On the 26th of June, Samy Aïssiou from our project partner University of Lille successfully defended his PhD thesis, which was developed within the framework of our TAKE-OFF project.
This work was supervised by Dr. Nicolas Merle and Pr. Mathieu Sauthier from Université de Lille, and was carried out in the UCCS laboratory in Villeneuve d’Ascq.
Samy’s thesis outlines the development of innovative heterogeneous nickel catalysts for oligomerizing light olefins. These nickel-based solids are highly effective due to their ability to activate light olefins at low temperatures, which minimises coke formation and enhances catalyst longevity while being energy-efficient. Additionally, they can activate ethylene and propylene at similar rates under suitable conditions, making them ideal for utilising a mixture of light olefins produced from the hydrogenation of CO2.
To advance understanding beyond traditional heterogeneous nickel catalysts, this research employed surface organometallic chemistry. By using well-defined supports and organometallic precursors, the study achieved precise single-site catalysts, enabling detailed analysis of their structure-activity relationships. The synthesized nickel complexes, chosen for their thermal stability and reactivity, were grafted under mild conditions to minimise impurities. Various silica-alumina ratios proved effective as supports. The catalysts showed high activity in ethylene oligomerization, confirming their efficiency. Ongoing tests with ethylene and propylene aim to evaluate selectivity and stability under high pressure.
The TAKE-OFF project, funded by the Horizon 2020 EU program, is exploring the development of a unique technology based on the conversion of CO2 and renewable hydrogen to Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) via olefins as an intermediate. This technology route aims to deliver a highly innovative process that produces SAF at lower costs and higher energy efficiency compared to other power-to-liquid alternatives currently available. The TAKE-OFF route consists of capturing CO2 from industrial flue gas or Direct Air Capture which reacts with hydrogen produced by renewable electricity to create light olefins. These light olefins are subsequently chemically upgraded into SAF. All innovative steps in upgrading CO2 will be demonstrated under industrially relevant conditions.
Find a summary of Samy’s thesis here.
In the picture, from left to right: Dr. Lionel Magna (IFPEN Lyon), Dr. Mostafa Taoufik (University Claude Bernard of Lyon), Pr. Carole Lamonier (University of Lille), Pr. Montserrat Gomez (University Paul Sabatier of Toulouse), Dr. Samy Aïssiou, Dr. Dorothée Laurenti (University Claude Bernard of Lyon), Pr. Mathieu Sauthier and Dr. Nicolas Merle (University of Lille).
