The Potential for Carbon Dioxide Utilization Pathways: The CO2 Tree
Abstract
The talk will highlight both a recent perspective that highlights the different products accessible from CO2 utilization today (LeClerc et al. 2025, DOI 10.1021/acssuschemeng.4c07582) as well as ongoing CO2 utilization work at the Yale Center for Green Chemistry & Engineering. Topics include the use of supercritical CO2 for the selective extraction of valuable components from algae in pursuit of enabling the biorefinery as well as an electrochemical approach to convert CO2 to dimethyl carbonate using methanol and non-precious metal electrodes.
Bio
Dr. Hanno Erythropel oversees research at the Center for Green Chemistry and Green Engineering. He centers efforts to build bridges between chemistry, chemical engineering, material science, toxicology, and other disciplines to create sustainable solutions using a systems thinking framework. Hanno’s Ph.D. research at McGill University focused on developing greener plasticizers to replace harmful phthalates, including studying their biodegradation and effects on cells. His current work includes valorizing biomass and products considered waste, such as CO2, into functional, biodegradable, and non-toxic materials; and understanding the composition, content, and health implications of tobacco products.