Double-Active Membranes for a sustainable CO2 cycle

Introduction

The exploitation of fossil fuels brought our ecosystem to the edge of catastrophic changes. Mankind's current challenge is to reverse the increase of greenhouse gas emissions to mitigate the serious consequences on the global climate.

Transition to Sustainable Economy

In this scenario, the transition of modern society to a more sustainable and circular economy must be accelerated. One of the key pillars of this transition is the implementation of a sustainable CO2 cycle, based on net-zero emissions Carbon Capture and Utilization processes.

Role of Membrane-based Technologies

Membrane-based technologies could play a pivotal role in bringing this vision closer to reality. Indeed, thanks to their high efficiency, scalability, and easy operability, they are candidates for the efficient capture and use of CO2.

Project Goals

The goal of DAM4CO2 is to develop a novel membrane technology for the simultaneous CO2 separation and its photocatalytic conversion to C4+ molecules, as renewable fuels.

Overcoming Conventional Technologies

DAM4CO2 will overcome the limitations of conventional membrane technologies by developing double active membranes (DAMs) with:

1. A durable and highly selective gas separation layer
2. A photocatalytic layer able to simultaneously combine in one pot reverse water gas shift (RWGS) and Fischer-Tropsch synthesis (FTS) to obtain C4+ molecules.

Prototype Development

The project will deliver a prototype, designed using the design-build-test-learn approach, for proof-of-concept validation in lab conditions.

Sustainability Considerations

Close attention will be paid to the use of non-critical raw materials at every stage of the process, and the carbon neutrality of the entire process will be certified by a full life cycle analysis.

Team Expertise

DAM4CO2 brings together the complementary expertise of our team in the areas of:

• Organic chemistry
• Inorganic chemistry
• Physical chemistry
• Materials science
• Chemical engineering

This expertise will be utilized for the development, synthesis, and characterization of the starting materials, as well as for the design, construction, and application of membrane modules.

Conclusion

DAM4CO2 will implement a sustainable, cost-effective, and energy-efficient net-zero carbon CO2 cycle.