Plasma-assisted CO2 to methanol at ambient conditions
Partners: CanmetMaterials, NRCan
This project has developed a groundbreaking technology to turn carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane—two major greenhouse gases—into valuable fuel and chemical feedstock, using a novel solar-powered plasma reactor. By operating at room temperature and atmospheric pressure, this system is energy-efficient, cost-effective, and avoids the high temperatures and pressures typically required for such processes. The team also designed a highly efficient catalyst to enhance the conversion process, which has been shared openly with the scientific community to accelerate further innovation. Through collaborations with leading institutions and industry partners, the project has advanced sustainable energy solutions, trained the next generation of scientists, and promoted equity and inclusion in research. This technology offers a practical way to reduce emissions, support clean energy transitions, and contribute to a greener future.
Researcher Biography
Prof. Zheng is a professor and a Canada Research Chair (Tier I) in Chemical Reaction and Intensification with the Department of Chemical Engineering, Western University. She is a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Engineering, the Engineering Institute of Canada, and the Chemical Institute of Canada as well as a Fellow of the Royal Society of chemistry (UK) and the Institution of Chemical Engineers (UK). Her research interests lie in the field of catalysis and catalytic processes for clean energy innovations. New catalytic materials along with catalytic processes are developed for application in CO2 utilization, N2 fixation, H2 production and clean/biofuel upgrading.
She is an enthusiastic teacher and have trained many graduate students and post-doctoral fellows. Professor Zheng also actively serves the Chemical Engineering Society, serving as the Chair of the Catalysis Division of the Chemical Institute of Canada (2018-2020), as a member of journal editorial boards and grant selection committees, and as editors and guest editors of various scientific journals. She has received numerous awards, including the 2018 Applied Catalysis Awards (the Royal Society of Chemistry, UK), the Award in Design and Industrial Practice in 2018, and the 2010 Syncrude Canada Innovation Award.
