Led by Greg Chass and Devis Di Tommaso from the School of Physical and Chemical Sciences
Research:
Dr Chass’ and Dr Di Tommaso’s work focuses on the development of reactors to optimise CO2 mineralisation, informing processes at multi-tonne scales. Such CO2 capture & utilisation (CCU) plays a crucial role in combating climate change, through conversion of CO2 into added-value carbonates. CCU is an emerging market and highlighted in numerous governmental reports (eg. Carbon Mineralization Roadmap, 2021).
Chass and Di Tommaso utilise CO2 emission and Mg-rich feedstocks available through their industrial partners to generate Mg-carbonates; with downstream use in infrastructure, refractory materials and agriculture.
Impact:
Chass’ and Di Tommaso’s benefits Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) technlogies, as well as the Mg-carbonate market ($12b USD/yr, 5.2% CAGR 2023-2027) by accelerating the CO2 mineralization process. Primary impact is optimization of mineralization and cost-effective conversion of wastes to added -value carbonates. The team also work together with Gement, a London-based consultancy company focusing on cement standards and influencing guidelines, legislation, regulation, and policy around construction standards in the UK and Europe.
Funding allocation:
Chass and Di Tommaso were successful in the QMUL Impact large stream, with principal objectives to further evolve the technology to transition from a lab-based reactors to ever-larger industrially relevant scales. Funding will facilitate further building and optimization of next reactor prototypes (Figure-1), in addition to funding of staff to assist in the characterization and optimization of the carbonate products.