Katharina Schröder

Catalytic Innovations: Unlocking the Potential of Carbon Dioxide Utilization

TU Wien, Vienna, Austria

https://info.ias.tuwien.ac.at/schroederlab/katharina-schroder/

Abstract:

The synergistic integration of organo-, transition metal, and photocatalysis has garnered increasing attention for its potential to foster groundbreaking transformations characterized by heightened reactivity, efficiency, and stereo control.

Since its discovery in the nineteenth century, carbonylation chemistry has risen as a versatile cornerstone in chemical industries, assuming a pivotal role in both bulk and fine chemical synthesis. Nonetheless, the extensive reliance on carbon monoxide as a carbonyl source raises profound safety apprehensions due to its pronounced toxicity, particularly evident in large-scale transportation and application. Recent focus has shifted towards the valorization of carbon dioxide as an abundant, benign, and renewable carbon reservoir. Yet, the industrial integration of carbon dioxide as a raw material remains constrained, primarily due to the thermodynamic and kinetic challenges involved. Addressing this issue requires potent catalysts capable of overcoming these barriers.

Photocatalysis, orchestrated with precise catalysts and reaction media, has emerged as a potent strategy for carbon dioxide utilization, effectively engaging and activating large quantities of this compound. This lecture will present diverse examples of photo- and photo electrocatalytic activation of carbon dioxide employing various co-catalysts, with the overarching aim of transcending extant hurdles in carbon dioxide utilization and ultimately revolutionizing traditional carbon monoxide-based carbonylation chemistry with innovative solutions. Central objectives encompass fundamental explorations and refinement of the ionic liquid-co-catalyzed photocatalytic reduction of carbon dioxide to yield carbon monoxide under mild conditions. Additionally, the reactivity of resultant

carbon monoxide with diverse organic substrates in supercritical carbon dioxide will be discussed, culminating in the inception of streamlined and continuous processes for the direct synthesis of high-value fine chemicals from carbon dioxide.

 

Short bio:

Prof. Katharina Schröder (nee Bica) was born in Vienna, Austria in 1980. After receiving her PhD degree in Technical Chemistry from TU Wien, Dr. Schröder accepted a position as research fellow, working with leading experts in the field of Green Chemistry and Catalysis at The Queen’s University Belfast, UK and the Technical University Denmark in Lyngby, DK. After returning to TU Wien in October 2009 for a tenured position, she established a new research group focused on sustainable chemistry through innovation with alternative solvents. She was promoted to associate professor in 2018 and to full professor for Sustainable Chemistry in 2020. At the moment, she is leading or is involved in several other national and EU-funded projects, including an ERC Consolidator Grant. Additionally, she is a diploma student of Medicine at the Medical University of Vienna.

Katharina Schröder research interests are based on sustainable organic chemistry, with a special focus on (i) organo- and photocatalysis for asymmetric synthesis, (ii) on carbon capture and valorization techniques (CCU), particularly on photocatalytic CO2 activation and (iii) on the recovery of valuable ingredients from industrial waste streams using advanced fluid technologies.