy transition."
GIG Karasek - a global provider of high-quality process design and turnkey industrial plant construction, with its headquarters and technical center in Gloggnitz, as well as two other locations in Austria - will now bring the technology into industrial application.
Dipl. Ing. Andreas Schnitzhofer, MBA, Managing Director of GIG Karasek, explains: "CO2 valorization is one of the key pillars in how GIG Karasek is shaping the path to a more sustainable industry. We rely on innovative technologies and efficient processes to meet the demands of modern industry. In doing so, we create added value for our customers and actively contribute to a greener future."
Dr. Mohammad Rezaei, Head of Environmental Technology at GIG Karasek, adds: "The successful development of the three-chamber cell for the electrochemical reduction of CO2 marks an important advancement in sustainable chemistry. The innovative three-chamber cell uses a gas diffusion electrode and conductive seals to enable the series connection of cells - an essential aspect when it comes to scaling up for industrial applications."
More information about GIG Karasek
GIG Karasek invites interested companies to learn more about the possibilities of this innovative technology and to jointly explore new, sustainable business opportunities. Interested parties can easily get in touch via ent.gigkarasek@gigkarasek.at.
Contact JKU
Assoc. Univ.-Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Schöfberger
Schoefberger Lab
Tel.: 0732 2468 5410
E-Mail: wolfgang.schoefberger@jku.at
Successful collaboration between JKU and GIG Karasek in the field of CO2 valorization