CO2 Capture and Utilization via an Amine-Functionalized Activated Carbon–Supported Bimetallic Catalyst: A CCUS Approach for the Middle Magdalena Valley in Colombia

Abstract

The rise in atmospheric CO₂ concentrations poses a significant challenge for industrial decarbonization, particularly in regions that rely heavily on hydrocarbons, such as the Middle Magdalena Valley (MMV) in Colombia. This study evaluates, at the laboratory scale, an integrated approach to CO₂ capture and utilization using amine-functionalized activated carbon (AAC) derived from sugarcane bagasse, which serves as both an adsorbent and a catalytic support. The AAC, synthesized via pyrolysis and chemical functionalization, exhibited a high specific surface area of 1,456 m²/g, thereby facilitating CO₂ adsorption and improving catalyst dispersion. The hydrogenation of CO₂ via Fischer-Tropsch synthesis was carried out in a batch reactor for 24 h at temperatures ranging from 220 to 260 °C, using H₂ and CO₂ as reactants. A comparative experimental approach was implemented to evaluate system configurations with and without AAC and a Co–Mn bimetallic catalyst. The use of the AAC/Co₆/MnO_x mixture up to 260 °C demonstrated superior selectivity for liquid hydrocarbons compared to other treatments, increasing by 24.37% relative to the initial squalane mass. These results indicate that functionalized bio-based carbons can improve catalyst performance under batch conditions. However, further studies are needed to examine reaction kinetics, the effects of gas composition, and catalyst stability in order to assess the scalability and applicability of this approach in CCUS systems.