Matching Items (8)
Description
The United Nation's Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) recognizes development as a priority for carbon dioxide (CO2) allocation, under its principle of "common but differentiated responsibilities". This was codified in the Kyoto Protocol, which exempt developing nations from binding emission reduction targets. Additionally, they could be the recipients of financed sustainable development projects in exchange for emission reduction credits that the developed nations could use to comply with emission targets. Due to ineffective results, post-Kyoto policy discussions indicate a transition towards mitigation commitments from major developed and developing emitters, likely supplemented by market-based mechanisms to reduce mitigation costs. Although the likelihood of achieving substantial emission reductions is increased by the new plan, there is a paucity of consideration to how an ethic of development might be advanced. Therefore, this research empirically investigates the role that CO2 plays in advancing human development (in terms of the Human Development Index or HDI) over the 1990 to 2010 time period. Based on empirical evidence, a theoretical CO2-development framework is established, which provides a basis for designing a novel policy proposal that integrates mitigation efforts with human development objectives. Empirical evidence confirms that CO2 and HDI are highly correlated, but that there are diminishing returns to HDI as per capita CO2 emissions increase. An examination of development pathways reveals that as nations develop, their trajectories generally become less coupled with CO2. Moreover, the developing countries with the greatest gains in HDI are also nations that have, or are in the process of moving toward, outward-oriented trade policies that involve increased domestic capabilities for product manufacture and export. With these findings in mind, future emission targets should reduce current emissions in developed nations and allow room for HDI growth in developing countries as well as in the least developed nations of the world. Emission trading should also be limited to nations with similar HDI levels to protect less-developed nations from unfair competition for capacity building resources. Lastly, developed countries should be incentivized to invest in joint production ventures within the LDCs to build capacity for self-reliant and sustainable development over the long-term.
ContributorsClark, Susan Spierre (Author) / Seager, Thomas P. (Thesis advisor) / Allenby, Braden (Committee member) / Klinsky, Sonja (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2013
Description
A new photocatalytic material was synthesized to investigate its performance for the photoreduction of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the presence of water vapor (H2O) to valuable products such as carbon monoxide (CO) and methane (CH4). The performance was studied using a gas chromatograph (GC) with a flame ionization detector (FID) and a thermal conductivity detector (TCD). The new photocatalytic material was an ionic liquid functionalized reduced graphite oxide (IL-RGO (high conductive surface))-TiO2 (photocatalyst) nanocomposite. Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Raman spectroscopy, and UV-vis absorption spectroscopy techniques were employed to characterize the new catalyst. In the series of experiments performed, the nanocomposite material was confined in a UV-quartz batch reactor, exposed to CO2 and H2O and illuminated by UV light. The primary product formed was CO with a maximum production ranging from 0.18-1.02 µmol(gcatalyst-hour)-1 for TiO2 and 0.41-1.41 µmol(gcatalyst-hour)-1 for IL-RGO-TiO2. A trace amount of CH4 was also formed with its maximum ranging from 0.009-0.01 µmol(gcatalyst-hour)-1 for TiO2 and 0.01-0.04 µmol(gcatalyst-hour)-1 for IL-RGO-TiO2. A series of background experiments were conducted and results showed that; (a) the use of a ionic liquid functionalized reduced graphite oxide -TiO2 produced more products as compared to commercial TiO2, (b) the addition of methanol as a hole scavenger boosted the production of CO but not CH4, (c) a higher and lower reduction time of IL-RGO as compared to the usual 24 hours of reduction presented basically the same production of CO and CH4, (d) the positive effect of having an ionic liquid was demonstrated by the double production of CO obtained for IL-RGO-TiO2 as compared to RGO-TiO2 and (e) a change in the amount of IL-RGO in the IL-RGO-TiO2 represented a small difference in the CO production but not in the CH4 production. This work ultimately demonstrated the huge potential of the utility of a UV-responsive ionic liquid functionalized reduced graphite oxide-TiO2 nano-composite for the reduction of CO2 in the presence of H2O for the production of fuels.
ContributorsCastañeda Flores, Alejandro (Author) / Andino, Jean M (Thesis advisor) / Forzani, Erica (Committee member) / Torres, Cesar (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2014
Description
Carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) is one of the important mitigation options for climate change. Numerous technologies to capture carbon dioxide (CO2) are in development but currently, capture using amines is the predominant technology. When the flue gas reacts with amines (Monoethanaloamine) the CO2 is absorbed into the solution and forms an intermediate product which then releases CO2 at higher temperature. The high temperature necessary to strip CO2 is provided by steam extracted from the powerplant thus reducing the net output of the powerplant by 25% to 35%. The reduction in electricity output for the same input of coal increases the emissions factor of Nitrogen Oxides, Mercury, Particulate matter, Ammonia, Volatile organic compounds for the same unit of electricity produced. The thesis questions if this tradeoff between CO2 and other emissions is beneficial or not. Three different methodologies, Life Cycle Assessment, Valuation models and cost benefit analysis are used to identify if there is a net benefit to the society on implementation of CCS to a Pulverized coal powerplant. These methodologies include the benefits due to reduction of CO2 and the disbenefits due to the increase of other emissions. The life cycle assessment using ecoindicator'99 methodology shows the CCS is not beneficial under Hierarchical and Egalitarian perspective. The valuation model shows that the inclusion of the other emissions reduces the benefit associated with CCS. For a lower CO2 price the valuation model shows that CCS is detrimental to the environment. The cost benefit analysis shows that a CO2 price of at least $80/tCO2 is required for the cost benefit ratio to be 1. The methodology integrates Montecarlo simulation to characterize the uncertainties associated with the valuation models.
ContributorsSekar, Ashok (Author) / Williams, Eric (Thesis advisor) / Chester, Mikhail (Thesis advisor) / Allenby, Braden (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2012
Description
The mitigation and conversion of carbon dioxide (CO2) to more useful carbon chemicals is a research topic that is at the forefront of current engineering and sustainability applications. Direct photocatalytic reduction of CO2 with water (H2O) vapor to C1-C4 hydrocarbons has significant potential in setting substantial groundwork for meeting the increasing energy demands with minimal environmental impact. Previous studies indicate that titanium dioxide (TiO2) containing materials serve as the best photocatalyst for CO2 and H2O conversion to higher-value products. An understanding of the CO2-H2O reaction mechanism over TiO2 materials allows one to increase the yield of certain products such as carbon monoxide (CO) and methane (CH4). The basis of the work discussed in this thesis, investigates the interaction of small molecules (CO, CH4,H2O) over the least studied TiO2 polymorph - brookite. Using the Gaussian03 computational chemistry software package, density functional theory (DFT) calculations were performed to investigate the adsorption behavior of CO, H2O, and CH4 gases on perfect and oxygen-deficient brookite TiO2 (210) and anatase TiO2 (101) surfaces. The most geometrically and energetically favorable configurations of these molecules on the TiO2 surfaces were computed using the B3LYP/6-31+G(2df,p) functional/basis set. Calculations from this theoretical study indicate all three molecules adsorb more favorably onto the brookite TiO2 (210) surface. Diffuse reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (DRIFTS) was used to investigate the adsorption and desorption behavior of H2O and CH4 on Evonik P25 TiO2. Results from the experimental studies and theoretical work will serve as a significant basis for reaction prediction on brookite TiO2 surfaces.
ContributorsRollins, Selisa F (Author) / Andino, Jean M (Thesis advisor) / Dai, Lenore L (Committee member) / Forzani, Erica S (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2012
Description
This dissertation outlines the role that futures markets for tradable permits can play in improving the performance of incentive based policies for environmental externalities. An extensive literature on tradable permits exists. However, to my knowledge, the role of futures contracts as an instrument for responding to permit price uncertainty has not been considered, nor has their pricing performance in this role been examined. This research provides a theoretical description of how futures can be used to manage the price uncertainty associated with permit purchases. It then evaluates if the futures contract performance for the former U.S. Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) and the existing EU Carbon Dioxide (CO2) futures markets are consistent with the theoretical constructs. Overall, for the short time horizons examined, futures are the best information source regarding later permit prices for both markets examined. Consistent with the theoretical model presented, this implies futures markets can be looked to as a forecast of the incremental costs of emission control. The theory illustrates that firms can then use futures to eliminate the negative effects of permit price uncertainty and restore policy compliance cost minimization. These results demonstrate that an ideal futures market for emission permits can enhance policy performance.
ContributorsLewis, Daniel A (Author) / Manfredo, Mark R. (Thesis advisor) / Smith, V. Kerry (Thesis advisor) / Schmitz, Troy G. (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2015
Description
The majority of the natural issues the world is confronting today is because of our dependence on fossil fuels and the increase in CO2 emissions. The alternative solution for this problem is the use of renewable energy for the energy production, but these are uncertain energy sources. So, the combination of reducing carbon dioxide with the use of renewable energy sources is the finest way to mitigate this problem. Electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide (ERC) is a reasonable approach as it eliminates as well as utilizes the carbon dioxide as a source for generating valuable products.
In this study, development of electrochemical reactor, characterization of membrane electrode assembly (MEA) and analysis of electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide (ERC) is discussed. Electrodes using various catalyst materials in solid polymer based electrolyte (SPE) along with gas diffusion layer (GDL) are developed. The prepared membrane electrodes are characterized under ex-situ conditions using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The membranes are later placed in the electrochemical reactor for the in-situ characterization to assess the performance of the membrane electrode assembly.
The electrodes are processed by airbrushing the metal particles on the nafion membrane and then are electrochemically characterized by linear sweep voltammetry. The anode was kept constant with platinum whereas the cathode was examined with compositions of different metal catalysts. The products formed subsequently are analyzed using gas chromatography (GC) and Residual gas analysis (RGA). Hydrogen (H2) and carbon monoxide (CO) are detected using GC while the hydrocarbons are detected by performing quantitative analysis using RGA. The preliminary experiments gave very encouraging results. However, more work needs to be done to achieve new heights.
In this study, development of electrochemical reactor, characterization of membrane electrode assembly (MEA) and analysis of electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide (ERC) is discussed. Electrodes using various catalyst materials in solid polymer based electrolyte (SPE) along with gas diffusion layer (GDL) are developed. The prepared membrane electrodes are characterized under ex-situ conditions using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The membranes are later placed in the electrochemical reactor for the in-situ characterization to assess the performance of the membrane electrode assembly.
The electrodes are processed by airbrushing the metal particles on the nafion membrane and then are electrochemically characterized by linear sweep voltammetry. The anode was kept constant with platinum whereas the cathode was examined with compositions of different metal catalysts. The products formed subsequently are analyzed using gas chromatography (GC) and Residual gas analysis (RGA). Hydrogen (H2) and carbon monoxide (CO) are detected using GC while the hydrocarbons are detected by performing quantitative analysis using RGA. The preliminary experiments gave very encouraging results. However, more work needs to be done to achieve new heights.
ContributorsVenka, Rishika (Author) / Kannan, Arunachala Mada (Thesis advisor) / Huang, Huei-Ping (Thesis advisor) / Phelan, Patrick (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2016
Description
Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) is a climate stabilization strategy that prevents CO2 emissions from entering the atmosphere. Despite its benefits, impactful CCS projects require large investments in infrastructure, which could deter governments from implementing this strategy. In this sense, the development of innovative tools to support large-scale cost-efficient CCS deployment decisions is critical for climate change mitigation. This thesis proposes an improved mathematical formulation for the scalable infrastructure model for CCS (SimCCS), whose main objective is to design a minimum-cost pipe network to capture, transport, and store a target amount of CO2. Model decisions include source, reservoir, and pipe selection, as well as CO2 amounts to capture, store, and transport. By studying the SimCCS optimal solution and the subjacent network topology, new valid inequalities (VI) are proposed to strengthen the existing mathematical formulation. These constraints seek to improve the quality of the linear relaxation solutions in the branch and bound algorithm used to solve SimCCS. Each VI is explained with its intuitive description, mathematical structure and examples of resulting improvements. Further, all VIs are validated by assessing the impact of their elimination from the new formulation. The validated new formulation solves the 72-nodes Alberta problem up to 7 times faster than the original model. The upgraded model reduces the computation time required to solve SimCCS in 72% of randomly generated test instances, solving SimCCS up to 200 times faster. These formulations can be tested and then applied to enhance variants of the SimCCS and general fixed-charge network flow problems. Finally, an experience from testing a Benders decomposition approach for SimCCS is discussed and future scope of probable efficient solution-methods is outlined.
ContributorsLobo, Loy Joseph (Author) / Sefair, Jorge A (Thesis advisor) / Escobedo, Adolfo (Committee member) / Kuby, Michael (Committee member) / Middleton, Richard (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2017
Description
This report was created for an MSUS applied project. Team ESG was tasked with creating an ESG scorecard to compare asset managers and portfolios for the Arizona State University Foundation. ASUF is committed to creating a net zero emissions endowment by 2035. Therefore, Team ESG goes into detail about the ESG scorecard and roadmap for its implementation in this report.
ContributorsLongton, Molly (Author) / Rosenberg, Katrina (Author) / Myers, Andrew (Author)
Created2023-04-24