Descripción del proyecto
The increase in global energy consumption has been relentless as a consequence of population growth, higher living standards, and industrial expansion. This has caused, in turn, acute problems with the release of vast amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2) into the environment, which is linked to ocean acidification, global warming and extreme weather conditions. Finding new routes to strategically capture, mitigate, and utilize CO2 is thus a priority.
The catalytic conversion of CO2 to chemicals is a promising pathway for transforming this waste into a precious platform molecule, but the approach is still in its infancy. The SACforCO2 project will decisively contribute towards this effort by designing a novel class of single-atom catalysts (SACs) for a new purpose: the conversion of CO2 to make higher alcohols. To this end, SACforCO2 will adopt an interdisciplinary approach which combines organoligand-based synthesis, advanced characterization, and a close synergy between experimental and theoretical research to gain a deep understanding of the N-based surface functionalization that guides single atom anchoring. By integrating SACs into 3D printed membranes, the project will also set up the technology for a cost-effective conversion of CO2 to chemicals. This will provide fresh perspectives in catalyst design and build bridges between fundamental efforts on materials and device engineering, achieving breakthrough performance under realistic conditions.
Furthermore, this action will establish an intra-European interdisciplinary network between emerging researchers in academia and industry, at POLIMI (Italy) and VITO (Belgium), and will allow an Experienced Researcher to consolidate a diverse set of scientific and soft skills, gaining cutting-edge research competences, new credentials in teaching and supervision, and the possibility for collaborations with a broad EU network. This will ultimately strengthen career prospects toward a scientific independence.