Direct Catalytic Synthesis of Acetic Acid from CO₂ AND CH₄

The current method for producing acetic acid uses carbon monoxide (CO) and methanol, and emits CO₂. The Gas Technology Institute (GTI) has developed a technology that uses CO₂ from GHGs and natural gas (CH₄) to produce acetic acid. The innovation in GTI’s process removes the need for purchasing methanol, provides a net reduction of CO₂ emissions, and reduces the energy needed to produce the same amount of acetic acid. With a growing demand for acetic acid in Asia and the United States, Alberta would be poised to become a key producer.

With GTI’s approach, CO₂ is reacted with CH₄ from natural gas in a two-step isothermal, catalytic process. The intermediates from the process yield acetic acid and ethanol with minimal net H₂ consumption and a net CO₂ reduction. This two-step catalytic process replaces the conventional method for producing acetic acid using carbon monoxide and methanol, providing a cheaper, more efficient method of producing acetic acid.