Researchers in Germany plan to produce formaldehyde from carbon dioxide

The German Federal Ministry for Education and Research (BMBF) is sponsoring around Euro 1.5 million for a joint research project of BASF, Heidelberg University, LMU Munich and Hte GmbH. The aim of the project, in which the Catalysis Research Laboratory (CaRLa) jointly operated by Heidelberg University and BASF SE will be involved, is to develop catalyst systems allowing the selective hydrogenation of carbon dioxide (CO2) to formaldehyde.

Formaldehyde is an important basic chemical used mainly for the manufacture of polymers but also as a synthesis component for the creation of more complex molecules. At present, the chemical industry produces more than 13 million metric tonnes of formaldehyde per year worldwide by oxidation of methanol. Direct access through hydrogenation of CO2 would have the advantage that in the synthesis - depending on the methanol production route - either a hydrogen or a carbon monoxide equivalent can be saved compared to the existing production process, as a contribution to saving resources.

Most of the activities are fundamental research performed at the partners in academia. Important application aspects in potential production processes are also considered. The group of Prof Oliver Trapp (LMU Munich) will develop novel catalyst systems and conduct reaction mechanistic studies on the conversion of CO2. The group of Prof Stephen Hashmi (Heidelberg University), who is also the new scientific director of CaRLa at Heidelberg University, will be in charge of the synthesis of new ligands and complex catalysts.

To specifically synthesise new catalyst systems, understand the reaction mechanism and optimise the catalysis on this basis, theoretical work is underway in the group of Prof Peter Comba (Heidelberg University). Hte GmbH will accompany the project by providing screening capacities, while BASF SE as a large formaldehyde producer will coordinate the project and assess the potential for economic and technological implementation.

The sponsorship program of the BMBF ‘CO2Plus – Material utilization of CO2 to broaden the raw material basis’ supports projects that broaden the raw material base of the chemical industry through the material use of CO2.