Project description
New zeolite synthesis methods could transform their catalytic efficiency
Zeolites are microporous materials that are commonly used as commercial catalysts. Although zeolite synthesis is essentially an assembly of silica and alumina around positively charged template molecules, the outcome largely depends on the kinetics of the constituents. Fine control over the kinetic interactions between elements is essential to develop more efficient catalytic processes. The EU-funded Z-EURECA project aims to revolutionise zeolite synthesis by introducing new reactor-based handles, specific external electric fields and fed-batch reactor modes to exert better control over zeolite kinetics. New reactor designs will enable the active manipulation of the various Coulomb and interspecies interactions and of local concentration gradients. Optimal zeolite synthesis could lead to new catalyst discovery and better reaction performances.
Objective
Approximately 9 out of 10 chemical processes use a solid catalyst, as they increase the efficiency of chemical reactions while being recyclable. Zeolites are one of the most iconic types. These porous crystalline oxides are built from networks of aluminum and silicon nodes and are characterized by regular pores with dimensions similar to most of the molecules that sustain modern society.
Although zeolite synthesis is essentially an assembly of silica and alumina around positively charged template molecules, the outcome heavily depends on kinetics. Yet, classic reactors and strategies barely allow any fine-control over the kinetic interplay, and thus the zeolite made, due the complex and not well understood role of Coulomb and other interactions among the assembling species, and their concentration profiles. Even for established catalysts, synthetic control over their key properties is often lacking. However, such fine-control is essential to develop better catalytic processes in the light of global challenges.
Z-EURECA wants to revolutionize zeolite synthesis, not by the usual search for ingredients, but by introducing new reactor-based handles, specifically external electric fields and fed-batch modes, to exert control over kinetic pathways. Based on new reactor designs, active manipulation of the various Coulomb and interspecies interactions and local concentration gradients during synthesis will be possible.
This bottom-up revolution will i) provide missing insights into the fundamentals of relevant zeolite synthesis, ii) develop active tools that engineer access to synthetic fine-control over zeolites and iii) validate this fine-control in relevant catalytic reactions for superior acid and redox zeolites in prominent sustainable catalysis challenges of our resource-hungry society.
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 inorganic chemistry inorganic compounds
- social sciences political sciences political transitions revolutions
- natural sciences chemical sciences catalysis
- natural sciences chemical sciences inorganic chemistry metalloids
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Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
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.
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H2020-EU.1.1. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - European Research Council (ERC)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
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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
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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.
ERC-STG - Starting Grant
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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) ERC-2020-STG
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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.
3000 Leuven
Belgium
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