PHOENIX: solar fuel technologies for a tandem solar-to-high energy density fuel generation
Carlos Hurtado a, Ainhoa Cots a
a Leitat Technological Center, Carrer de la Innovació 2, 08225, Terrassa
ECAT
Proceedings of Catalyst Design Strategies for Photo- and Electrochemical Fuel Synthesis (ECAT25)
Madrid, Spain, 2025 February 10th - 11th
Organizers: Marta Liras and Claudio Ampelli
Poster, Carlos Hurtado, 034
Publication date: 19th December 2024

In the quest towards a sustainable global development, reducing carbon emission and plastic waste accumulation has become one of the foremost challenges facing modern society. A key focus of this effort is the development of solar-powered systems, offering a clean, cost-effective alternative by converting CO2 into fuels while simultaneously recycling PET waste into high-value products, contributing to waste reduction and promoting a circular economy.

In this context, the PHOENIX project stands at the forefront of this dual approach, aiming for a stepwise CO2 conversion, starting with its reduction to carbon monoxide (CO) and further transforming CO into propanol while simultaneously transforming PET plastic waste into glycolic acid. To achieve this, the development of a tandem photovoltaic system (i.e., photovoltaic-electrolyzer (PV-EC) coupled with a PEC cell) that generates over 2 V, along with novel electrocatalysts and efficient photoelectrodes, will be the primary focus.

To validate the concept, PHOENIX will undertake a lab-scale demonstration at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 3-4. This will include a Life Cycle Assessment to evaluate the environmental impact and recyclability of materials used in the process. By addressing both CO2 reduction and plastic waste recycling, PHOENIX represents a high-risk, high-reward approach that could drive significant breakthroughs in renewable energy and waste management technologies.

Project PHOENIX with the Grant Agreement nr 101172764

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or CINEA. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

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