The new project is set up to ensure a future supply of niobium, a non-critical but rare and important metal and an essential component of carbon recycling technology.
The closed-loop carbon recycling approach pioneered by the University of Birmingham and Brazil-based CBMM could fundamentally reduce emissions from energy and carbon-intensive basic industries.
CBMM will work with researchers at the University of Birmingham, led by Professor Yulong Ding, to increase production efficiency and reduce the cost of niobium compounds for use in steel loop technology.
“Fundamental industries such as steel manufacturing, which provide essential materials for a wide range of other industries, are the leading emitters of CO2 and among the hardest sectors of Decarbonies,” explained Professor Yulong Ding, founder of the Energy Storage Centre in Chen, Chen, Chen.
“We are pleased to work with CBMM on this project, which aims to provide decarbonization solutions that are technically and economically viable as well as environmentally sustainable.”
How carbon loops and recycling shape a sustainable future
Carbon loops and recycling processes aim to capture and reuse carbon dioxide (CO₂) rather than release them into the atmosphere. This reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
Carbon loop, co2 Releases from industrial or natural processes are captured and then stored underground (carbon capture and storage) or reused in other processes such as strengthening oil capture or chemical production.
Carbon recycling goes a step further by converting captured CO2 into useful products such as fuel, plastics, and building materials, thereby creating a circular carbon economy.
These technologies are important to mitigate climate change by closing the carbon loop and reducing dependence on fossil carbon sources.
The role of niobium in carbon recycling.
The project relates to a technology that utilizes niobium-based perovskites that convert CO₂ released from industrial processes into carbon monoxide (CO), which is then recycled into the process to create a closed carbon loop.
Niobium-based perovskites show 100% selectivity for CO production. In other words, CO passing through the material is converted only to CO.
This type of perovskite was used by Birmingham researchers when modeling new adaptations of existing blast furnaces that could reduce steel emissions by up to 90%.
What are the advantages of carbon loops?
The main advantage of this closed-loop carbon recycling approach lies in its applicability to modify existing industrial processes in ways that significantly reduce the need for replacement of key infrastructures.
This makes it easier to recruit at scale and minimizes chained assets.
Furthermore, Perovskite technology operates at lower temperatures compared to traditional alternatives, reducing costs and increasing energy efficiency.
Commercialization of niobium-based decarbonization methods.
The results will help advance the commercialization of decarbonisation technologies through Perocycle, a spin-out supported by the University of Birmingham and Anglo-American.
The involvement of CBMM ensures the support needed for future scalability of niobium-based perovskite production.
“This partnership represents a critical step in searching for viable and sustainable solutions to the challenges facing global industries,” said Leonardo Silvesto, Executive Innovation Manager at CBMM.
“We are investigating promising solutions for industrial decarbonization, particularly in the steel sector, due to the potential technical and economic feasibility.
“In addition, the use of niobium in various markets has strengthened our commitment to innovation and sustainability.”
This project will consider use not only in steel manufacturing but also in other industries.
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