In order to fight global warming, many countries, including Switzerland, have set themselves the goal of slashing their greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050. However, net zero is only an interim goal – because in the long term, a more holistic approach is needed to actively reduce the concentration of CO₂ in the atmosphere. With Mining the Atmosphere, Empa aims at extracting the excess CO₂ produced by mankind from the atmosphere and using it as a source for carbon-containing materials. The goal is to develop a completely new economic model along with the associated industrial sectors that convert CO₂ as the raw material of the future into valuable materials to replace conventional construction materials and petrochemicals.

Through a chemical reaction with hydrogen, the captured atmospheric CO₂ can be converted into hydrocarbons and can thus replace fossil raw materials as well as other materials. Put simply, we can "upgrade" atmospheric CO₂ by using the climate gas as a starting point for a wide range of carbon-containing materials – from kerosene, polymers and pharmaceuticals to bitumen for the asphalt in our roads.

It goes without saying that the impact on climate is greatest when the carbon-containing materials and the resulting products could bind billions of tons of carbon in total, i.e. materials that are utilized in very large quantities. Thus, the first phase of Mining the Atmosphere will focus on construction materials, such as carbon-based aggregates for concrete and asphalt, as well as thermal insulation materials. The new NEST unit Beyond Zero will contain a wide range of CO₂-negative innovations to demonstrate whether and how buildings can act as long-term carbon sinks.

Of course, the Mining the Atmosphere approach is utterly energy-intensive; it therefore only promises sustainable solutions if the energy transition to renewables will turn out to be a success. In other words, it is the second step on the road to a truly sustainable future. However, the conversion of CO₂ into short- and longer-chain hydrocarbons is not only extremely challenging in terms of energy, but also chemically and catalytically. Empa researchers are therefore developing new catalytic processes and catalyst materials that are required for the various chemical conversion reactions, as well as innovative energy technologies and new types of carbon-containing building materials.

The video and livestream series shines the spotlight on the bright minds who are creating fascinating innovations at Empa – with the aim of making our lives and the world of tomorrow more sustainable.

Learn more about this fascinating concept, the projects and the people behind it in a Special Edition of Bright Minds on 25 April 2024. Join the discussion and send your questions in advance to . We look forward to "seeing" you online!