Research Project:
In the context of climate change, the development of carbon-capture technologies is being extensively explored on multiple fronts. In particular, the conversion of CO2 into a value-added chemical (CH4) via the methanation reaction (CO2 + 4H2 → CH4 + 2H2O) may be useful to increase the economic viability of carbon capture itself. Dual-function materials (DFMs) that can both adsorb CO2 and catalyze the methanation reaction are being investigated and tested for selectivity and conversion parameters.
This project focuses on the development of these DFMs with alumina (Al2O3) as the base, gadolinium (Gd) as the sorbent, and nickel (Ni) as the catalyst. Various Gd loadings (0.0-5.0 wt%) will be tested through catalyst characterization techniques to determine optimal material combinations. Thus, the objective of the project is to determine the viability of the widescale development of this type of DFM for use in future carbon-capture technologies.
Start Date of Current Program: May 2023
Education:
- Bachelor of Chemical Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, Canada (2024 expected)
Funding:
- Ulmer-Lamothe Summer Undergrad Award
- NSERC RGPIN
- J.W. McConnell Scholarship
Contact: alexandre.brailovski [at] mail.mcgill.ca
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandre-brailovski-a53487209/
Office: 5170
