Enrico Marchi: Pure Methane from CO₂ Employing a Novel Bi-Functional Material in a Structured Radial Flow Reactor

Pure Methane from CO₂ Employing a Novel Bi-Functional Material in a Structured Radial Flow Reactor

By Enrico Marchi

Overview

With the grant that I won in 2025, I managed to buy a high-level computer which allows me to run process simulators and 3D modelling software smoothly. These tools are essential in the research of my project, the development of ideas, and the testing of concepts.

The newly bought laptop has been a key instrument in my daily work to keep track of experimental activities, help answer problems, support writing and editing articles, and enable data analysis using simulation software.

Research Progress

At the end of the second year of my PhD, I improved the preparation method of a nickel-based catalyst, obtaining 50% higher catalytic activity compared to the previous one, for the same nominal metal content.

This new catalyst synthesis procedure is now under patenting with ÅAU. The result of this research yielded a very active catalyst which could possibly be employed in all Ni-catalysed reactions. At the industrial level, this implies lower energy consumption, increased productivity, or lower reactor costs for the same design specification.

A collaboration with another PhD student resulted in a reliable 3D printing method for zeolites, and it could possibly be extended to other catalytic supports. A stable, low-viscosity 3D printing resin mixture with a long shelf life has also been obtained.

Next Steps

In the next period, kinetic modelling and simulations of 3D-printed monoliths in a catalytic reactor will be carried out. In addition, overall process simulation with techno-economic analysis will be the final stage of my PhD research.