Grant: Collaborative Research and Development Grants

The aim of this proposed research is the development of an efficient technology to convert carbon dioxide (CO2) via tri-reforming of methane (TRM) to produce value-added products. Tri-reforming of methane is a combination of Dry Reforming of Methane (DRM), Steam Reforming of Methane (SRM), and Partial Oxidation of Methane (POM), which is an mildly endothermic process that eliminates the individual disadvantages of the above three processes.In collaboration with CNRL Corp., an Alberta-based oil Company, this project demonstrates a unique approach in applying the fundamentals of material fabrication, reaction engineering, and process development to CO2 conversion in order to produce syngas (CO+H2), enabling further value-added chemicals and fuels such as methanol, dimethyl ether (DME), hydrogen amongst other products, creating job opportunities for local communities leading to sustainable socio-economic development. This partnership will allow us to meet major milestones required to reduce GHGs emissions and transition to a lower carbon economic system. In addition, this project will generate fundamental and practical knowledge required for the commercialized technologies that are its long-term objective.The outcomes of this project at different stages will directly benefit the Canadian oil and gas industry, as GHG regulation plays an increasingly important role in its activities. The proposal will create innovative strategies that is expected to make technical, environmental, and socio-economic impacts. The outcomes will give oil-producing companies room to grow while cutting carbon emissions and, at the same time, complying with the 2015 Paris agreement to reduce GHG emissions to limit the global temperature increase to 2°C above pre-industrial levels. This research study is centered on the advanced training and education of 11 students at different levels who will become progressive, creative and innovative future employees of Canadian industry.