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Abstract

The present invention is generally directed to the efficient production of low-carbon methanol, ethanol or mixtures of methanol and ethanol from captured CO₂ and renewable H₂ at a generation site. The H₂ is generated from water using an electrolyzer powered by renewable electricity, or from any other means of low-carbon H₂ production. An improved catalyst and process is described that efficiently converts H₂ and CO₂ mixture to syngas in a one-step process, and alcohols, such as methanol and ethanol, are produced from the syngas in a second step. The liquid methanol and ethanol, which are excellent H₂ carriers, are transported to a production site, where another improved catalyst and process efficiently converts them to syngas. The syngas can then be used at the production site for the synthesis of low carbon fuels and chemicals, or to produce purified low carbon H₂. The low carbon H₂ can be used at the production site for the synthesis of low-carbon chemical products or compressed for transportation use.

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First Claim