Nasir Shezad closes the catalytic reactor after loading the catalyst to convert carbon dioxide into fuels.
23 September 2025
Carbon dioxide becomes fuel with the help of new technology
Researchers at Luleå University of Technology have developed more stable nickel catalysts that make it possible to convert carbon dioxide into methane. With longer-lasting catalysts, the process becomes more reliable and could in the future help industry recycle carbon dioxide and reduce climate impact.
The conversion of carbon dioxide into methane is known as methanation. It is a chemical process where carbon dioxide reacts with hydrogen to form methane, a fuel that can be stored and used in existing energy systems. Nickel is the most common material in the catalysts that drive this reaction, but high temperatures cause them to degrade quickly. As a result, efficiency drops and the process becomes unstable.
"This research shows that nickel catalysts can be made more resilient so that they maintain their performance for a longer time," says Nasir Shezad, doctoral student in Materials Science at Luleå University of Technology.
More reliable operation for industry
The results are presented in Nasir Shezad’s thesis Catalytic conversion of carbon dioxide into fuels. He shows that strengthening the bond between nickel and the support material prevents nanoparticles from moving and aggregating. By making a careful choice of additives – active metals, cocatalysts and modification strategies – it is possible to develop robust catalysts with higher activity and extended lifetime.
"When catalysts last longer, it becomes easier for industry to use carbon dioxide methanation in practice. That means more reliable operation and better use of energy and raw materials," says Nasir Shezad.
Carbon dioxide as a resource
The research also shows that even small changes in how catalysts are manufactured can have a major impact. By controlling particle size and choosing the right additives, the process can be made more reliable. This is crucial if methanation is to be used on a larger scale.
"Our findings show that innovative catalyst design can make the utilization of carbon dioxide significantly more realistic. It brings us closer to a situation where carbon dioxide is seen as a valuable resource rather than a greenhouse gas," says Nasir Shezad
Contact
Nasir Shezad
- Doctoral student
- 0920-49
- nasir.shezad@ltu.se
- Nasir Shezad
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