Hilal.aykac@socar.com.tr
Tugce.oturakkaya@socar.com.tr
NEFERTITI will develop an innovative highly efficient photocatalytic system enabling a simultaneous conversion of CO2 and H2O into solar fuels (ethanol and alcohols with longer chain such as (iso)propanol) and thus provide a breakthrough alternative to transform CO2 into valuable products for energy and transport. NEFERTITI aims to integrate novel heterogeneous catalysts (Covalent organic frameworks and metal oxides combined with metallic nanoparticles) and luminescent solar concentrators into two Photocatalytic flow reactors sourced by sunlight energy. The reaction mechanisms for the photocatalytic CO2/H2O conversion and C-C bond formation will be defined and optimised. As this has never been done before, NEFERTITI will develop a completely new way of producing such compounds in a continuous manner having a significant impact on the scientific understating of this technology. Modelling of C-C bond formation from activated intermediates will then determinate the reaction pathways, barriers and selectivity for C-C, C-O and C-H bonds. By increasing the sunlight conversion efficiency and improving light-harvesting and charge separation, NEFERTITI will overcome the remaining technological challenges, improve the competitiveness of the photocatalytic technologies and enable a carbon-neutral production of solar fuels in a single-step process as an alternative to traditional multi-step processes. Novel photocatalytic materials, optical and chemical light-harvesting components and flow reactors will be designed, developed and integrated in a system reaching a TRL4 at the end of the project. Economic and sustainability assessment throughout the entire life cycle will consider socio-economic and environmental impacts, as well as workers’ health & safety to maximize productivity and resource efficiency and minimize the risks. The consortium is composed of an experienced multidisciplinary team from EU, China and USA, supported by an international Advisory Board.
It is expected that the development of renewable fuels that outperform the best fossil fuel alternatives is accelerated
Target Groups:
Researchers/ scientists/ academia: International research organisations, scientists and researchers active in catalysts, photocatalysis, artificial photosynthesis, etc. Scientific advisor and expert groups; Universities and future generation of scientists.
Industry: Large energy-intensive industries producing CO2 from their processes, esp. refineries, chemical, petrochemical and pharmaceutical. Materials industries, catalysts and reactors manufacturers. Industrial associations and networks
- European and international networks and Platforms
- Regulatory and standardisation agencies
- Other EU (co)funded projects and initiatives
- Policy makers,
- General public
In the wake of the adoption of the Green Deal hindered by the international sanitary crisis, it is key to reinforce the international collaboration leading to a development of breakthrough technologies bringing the EU and the global economy towards decarbonisation.
NEFERTITI photocatalysts will be immobilised in the inner walls of the reactor to avoid both catalyst leaching and separation steps and increase yield
NEFERTITI will use a photosensitisers to improve photocatalyst absorption
Integrated continuous flow device to generate fuels by photocatalytic reactions will be validated for the first time.
Novel photocatalytic materials, optical and chemical light-harvesting components and flow reactors will be designed, developed and integrated in a system reaching a TRL4 at the end of the project.. Project employees are expected to gain interdisciplinary research skills as a result.
NEFERTITI will contribute to a healthy, fossil fuels independent society with increased employment opportunities.
NEFERTITI will contribute to mitigating the EU’s dependency on imported fossil fuels and valuable chemicals, and simultaneously create new sustainable job opportunities related to novel technologies and materials produced in Europe.
If the alternative fuels succeed to replace a part of the fossil fuels or even reach the chemicals markets, thousands of new business opportunities especially related to green technologies and the circular economy model and therefore not dependent on imported fossil fuels would be brought back to Europe. Areas such as catalysts, photocatalytic reactors, solar biofuels, etc., will be stimulated by training of skilled personnel.
The consortium is composed of an experienced multidisciplinary team from EU, China and USA, supported by an international Advisory Board.
Keywords: Photocatalysis, flow reactors, heterogenous photocatalysts, light-harvesting, solar ethanol
