Catalysis for the valorization of low-value C-streams

Abstract

The need for a better carbon management and the reduction of CO2 emissions push away from the linear-carbon economy (LCE) towards a better carbon management including carbon recycling (CR). This implies the utilization of gaseous and liquid process streams so far under-utilized, and often either sent to combustion or disposed of. In this paper, four cases are discussed, namely: low-alkane streams, industrial CO2, ligno-cellulosic waste and salty-watery-glycerol. The role of catalysis in the valorization of such C-sources is discussed and examples of innovative processes are presented.