Title : Modular conversion of CO2 into synthetic fuels through plasma and bio chemo catalysis assisted process: Presentation of C2FueLS project
Abstract:
The transition towards sustainable mobility demands new Power-to-X (PtX) routes capable of converting renewable electricity, green hydrogen and CO2 into liquid and gaseous fuels efficiently and under mild conditions. Conventional thermocatalytic approaches often require high temperatures and pressures, limiting their energy efficiency and scalability. In response, emerging hybrid systems based on disruptive and hierarchical catalyst are gaining attention for their potential to enhance conversion rates, selectivity, and overall process integration while operating close to ambient conditions.
The +C2FUe-LS project Turning recycled carbon into valuable fuels for all transport sectors by marrying selective plasma and bio-/chemo-catalysis at mild conditions), a Horizon Europe funded project (GA 101236115), aims to develop and validate an innovative modular technology for the conversion of CO2 into renewable fuels and chemicals. The initiative combines catalytic and plasma-assisted processes in cascade reactor configurations to intensify reactions and improve selectivity towards target products such as CO, formaldehyde and light alcohols.
The project, formed by 7 European research and technology centres, addresses the entire CO2 conversion value chain from fundamental catalyst development to system validation under relevant conditions (TRL4). Its objectives include: (i) design of robust and selective catalysts (plasma-, bio- and chemo-based, including MOFs) and supports with high specificity for intermediate reaction steps; (ii) design and integration of a 3D-structured reactor modules operating under mild and adjustable conditions; (iii) experimental validation of modular platform for direct alcohol production and its validation in fuel cell applications, and (iv) overall assessment in terms of sustainability, energy and cost efficiency and applicability.
The technical methodology follows a design-build-test-validate approach involving catalyst synthesis and characterization, kinetic modelling, reactor engineering, and environmental and economical assessment. The modular cascade reactor will be evaluated under simulated conditions, controlled heating per each step and online/offine analysis for precise quantification of product compositions under mild conditions (aiming T<100ºC, 1 bar).
Expected outcomes include the transformation of CO2 into C2 with high selectivity and improving overall energy efficiency of the process, and the definition of reference models and operational guidelines for next-generation PtX processes, contributing to decarbonisation of transport and the circular carbon economy in Europe.
