C-NET · CO2 valorisation NETwork

The successful implementation of CO2 capture and valorization technologies is a key step within the European Green Deal, and requires the joint development of innovative processes and materials (possibly non-CRMs) to comply with the EU decarbonization timeline (55% less net greenhouse gas emissions by 2030). Nowadays, this goal can only be achieved by a collaborative effort of researchers belonging to different disciplines and bringing together different expertise. Aim of the C-NET proposal is to build a network of experts working in complementary scientific areas in order to promote advancements in the wide “net zero carbon” field. C-NET is conceived as a nurturing environment where researchers can take advantage of facilities and know-how of the partner units, involving both thermochemical and electrochemical CO2 conversion processes. The synergistic collaboration will triangulate people, materials and knowledge between UniUD (green, solvent-free mechanochemical synthesis of non-CRM catalysts and electrocatalysts), Surrey (combined capture and catalytic conversion processes), Sevilla (structured catalytic reactors development for process intensification), Treibacher (materials design, development and scale-up) and China (electro-conversion of CO2). The joint research efforts will be supported and fostered by process modeling (VirtualMech) and advanced material characterization carried out by operando synchrotron light-based techniques (NTNU-ESRF) and in-situ DRIFT experiments (Sabana, Bogota, COL). C-NET, exploiting the planned secondments and the organization of workshops and conferences to promote knowledge-sharing and new skills acquisition, will provide an exhaustive toolkit aimed at overcoming the current state-of-the-art in the field of CO2 valorization processes.