Objective
The SYMBOL Doctoral Network pioneers a new generation of solar-biohybrid technologies for decentralized biomethane production. SYMBOL introduces a Dual Pathway Conversion (DPC) architecture that merges two synergistic CO2-to-CH₄ routes: (i) a biophotoelectrochemical (BPEC) process in which Cu2O-based plasmon-enhanced photocathodes generate H2 in situ for biological methanation, and (ii) a direct interspecies electron transfer (DIET) process enabling direct photo-electron uptake by methanogenic archaea without molecular hydrogen. The integrated system achieves hydrogen-free, low-temperature, solar-driven biomethanation from biogenic CO2, fully consistent with the EU Green Deal, REPowerEU and Fit-for-55 objectives.
Ten doctoral projects combine frontier research in materials chemistry, electrochemistry, microbiology, photovoltaics, modelling and system engineering, culminating in a validated TRL 3 prototype. Key innovations include self-healing plasmonic Cu2O photocathodes, low-overpotential transition-metal chalcogenide anodes, semi-transparent patterned perovskite solar cells for light-sharing, and advanced membranes enabling stable hybrid operation. Together they target ≥ 5 % solar-to-methane efficiency and ≥ 95 % selectivity under continuous illumination.
Beyond scientific excellence, SYMBOL establishes a pan-European doctoral training ecosystem integrating academia and industry (Prodeval, Antares, EBA) through intersectoral secondments, transferable-skills courses, open-science practices, and career mentoring. The programme will train ten highly employable researchers capable of advancing CO2 valorisation and renewable-gas innovation. By coupling cutting-edge technology with structured training, SYMBOL strengthens Europe’s capacity for climate-neutral energy, sustainable process engineering and the circular-carbon economy.
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
- natural sciences chemical sciences organic chemistry aliphatic compounds
- social sciences economics and business economics sustainable economy
- natural sciences biological sciences microbiology
- engineering and technology environmental engineering energy and fuels renewable energy solar energy photovoltaic
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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-DN - HORIZON TMA MSCA Doctoral Networks
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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-DN-01
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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.
10129 Torino
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.