A new project is set to ensure the future supply of Niobium, an essential component for a carbon recycling technology.
Pioneered by the University of Birmingham and Brazilian-based CBMM, the closed-loop carbon recycling approach could radically reduce emissions from energy- and carbon-intensive foundation industries.
CBMM will collaborate with researchers from the University of Birmingham, led by Professor Yulong Ding, to enhance the efficiency of Niobium compounds for use in closed-carbon-loop technology, which is essential for foundational industries such as steelmaking.
“Foundation industries such as steel making, which provide essential materials to a wide range of other industries, are major emitters of CO2 and amongst the hardest sectors to decarbonise,” explained Professor Yulong Ding, Chamberlain Chair of Chemical Engineering, and founder of the University of Birmingham’s Centre for Energy Storage.
“We are pleased to work with CBMM on this project, which aims to deliver a decarbonisation solution that is not only technically and economically viable, but also environmentally sustainable.”
How carbon looping and recycling shape a sustainable future
Carbon looping and recycling processes aim to capture and reuse carbon dioxide (CO₂) rather than releasing it into the atmosphere, therefore reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
In carbon looping, CO₂ emitted from industrial or natural processes is captured and then either stored underground (carbon capture and storage) or reused in other processes such as enhanced oil recovery or chemical production.
Carbon recycling takes a step further by converting captured CO₂ into useful products, such as fuels, plastics, or building materials, thereby creating a circular carbon economy.
These technologies are crucial for mitigating climate change by closing the carbon loop and reducing reliance on fossil carbon sources.
The role of Niobium in carbon recycling
The project is related to a technology that utilises Niobium-based perovskites, which convert the CO₂ emitted from industrial processes into carbon monoxide (CO), which is then recirculated back into the process, creating a closed carbon loop.
The Niobium-based perovskite exhibits 100% selectivity for CO production, meaning that CO₂ passing through the material is converted exclusively into CO.
This type of perovskite was used by Birmingham researchers when they modelled a novel adaptation for existing blast furnaces that could reduce steelmaking emissions by up to 90%.
What are the advantages of carbon looping?
A major advantage of this closed-loop carbon recycling approach lies in its applicability to retrofit existing industrial processes in a way that significantly reduces the need for major infrastructural replacements.
This facilitates large-scale adoption and minimises the stranded assets.
Additionally, perovskite technology operates at a lower temperature compared to conventional alternatives, resulting in reduced costs and increased energy efficiency.
Commercialising Niobium-based decarbonisation methods
The outcomes will help advance the commercialisation of the decarbonisation technology through PeroCycle, a spin-out backed by the University of Birmingham and Anglo American, with venture-building led by Cambridge Future Tech.
CBMM’s involvement will ensure the necessary support for the future scalability of Niobium-based perovskite production.
“This partnership represents an important step in the search for viable and sustainable solutions to the challenges facing global industry,” stated Leonardo Silvestre, Executive Innovation Manager at CBMM.
“We are exploring a promising solution for industrial decarbonisation, particularly in the steel sector, due to its potential technical and economic feasibility.
“Furthermore, the use of Niobium across different markets reinforces our commitment to innovation and sustainability.”
The project will explore its use not only in steel making but also in other industries.
