A novel condensation reactor for efficient CO2 to methanol conversion for storage of renewable electric energy

•CO2 + H2 to methanol synthesis with near 100% CO2 and H2 efficiency.•Reaction equilibrium bypassed via in situ condensation.•High temperature reaction zone, low temperature condensation zone.•Significant production rates achieved under natural convection conditions.•Gas In, Liquid Out: no need for external recycle of gaseous reactants.

A novel reactor design for the conversion of CO2 and H2 to methanol is developed. The conversion limitations because of thermodynamic equilibrium are bypassed via in situ condensation of a water/methanol mixture. Two temperatures zones inside the reactor ensure optimal catalyst activity (high temperature) and full conversion by condensation at a lower temperature in a separate zone. Due to this full gas conversion there is no need for an external recycle of reactants. Experimental work confirmed full carbon conversion (>99.5%) and high methanol selectivity (>99.5% on carbon basis). Additionally, it was shown that due the temperature gradient inside the reactor significant reaction rates are achieved under natural convection conditions.

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