Periodic Reporting for period 1 - CSTO2NE (Biomimicry and carbon adsorbent eco-materials for a climate-neutral economy)
Reporting period: 2023-01-01 to 2024-12-31
The CSTO2NE project tackles environmental challenges by transforming biowaste and industrial waste into eco-engineered materials through industrial symbiosis, mineral carbonation, and biomimicry.
Context and Objectives
With global resource consumption expected to double in 40 years and waste generation rising by 70% by 2050, sustainable waste management is urgent. Aligned with the European Green Deal and New European Bauhaus, CSTO2NE aims to:
• Innovate Recycling Methods: Develop advanced waste upcycling techniques, including CO2 mineral carbonation.
• Incorporate Biomimicry: Use nature-inspired designs to enhance carbon uptake and integrate waste into materials.
• Prototype Development: Create cost-effective, high-performance eco-materials for construction and energy applications.
• Promote Eco-Innovation: Develop sustainable business models to drive commercialisation.
Project Pathway to Impact
CSTO2NE follows a multidisciplinary approach structured into five key work packages:
• Coordination & Management: Ensure efficient implementation and partner collaboration.
• Knowledge Sharing & Dissemination: Maximize outreach and knowledge exchange.
• Upcycling & Carbon Uptake: Characterize waste and design biomimicry-inspired CO2 sequestration methods.
• Prototype Design & Properties: Develop and test eco-materials for environmental and economic viability.
• Eco-Innovation Business Models: Create commercialisation strategies for sustainable market uptake.
Expected Impacts
CSTO2NE contributes to the European Green Deal by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting resource efficiency. It will:
• Reduce CO2 Emissions: Develop carbon-capturing materials to combat climate change.
• Enhance Waste Valorization: Convert waste into valuable resources, minimizing landfill use.
• Support Economic Growth: Drive circular economy innovation and job creation.
• Increase Public Awareness: Disseminate knowledge to encourage sustainable practices.
Context and Objectives
With global resource consumption expected to double in 40 years and waste generation rising by 70% by 2050, sustainable waste management is urgent. Aligned with the European Green Deal and New European Bauhaus, CSTO2NE aims to:
• Innovate Recycling Methods: Develop advanced waste upcycling techniques, including CO2 mineral carbonation.
• Incorporate Biomimicry: Use nature-inspired designs to enhance carbon uptake and integrate waste into materials.
• Prototype Development: Create cost-effective, high-performance eco-materials for construction and energy applications.
• Promote Eco-Innovation: Develop sustainable business models to drive commercialisation.
Project Pathway to Impact
CSTO2NE follows a multidisciplinary approach structured into five key work packages:
• Coordination & Management: Ensure efficient implementation and partner collaboration.
• Knowledge Sharing & Dissemination: Maximize outreach and knowledge exchange.
• Upcycling & Carbon Uptake: Characterize waste and design biomimicry-inspired CO2 sequestration methods.
• Prototype Design & Properties: Develop and test eco-materials for environmental and economic viability.
• Eco-Innovation Business Models: Create commercialisation strategies for sustainable market uptake.
Expected Impacts
CSTO2NE contributes to the European Green Deal by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting resource efficiency. It will:
• Reduce CO2 Emissions: Develop carbon-capturing materials to combat climate change.
• Enhance Waste Valorization: Convert waste into valuable resources, minimizing landfill use.
• Support Economic Growth: Drive circular economy innovation and job creation.
• Increase Public Awareness: Disseminate knowledge to encourage sustainable practices.
The CSTO2NE project, funded under Horizon Europe and the UK Engineering & Physical Sciences Research Council, focuses on biomimicry-driven, carbon-adsorbent eco-materials. Below is a summary of key technical and scientific progress.
Work Package 3: Upcycling and Carbon Uptake
Activities Performed:
• Waste Materials Characterization (On Track): Analyzed industrial residues (steel slags, cement dust, biomass ashes, etc.), studied hydrogen sulfide emissions, and evaluated textile fibers for CO2 capture.
• Biomimicry-Inspired Carbonation (Partially Achieved): Reviewed alkali-activated foamed materials, optimized CO2 curing on Electric Arc Furnace slag, and explored biological carbonation methods.
• Co-Utilization of Biowaste (Partially Achieved): Integrated textile fibers and biowaste into hybrid binders, developed porous structures for better carbonation, and assessed biomass applications.
Key Challenges & Next Steps:
• Address material variability with adaptable mix designs.
• Improve carbonation uniformity and long-term durability validation.
• Optimize biomimicry-based CO2 absorption for large-scale applications.
Work Package 4: Prototype Design and Properties
Activities Performed:
• Biomimicry in Prototype Design (On Track): Explored nature-inspired filtration solutions, artificial rock-like materials, and carbon-absorbing structures.
• Characterization of Industrial Prototypes (Partially Achieved): Conducted durability and thermal performance tests and assessed soil interaction and biochar integration.
• Life Cycle Assessment (Partially Achieved): Preliminary analysis shows a 30% CO2 reduction, with further data required.
Key Challenges & Next Steps:
• Scale up production for industrial applications.
• Conduct extended durability and exposure testing.
• Finalize LCA and refine economic feasibility assessments.
Work Package 5: Eco-Innovation Business Models
Activities Performed:
• Business Model Development (Partially Achieved): Conducted market studies, but industry engagement remains limited.
• Blueprint on Research Impact (Partially Achieved): Applied open innovation principles; a research paper is in preparation.
• Training on Business Models (Partially Achieved): Developed initial training and video materials, but Demoday implementation is pending.
• Demoday & Dissemination (Not Yet Achieved): Event planning is ongoing; stakeholder participation remains low.
• Handbook on Business Models (Not Yet Achieved): Conceptual work has begun, but full drafting is pending.
Overall Project Impact and Outcomes
Scientific Contributions:
• Advanced CO2 sequestration knowledge through biomimicry and industrial waste valorization.
• Developed carbon-absorbing materials with large-scale potential.
Technical Innovations:
• Demonstrated feasibility of biowaste and industrial waste as feedstock for carbon-negative products.
• Optimized carbonation techniques for sustainable construction.
Future Steps:
• Expand pilot testing for scalability.
• Strengthen industry engagement for technology transfer.
• Finalize LCA and cost assessments to support commercialization.
Work Package 3: Upcycling and Carbon Uptake
Activities Performed:
• Waste Materials Characterization (On Track): Analyzed industrial residues (steel slags, cement dust, biomass ashes, etc.), studied hydrogen sulfide emissions, and evaluated textile fibers for CO2 capture.
• Biomimicry-Inspired Carbonation (Partially Achieved): Reviewed alkali-activated foamed materials, optimized CO2 curing on Electric Arc Furnace slag, and explored biological carbonation methods.
• Co-Utilization of Biowaste (Partially Achieved): Integrated textile fibers and biowaste into hybrid binders, developed porous structures for better carbonation, and assessed biomass applications.
Key Challenges & Next Steps:
• Address material variability with adaptable mix designs.
• Improve carbonation uniformity and long-term durability validation.
• Optimize biomimicry-based CO2 absorption for large-scale applications.
Work Package 4: Prototype Design and Properties
Activities Performed:
• Biomimicry in Prototype Design (On Track): Explored nature-inspired filtration solutions, artificial rock-like materials, and carbon-absorbing structures.
• Characterization of Industrial Prototypes (Partially Achieved): Conducted durability and thermal performance tests and assessed soil interaction and biochar integration.
• Life Cycle Assessment (Partially Achieved): Preliminary analysis shows a 30% CO2 reduction, with further data required.
Key Challenges & Next Steps:
• Scale up production for industrial applications.
• Conduct extended durability and exposure testing.
• Finalize LCA and refine economic feasibility assessments.
Work Package 5: Eco-Innovation Business Models
Activities Performed:
• Business Model Development (Partially Achieved): Conducted market studies, but industry engagement remains limited.
• Blueprint on Research Impact (Partially Achieved): Applied open innovation principles; a research paper is in preparation.
• Training on Business Models (Partially Achieved): Developed initial training and video materials, but Demoday implementation is pending.
• Demoday & Dissemination (Not Yet Achieved): Event planning is ongoing; stakeholder participation remains low.
• Handbook on Business Models (Not Yet Achieved): Conceptual work has begun, but full drafting is pending.
Overall Project Impact and Outcomes
Scientific Contributions:
• Advanced CO2 sequestration knowledge through biomimicry and industrial waste valorization.
• Developed carbon-absorbing materials with large-scale potential.
Technical Innovations:
• Demonstrated feasibility of biowaste and industrial waste as feedstock for carbon-negative products.
• Optimized carbonation techniques for sustainable construction.
Future Steps:
• Expand pilot testing for scalability.
• Strengthen industry engagement for technology transfer.
• Finalize LCA and cost assessments to support commercialization.
Scientific and Technical Advances
• Material Characterization & Carbonation: Successfully applied CO2 sequestration strategies to industrial waste, enhancing material durability.
• Prototype Development: Produced hybrid binders, artificial rocks, and compacted aggregates with promising performance.
• Eco-Innovation & Business Models: Established commercialization frameworks, though further validation is required.
Potential Impacts
Environmental & Sustainability
• Supports net-zero targets by reducing CO2 emissions.
• Enhances circular economy by repurposing industrial and biowaste.
Industrial & Market
• Introduces sustainable alternatives to cement-based products.
• Expands opportunities in construction and water treatment sectors.
Policy & Regulatory
• Aligns with EU Green Deal and circular economy policies.
• Calls for updated standards for CO2-absorbing materials.
• Material Characterization & Carbonation: Successfully applied CO2 sequestration strategies to industrial waste, enhancing material durability.
• Prototype Development: Produced hybrid binders, artificial rocks, and compacted aggregates with promising performance.
• Eco-Innovation & Business Models: Established commercialization frameworks, though further validation is required.
Potential Impacts
Environmental & Sustainability
• Supports net-zero targets by reducing CO2 emissions.
• Enhances circular economy by repurposing industrial and biowaste.
Industrial & Market
• Introduces sustainable alternatives to cement-based products.
• Expands opportunities in construction and water treatment sectors.
Policy & Regulatory
• Aligns with EU Green Deal and circular economy policies.
• Calls for updated standards for CO2-absorbing materials.