Fatemeh Haghighatjoo

Researcher in Chemical Engineering

Department of Chemical Engineering, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran

Dr. Fatemeh Haghighatjoo is a chemical engineering researcher specializing in CO₂ utilization, carbon capture, and sustainable fuel production. She has authored key studies on green methanol, hydrogen purification, and exergy analysis. As editor of major reference books with Elsevier, CRC Press, and Wiley, she contributes to climate-focused energy innovation and low-carbon solutions supporting the global energy transition.

Participates in

TECHNICAL PROGRAMME | Energy Fuels and Molecules

Hydrogen (green and blue); Ammonia; Methanol
Forum 14 | Technical Programme Hall 3
28
April
10:00 11:30
UTC+3
Methanol, a key clean energy carrier, is a fundamental component in various industrial applications, including fuel, solvent, and chemical production. The conversion of CO2 to methanol has become a crucial strategy in the effort to transition to a low-carbon energy future. This paper examines two primary routes for methanol production: the direct CO2-to-methanol process and the indirect process, where CO2 is first converted to CO through a water gas shift reactor. The study compares the efficiency, economic feasibility, and environmental impact of both processes. It highlights how the direct methanol synthesis process is more favorable in terms of environmental benefits and financial efficiency due to lower capital investment and a quicker payback period. On the other hand, while the indirect method results in slightly higher profitability, it involves higher investment costs. The findings emphasize the importance of optimizing CO2 conversion to methanol in the global effort to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable energy systems.

Keywords: Carbon dioxide (CO2), Direct methanol synthesis, Environmental impact, Methanol production, Techno-economic analysis.

Co-author/s:

Mohammad Reza Rahimpour, Professor of Chemical Engineering, Department of Chemical Engineering, Shiraz University.

Soheila Zandi Lak, Researcher in Chemical Engineering, Department of Chemical engineering, Shiraz University.

Eng. Maryam Koohi-Saadi, Researcher in Chemical Engineering, Department of Chemical engineering, Shiraz University.

TECHNICAL PROGRAMME | Primary Energy Supply

The Role of Biofuels as a Feedstock
Forum 06 | Digital Poster Plaza 1
30
April
12:00 14:00
UTC+3
The global demand for biofuels has significantly increased in recent years due to their potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and provide an environmentally friendly alternative to fossil fuels. Among biofuels, bioethanol has emerged as a key candidate for sustainable energy solutions, offering numerous benefits in terms of energy security, economic growth, and environmental preservation. However, the production and purification of bioethanol still face numerous challenges, particularly in terms of energy efficiency and cost. To address these issues, recent advancements in membrane technology have provided promising alternatives to conventional ethanol purification methods. Membrane-based processes such as pervaporation, reverse osmosis, and ultrafiltration are being increasingly integrated into bioethanol production to optimize energy usage and reduce operational costs. These processes, especially when combined with bioreactor technologies, enhance the overall efficiency of bioethanol production by enabling selective separation, high throughput, and the reduction of waste products. Moreover, innovations in mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) and the incorporation of nanomaterials such as carbon nanotubes are further improving the performance and scalability of these systems. The continued development and optimization of these membrane technologies are expected to play a pivotal role in the future of bioethanol production, making it more sustainable and economically viable.

Keywords: Bioreactors, Bioethanol, Membrane Technology, Pervaporation, Sustainability

Co-author/s:

Mohammad Reza Rahimpour, Professor of Chemical Engineering, Department of Chemical Engineering, Shiraz University.

Soheila Zandi Lak, Researcher in Chemical Engineering, Department of Chemical Engineering, Shiraz University.

Eng. Maryam Koohi-Saadi, Researcher in Chemical Engineering, Department of Chemical Engineering, Shiraz University.