Project description
Laying the groundwork for the scalable production of bio-based acrylates
Acrylates are essential chemical precursors for manufacturing superabsorbent polymers, paints and coatings. Because their synthesis relies on petrochemicals, it is urgent that sustainable, eco-friendly alternatives be found. While nickel-mediated carboxylation of ethene using CO2 is a promising method to synthesise alkali acrylate monomers, its industrial scale-up is burdened by poor catalytic productivity. Supported by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the CO2-AMIGOS project seeks to boost the lifespan and efficiency of nickel catalysts for CO2-to-acrylate conversion by optimising reaction conditions. Leveraging operando spectroscopy, it will investigate catalyst evolution and use the spectroscopic data to create molecular models. Finally, using an active learning approach, the project will systematically design promoter catalysts for CO2-to-acrylate conversion.
Objective
I will integrate operando spectroscopy, modelling and active learning to increase the durability and ac-tivity of Ni-catalysts for CO2-to-acrylate conversion. Systematic understanding of catalyst deactivation and rational optimization of additives will provide transferrable methodologies to unlock sustainable C–C bond formation.
The synthesis of alkali acrylates by Ni-catalysed carboxylation of ethene using CO2 is emerging as an alternative route to acrylate monomers. It relies on Ni(0)-phosphine catalysts promoted by combinations of Lewis-acidic metals with Brønsted bases. This approach promises: i) CO2 conversion to high-added-value polymers such as super-absorbents, ii) phasing out propene in favour of ethene, which has more secure pric-ing and can be derived from biomass via bio-ethanol, and iii) reliance on earth-abundant Ni. Yet, fast deac-tivation and slow turnover frequency (TOF) limit turnover numbers (TON) under 1000, preventing commercial applications which requires TONs above 105. I propose an integrated approach to overhaul the catalyst, promoter and reaction conditions to surpass these limitations.
My first objective is to design an operando approach to investigate catalyst deactivation, from the ex-perimental setup design to the kinetic data resolution needed to quantify deactivation phenomena. My second objective is to achieve a molecular understanding of the system using molecular modelling informed by spectroscopic and kinetic data. My third objective is to develop an active learning methodology to rationally design catalytic CO2-to-acrylate promoters.
I propose a mechanism- and data-driven overhaul of reaction conditions and additives to produce transferable principles to improve Ni catalysts.
The fellowship will provide me with a comprehensive and tailored training program combining scientific skills with professional development, to enable my growth into an internationally visible independent researcher.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
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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.
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Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
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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)
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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.
HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
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(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2025-PF
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2628 CN Delft
Netherlands
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