Work

Technoeconomic Assessment of Photocatalytic Methanol Production from Liquid CO2 Using Cu-doped TiO2

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The need for cost-effective technologies to utilize large streams of captured CO 2 has driven interest in innovative solutions. Photocatalytic conversion of liquid CO 2 to methanol (MeOH) shows promise due to its operation under ambient conditions, reducing the high energy costs typical of other utilization process. However, its techno-economic viability remains underexplored. This study presents a techno-economic assessment of MeOH production via photocatalytic CO 2 conversion using Cu/TiO 2 photocatalyst. Aspen Plus was used for process simulation, and CapCost software estimated capital (CAPEX) and operational expenditures (OPEX). A plant processing 4.4 t CO 2 /h and producing 1.4 t MeOH/h had an estimated CAPEX of 7.54 M$ and an OPEX of 6.70 M$/year. The levelized cost of methanol (LCoMe) production was 810.71 $/t MeOH, achieving breakeven within 25 years. Sensitivity analysis revealed that OPEX and MeOH pricing depend significantly on CO 2 capture cost allocation. This process offers promising integration potential for sustainable applications in power plants and oil and gas industry.

Source: Case Studies in Chemical and Environmental Engineering

DOI: 10.1016/j.cscee.2025.101172

Authors: Ahmed Oluwatobi Yusuf, Robiel Yemane Tekle, Hussein K. Amusa, Giovanni Palmisano

Institution: Khalifa University of Science and Technology

Language: English

Topic: Catalysts for Methane Reforming

Subfield: Catalysis

Field: Chemical Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Climate action, Affordable and clean energy, Industry, innovation and infrastructure, Responsible consumption and production

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $760