Carbon Capture, Conversion, & Storage Testbed (C3ST)

Argonne’s C3ST enables researchers to scale and optimize CO₂ and methane conversion technologies using real-world gas simulations and advanced analytics.

Scientists and engineers utilize Argonne’s C3ST to optimize and scale chemical processes for methane (CH₄) and carbon dioxide (CO₂). The facility is designed to provide simulated real-world gas feed mixes to separation and conversion processes and a wide array of analytical capabilities to determine product yields and qualities. C3ST is the flagship of the Resources-to-Products (R2P) initiative at Argonne, focusing on creating pure streams of feedstock and converting into value-added products.

C3ST is strategically located in the Materials Engineering Research Facility (MERF), integrating the kilogram scale synthesis capabilities of the MERF with the unique testing capabilities for the R2P program which include:

Electrolyzer workstation with flow cell for CO₂/CH₄ conversion to products
Advanced in situ/operando product monitoring with GC and FTIR
Catalyst characterization methods including chemisorption analyzer
Analytical techniques spanning various spectroscopic methods for studying polymers and degradation pathways
High-pressure high-temperature reactors for synthesis

While C3ST is used across Argonne directorates for R2P-related research, it is also available for use by industry, universities and other national laboratories looking to advance the science of separations and conversion scale-up.