Project description
Toward more efficient CO2 capture and conversion systems
Decreasing carbon emissions needs technologies that can capture CO2 and transform it into valuable chemicals. Supported by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the ZECO project will create copper-zeolite dual-functional materials for integrated CO2 capture and utilisation (ICCU). The project aims to produce copper-zeolite materials that can capture CO2 and transform it into methanol under milder and more stable operating conditions. Engineering the materials in such a way that they possess suitable mesoporosity, stabilised active sites and anti-sintering property will help overcome challenges related to the use of zeolites at high temperatures. The results will provide proof-of-concept prototypes of ICCU. Ultimately, ZECO could help advance energy-efficient pathways for CO2 utilisation.
Objective
Dual-functional materials (DFMs) lie at the core of Integrated CO2 Capture and Utilization (ICCU), transformative approach that merges CO2 capture and conversion within a single process, eliminating intermediate energy-intensive steps. Current state-of the-art DFMs are oxide-based, which require a harsh regeneration environment at 600-900 °C, leading to sintering and structural degradation. Zeolites offer an innovative alternative due to their tunable adsorption sites and milder regeneration temperatures. However, their CO2 uptake drops at the elevated temperature required for catalytic conversion. This limitation has so far prevented zeolites from emerging as viable alternative to oxide-based DMFs. Incorporating copper into zeolites presents a unique opportunity to overcome these barriers. Copper introduces catalytic sites for CO2 hydrogenation and enhances CO2 affinity through cation–quadrupole and Lewis acid interactions. Yet, Cu-zeolites have not been demonstrated as DFMs under realistic ICCU conditions due to potential deactivation risks at high temperatures. Project ZECO (Zeolite-Copper) will pioneer the development of copper-zeolite DFMs with tailored mesoporosity, stabilized active sites, and anti-sintering properties to achieve integrated CO2 capture and catalytic conversion to methanol in a single material. The project goal is ambitious yet achievable because of established scientific evidence on Cu-zeolites as adsorbents and catalysts, state-of-the-art facilities at the host institution, and complementary expertise between the fellow and supervisor. ZECO will deliver new DFMs, bridging the gap between capture and conversion. Outcomes will include proof-of-concept prototypes for ICCU under practical conditions, high-impact publications, and collaborations. Beyond scientific advances, the fellowship will enhance the fellow’s employability and leadership skills through interdisciplinary training and project management experience.
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
- natural sciences chemical sciences organic chemistry alcohols
- natural sciences chemical sciences catalysis
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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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HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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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
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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) HORIZON-MSCA-2025-PF
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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.
WC1E 6BT London
United Kingdom
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.