Projects

Carbon dioxide or CO2 is a very famous chemical compound for its relevance for the global warming. 

Decreasing its production, when possible, is one of the main mission of human society to reach a Carbon Neutral society. 

Nevertheless living in an aerobic society, it is almost impossible to get rid of all the CO2. A way to reduce its production is to utilise it in our processes. In the last 20 years several research group proved that it is possible to use CO2 to generate more carbon-neutral processes.

In my research, I focus on designing catalytic systems that convert carbon dioxide into valuable chemicals called cyclic carbonates in a single step in order to avoid the isolation of intermediates. These compounds have applications in sustainable solvents, electrolytes for batteries, and polymer precursors. 

For this purpose, I use pressurised pure carbon dioxide in principle obtainable from the atmosphere.

Skills and expertise

• Operation of high-pressure reactors

• Process chemistry and chemical engineering

• Homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis
  
  

Outcomes

Poster presentation and paper submitted

This idea explores unconventional ways to store and utilize carbon dioxide. Mussel shells, rich in calcium carbonate, and other food industry byproducts could serve as natural reservoirs for CO₂. I would like to direct my future research in this direction.

Skills to be developed

• Materials characterization and process engineering

• Life cycle assessment for CO₂ storage strategies

• Cross-disciplinary approaches linking chemistry, biology, and sustainability