CO₂ Conversion 

Mining the Atmosphere devlops cutting-edge CO₂ processing technologies to maximize value creation and environmental impact.

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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 

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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 

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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  

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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   

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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