Multi-objective Optimization of a Carbon Dioxide Utilization Superstructure for the Synthesis of Formic and Acetic Acid

Abstract Worldwide carbon dioxide emissions are constantly increasing. Carbon Capture and Storage emerged as a temporary solution to this problem, but even if these emissions were to be drastically decreased, the stored gas has to be given a purpose. The aim of this work is the study of the synthesis of carbon monoxide from CO 2 and its utilization as a raw material in acetic and formic acid synthesis. We propose a superstructure in which we include several consuming and non CO 2 consuming syngas synthesis technologies, an H 2 /CO separation step and the CO utilization section. We solve the multi-objective optimization problem minimizing the Total Annualized Cost (TAC) and Global Warming Potential (GWP) as our economic and environmental indicators. Results show that the Tri-reforming process can be used to reduce emissions in the synthesis of CO and both acids, while Partial Oxidation results in a lower economic investment and a higher GWP.