Objective
In response to the EU Green Deal’s goal of achieving climate neutrality by 2050, efficient carbon capture and utilization (CCU) technologies are urgently needed to close the carbon cycle. Direct bicarbonate electroreduction (BER) is a promising approach because it can circumvent the energy-intensive, thermal CO2 regeneration step in conventional CO2 electroreduction combined with alkaline liquid-based carbon capture technology. Copper electrode materials can drive the direct conversion of the liquid captured carbon towards valuable multicarbon products, yet the process still suffers from limited activity and selectivity. In addition, current BER electrolyzer designs require high cell voltages, largely because of the immature bipolar membrane technology which causes significant energy losses through water dissociation. As a result, achieving energy-efficient conversion of bicarbonate into multicarbon products remains a critical unsolved challenge.
This project introduces a new electrolyzer configuration based on the established cation exchange membrane (CEM) technology combined with surface-modified oxide-derived copper electrodes to enable efficient bicarbonate-to-multicarbon conversion. Operando Raman and in situ synchrotron X-ray spectroscopy will directly track interfacial properties suitable as activity and selectivity descriptors, including local pH, adsorbed surface species, and Cu oxidation states under industrially relevant conditions. These insights will guide a multi-scale optimization strategy across catalyst chemistry, electrolyte composition, and membrane–electrode microenvironment, establishing a mechanism-driven framework with transferable principles for advancing bicarbonate electrolysis. By overcoming the combined challenges of low reactivity and high energy demand, the project will provide a viable pathway for direct CO2 utilization, contribute to Europe’s leadership in sustainable catalysis, and directly support the EU’s net-zero agenda.
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 electrochemistry electrolysis
- engineering and technology chemical engineering separation technologies
- natural sciences chemical sciences catalysis
- engineering and technology environmental engineering carbon capture engineering
- natural sciences physical sciences optics spectroscopy
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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.
80539 MUNCHEN
Germany
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.