PIONEER · Plasma catalysis for CO2 recycling and green chemistry

The main objective of the present ITN project is the formation of a new generation of experts in the subject of CO2valorization using plasma-catalytic coupled processes. Plasma intensification of CO2 valorization processes, such as CO2hydrogenation and dry reforming of methane, can greatly contribute to the stabilization of CO2 concentration in ouratmosphere through the production of synthetic fuels that will be involved in overall zero or near zero emission cycles. Thisalternative utilization of yet C-based fuels will play an important role in our transition to a 100% renewable future. Chemicaland thermochemical CO2 valorization processes are hindered by very slow reaction kinetics. Catalysts are often used but,most of the time, they either are not enough, or their utilization is not feasible under real operation conditions. The use ofplasmas in combination with a well-designed catalyst can turn this sluggish CO2 valorization processes feasible. There ishowever a complete lack of knowledge about almost every aspect of this plasma-catalysis coupling. Research efforts will bethen directed towards the understanding of CO2 plasmas, their interaction with solid catalytic surfaces, the formation ofexcited species and the fundamentals of the reaction mechanisms involved. Different plasmas and different catalysts areneeded. Novel reactor concepts need to be found. The PhD topics cover many different scientific disciplines: from the physics of plasmas to the physicochemical characterization of solid surfaces and catalysis. The students will be instructed in several fields, not only considering science but also other important skills, such as soft skills training, as well as specificformation on managing, marketing and business skills along the duration of this project. To cloture this project aEuropean conference on Plasma Catalysis for CO2 Valorization and Green Chemistry is foreseen.