Indirect CO2 Methanation: Hydrogenolysis of Cyclic Carbonates Catalyzed by Ru-Modified Zeolite Produces Methane and Diols

Angew Chem Int Ed Engl. 2019 Jan 8;58(2):557-560. doi: 10.1002/anie.201811086. Epub 2018 Dec 5.

Abstract

We report a ruthenium-modified zeolite which efficiently transforms propylene carbonate to propylene glycol and methane, under solvent-free conditions. The catalyst achieved high product selectivity and no significant ageing effect was observed after multiple cycles. The resulting liquid product (water-containing glycol) can be directly used as anti-freeze solution and the gas phase can directly be used as an energy carrier in the form of H2 -enriched methane. This process efficiently bridges energy storage and an important chemical synthesis under sustainable (CO2 consuming) conditions.

Keywords: carbon dioxide; heterogeneous catalysis; organic carbonates; ruthenium nanoparticles; sustainable chemistry.