Better metal oxides to boost the green credentials of many energy applications

Chemical looping combustion for CO2 capture - Researchers have solved a key hurdle in greener manufacturing, carbon capture, energy storage and gas purification - using metal oxides. Metal oxides are compounds that play a crucial role in processes that reduce carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions. These processes include carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS), purifying and recycling inert gases in solar panel manufacturing, thermochemical energy storage, and producing hydrogen for energy. Our improved metal oxides hold great potential for use in the energy processes that are helping us reach net zero. Dr Qilei Song Department of Chemical Engineering - These processes are based on reactions where metal oxides gain and lose electrons, known as redox reactions. However, the performance of metal oxides suffers under redox reactions at the high temperatures required for chemical manufacturing. Now, a team led by Imperial College London has developed a new materials design strategy that produces copper-based metal oxides that perform better under high temperatures.