Project description
Optimising structural and functional characteristics of carbon by-products
Green energy technologies, such as biomass and methane pyrolysis, inevitably produce solid carbon by-products. Under the right conditions, such carbon materials could be transformed into value-added carbons (VACs) with desirable optical, electronic and mechanical properties. However, existing models are impractical for industrial applications. Supported by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the KINMECPRO project aims to address this by building an innovative kinetic model that links reaction mechanisms with the resulting structure and function of carbon materials. By combining molecular dynamics simulations, quantum chemistry methods and dedicated experiments, it will create a unique predictive model to facilitate the optimisation of advanced pyrolysis techniques towards VACs with tailored properties. This will reduce waste and maximise VAC production.
Objective
Industrial processes key to the green transition, such as biomass and waste pyrolysis or turquoise hydrogen production, unavoidably generate solid carbon materials. Traditionally, these carbon deposits (CDs) reduce reactor efficiency, and these carbon nanoparticles (CNPs) contribute to harmful emissions. Yet, recent findings reveal that similar products from hydrocarbon pyrolysis can exhibit exceptional optical, electronic, and mechanical properties, akin to advanced carbon nanomaterials. Harnessing these properties could transform CDs and CNPs from costly by-products into value-added carbons (VACs), boosting the economic viability of sustainable technologies. Despite this potential, no current model links operating conditions to the morphology and functional properties of carbon materials. Existing approaches are descriptive, system-specific, and unsuitable for industrial design. KINMECPRO will close this critical gap by developing the first kinetic model that connects chemical mechanisms, structure formation and carbon material properties. To achieve this, the project combines: molecular dynamics simulations to generate surrogate structures and key morphological descriptors; quantum chemistry methods to calculate electronic and optical properties; and shock tube reactor experiments to provide high-quality data at well-defined conditions. The resulting one-of-a-kind predictive model will guide the design and scale-up of innovative pyrolysis processes, minimizing waste while maximizing the production of VACs. Scientifically, it will establish a new framework for linking chemical kinetics to solid-state material properties. Societally, it will enable cleaner energy systems and circular use of resources, supporting the European Green Deal and UN SDGs. For the researcher, it represents a unique opportunity to acquire interdisciplinary expertise and leadership skills, laying the foundation for an independent career at the frontier of sustainable chemistry and materials.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- natural sciences chemical sciences organic chemistry hydrocarbons
- natural sciences chemical sciences physical chemistry quantum chemistry
- engineering and technology nanotechnology nano-materials
- engineering and technology environmental engineering energy and fuels renewable energy hydrogen energy
You need to log in or register to use this function
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
-
HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
MAIN PROGRAMME
See all projects funded under this programme
Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
See all projects funded under this funding scheme
Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2025-PF
See all projects funded under this callCoordinator
Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
20133 Milano
Italy
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.