As carbon dioxide (CO2) levels in the atmosphere continue to rise — about 50% higher than pre-industrial times — scientists are racing to find solutions. 

One of them is Dr. Daniel Moreno, an assistant professor in the cooperative engineering program at Missouri State University. He recently contributed to advancing our understanding of CO2 conversion technologies with a new study on electrochemical conversion processes. 

The cooperative engineering program is a collaboration with Missouri S&T that combines the resources of both institutions. This partnership facilitates interdisciplinary research and development in the engineering field. 

Moreno’s latest published research, titled “Optimization of Electrochemical Conversion of CO2 to Formic Acid: A Computational Study,” explores an innovative approach to addressing CO2 emissions. Published in the Journal of C02 Utilization, it presents a computer model aimed at enhancing the efficiency of converting CO2 into valuable chemical products. 

Addressing climate change 

According to Moreno, the goal of his research is to mitigate atmospheric CO2 levels by converting this greenhouse gas into reusable fuel resources. Specifically, the study focuses on the conversion of CO2 into formic acid, a compound with significant applications, including use in fuel cells, hydrogen storage and livestock feed. 

The project emerged from Moreno’s postdoctoral work at the University of Kentucky and was propelled by the constraints imposed by the pandemic, which limited laboratory access. This led to the development of a computational model to evaluate how different variables affect the conversion process. 

Optimizing conditions for CO2 conversion 

Moreno’s model measures operational conditions, such as temperature, pressure, voltage and electrolyte concentrations to identify optimal parameters for CO2 to formic acid conversion. The findings highlight that there is an optimal range for these variables, which maximizes formic acid production and overall process efficiency. 

“Our model demonstrates that with careful optimization, we can significantly enhance the efficiency of CO2 conversion processes,” Moreno said. “This could potentially lead to more practical and scalable solutions for mitigating greenhouse gas emissions.” 

This research not only enhances the understanding of the electrochemical conversion process, but also contributes to sustainable energy and environmental management. 

Future directions and challenges 

While the current study is computational, Moreno recognizes the importance of experimental validation. Future research plans include collaborating with other researchers and integrating experimental data to refine the computational model.  

This approach aims to validate and extend the findings, considering various configurations and catalysts used in the conversion process. 

“The real challenge lies in translating these computational results into practical, real-world applications,” Moreno said. “We need to address the technical hurdles and resource constraints to make these processes viable on a larger scale.” 

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