ILIMITED launches: targeting over 80% methanol yield in a single pass

Mannheim, 21 January 2025 — A new European research project aims to shift a fundamental limit of methanol synthesis: ILIMITED ("first-ever Ionic LIquid sorbent Methanol synthesis In order To Enable over 80% yielD"), funded under Horizon Europe (Grant Agreement No. 101192964), started on 1 January 2025 and will run for three years.

Breaking the yield ceiling

Conventional methanol synthesis converts only part of the feed gas per pass, typically around 60%. ILIMITED targets more than 80% single-pass yield by combining a highly selective ionic-liquid sorbent with catalyst encapsulation that prevents fouling and improves stability — enabling efficient, low-pressure methanol synthesis from biogas-derived CO₂ and supporting decentralised, long-term storage of renewable energy in liquid form.

ICODOS builds the reactor at the core

ICODOS develops the multi-functional, 3D-printed lab-scale reactor used to study sorbent-enhanced methanol synthesis. The goal is to demonstrate high methanol purity, a single-pass yield above 80%, and the valorization of process waste streams. ICODOS's work spans process simulation, engineering and project management, and the additive manufacturing of the reactor itself.

The consortium

The project is coordinated by the National Institute of Chemistry (Slovenia); partners include the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, D'Appolonia, Global Omnium Medioambiente, the Universidade de Aveiro and ICODOS. The project is funded by the European Union; the Swiss partner is funded by the Swiss State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI).