Evonik, LIKAT, and Ruhr University develop catalyst system to use CO2 as raw material for chemical production

Evonik Oxeno, the Leibniz Institute for Catalysis (LIKAT), and Ruhr University Bochum jointly developed a novel catalyst system to use CO₂ in carbonylation

Evonik has developed groundbreaking catalyst system that enables the direct use of carbon dioxide (CO₂) as a raw material for the chemical industry. This innovation marks a major step toward sustainable chemistry, offering an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional ester production.

The chemical company is pursuing multiple projects to transform the climate gas into valuable resources for various industries, often utilizing renewable electricity and biological or electrochemical methods.

Evonik Oxeno, the Leibniz Institute for Catalysis (LIKAT), and Ruhr University Bochum jointly developed a novel catalyst system to use CO₂ in carbonylation.

The new process replaces fossil feedstocks with CO₂ and green hydrogen, paving the way for more sustainable manufacturing of key chemical products, including fragrances and building blocks for plastics.

“Directly using CO₂ as a feedstock is a milestone for sustainable chemistry on an industrial scale,” said Prof. Dr. Robert Franke, Project Leader at Evonik Oxeno. “Our collaboration with LIKAT and Ruhr University Bochum demonstrates how excellent fundamental research combined with industrial expertise can lead to innovative solutions for transforming the chemical industry.”

In chemical manufacturing, carbonylation is a crucial process in which olefins—a group of hydrocarbons—are converted into esters or acids using carbon monoxide. These substances form the basis for numerous everyday products, including methyl methacrylate, a precursor for acrylic glass, and specialty chemicals such as the fragrance compound valeric acid methyl ester.

The newly developed bimetallic catalyst system replaces toxic carbon monoxide with climate-friendly CO₂ and green hydrogen. Utilizing the transition metals iridium and palladium together with a proven industrial phosphine ligand, the process enables the direct conversion of olefins into esters. The system also shows high selectivity for linear products, which are highly valued in industrial applications.

“This catalyst system is a great example of how targeted research can contribute to the defossilization of the chemical industry,” said Dr. Ralf Jackstell, Head of Research Group at LIKAT. “CO₂ is no longer seen as waste, but as a valuable resource.”