C-Atoms for Circular Chemistry (CO2NVERT)

Description

In order to achieve the overarching goal of net-zero emissions by 2050, a paradigm shift toward a cir-cular economy for carbon has to be put in place.

The systemic objective of the Flagship project is to provide the society with a viable case study of the CO2 circular economy applied to the chemical industry. The exemplary technology proposed, referable to the Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCU) technology, will reuse emissions of fossil CO2 to produce higher alcohols, in particular isopropanol and 2-butanol, important value chemicals for the chemical, pharmaceutical, fragrance and flavours industry.

We will leverage on three key factors: the choice of a high-value product consumed in a relevant amount (market-climate potential), the choice of a challenging technical solution path (technical potential) and a detailed understanding of the business potential and the social impact of the developing “carbon circular economy”.

Key data

Projectlead

Matthias Stucki

Project team

Alena Frehner, Sabine Frei

Project partners

Scuola universitaria professionale della Svizzera italiana SUPSI; Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich ETHZ; Forschungsinstitut für biologischen Landbau FiBL; Paul Scherrer Institut PSI; Ostschweizer Fachhochschule OST; Casale SA; Firmenich SA; Jura-Cement-Fabriken AG; CIMO Compagnie industrielle de Monthey SA

Project status

completed, 04/2022 - 03/2026

Institute/Centre

Institute of Natural Resource Sciences (IUNR)

Funding partner

Flagship Initiative

Project budget

182'491 CHF