CO₂ Conversion
Mining the Atmosphere devlops cutting-edge CO₂ processing technologies to maximize value creation and environmental impact.
Powering emission-free silicon carbide (SiC) production with CO₂
Empa is exploring a novel capture-and-conversion method that enables sustainable silicon carbide (SiC) production by using atmospheric CO₂ as carbon source. By rethinking high-temperature synthesis, it provides a sustainable solution for manufacturing SiC at scale and unlocks business opportunities for the construction industry.
Project Lead: Dr. Frank Clemens
Boosting carbon storage via methane-derived carbon particles with customized properties
To enhance carbon storage and reduce the cost of negative emissions, Empa researchers develop methane-derived core-shell particles with tailored properties. Using plasma pyrolysis, researchers produce robust carbon-coated materials ideal as high-performance fillers for concrete, asphalt, and polymers – turning solid carbon from hydrogen production into a valuable resource for durable, carbon-rich composites.
Project Lead: Dr. Panayotis Dimopoulos
Decarbonizing and upcycling greenhouse gases with plasma processing
Empa researchers are investigating plasma processing technologies to transform CO₂ and methane (CH₄) into valuable raw materials. By mimicking the chemistry of lightning, this approach promises to decarbonize energy-intensive industries while enabling sustainable manufacturing.
Project Leads: Dr. Ramses Snoeckx and Dr. Dirk Hegemann
Pioneering electrochemical conversion of CO₂ to solid carbon
Empa researchers are developing a novel electrochemical process using gas diffusion electrodes that can convert emitted CO₂ into solid carbon, aiming for a negative carbon footprint through long-term storage.
Project Lead: Dr. Alessandro Senocrate
Advancing sustainable catalysts for next-generation industrial CO₂ conversion
Empa researchers are developing scalable, cost-effective catalysts by exploiting the defect-rich structure of amorphous materials. Combining digital screening with targeted synthesis and advanced spectroscopic characterization, the project aims to enhance CO₂ conversion efficiency while establishing new methodologies for data-driven catalyst design.
Project Lead: Dr. Ivan Lunati