L2M QC Spring 2025 | From Pollutant to Profit: Turning CO2 into Formic Acid and Carbon Credits

This project aims to conduct an in-depth market study on the formic acid and carbon credit markets to evaluate the commercial potential of a new class of electrocatalysts that convert CO2 into formic acid using renewable electricity and water. The intern will engage with key industry stakeholders to gather insights on market demand, pricing, and competitive positioning. The study will assess the feasibility of a dual-revenue model, leveraging both sustainable chemical production and verifiable carbon credit sales. The findings will contribute to the development of a potential business model and strategic commercialization plan. By offering a cost-effective, clean alternative to fossil fuel-based formic acid production, successfully commercializing this technology could drive significant environmental and economic benefits, including large-scale CO2 emission reductions, enhanced profitability through carbon credit sales, and the establishment of a sustainable supply chain for industries relying on formic acid. Additionally, it could attract investments in clean technologies and create new job opportunities in the sustainable chemical sector.

Faculty Supervisor:

Daniel Guay

Student:

Partner:

V1 Studio

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Clean Technology; Sustainability & the Environment

University:

Université du Québec : Institut national de la recherche scientifique

Program: