Carbon dioxide storage in nanomaterials based on ophiolitic rocks and utilization of the end-product carbonates in the building industry

Project Information

CO2NOR

Grant agreement ID: 654091

DOI 10.3030/654091

Project closed

EC signature date 24 February 2015

Start date 1 September 2015

End date 31 August 2017

Funded under

• EXCELLENT SCIENCE - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions

Total cost € 151 648,80

EU contribution € 151 648,80

Coordinated by

UNIVERSITY OF CYPRUS
Cyprus

Objective

Anthropogenic activities have increased atmospheric CO2 concentrations, which are considered to be the main cause of global warming. The EU has set itself targets for reducing its greenhouse gas emissions progressively up to 2050. A popular proposed solution to this crucial problem is carbon capture and storage (CCS). Ophiolitic rocks are considered among the most promising lithotypes for CO2 storage due to their high reactivity and many exposures in the world. In this proposal, an innovative and sustainable method for ex situ mineral carbonation will be suggested that will ensure the safe storage of CO2. This method includes the creation of novel nanomaterials via the ball milling process, based on low-cost ultramafic and mafic rocks from the Troodos ophiolite (Cyprus), which is considered as the most complete ophiolite worldwide. Although numerous studies have been carried out on the petrogenetic evolution of the Troodos ophiolite, a systematic work about the applicability of these rocks for CCS will be done for the first time in this study. Fines and waste material from quarries in the wider Troodos area will also be used for the development of nanomaterials. It is anticipated that ball milling will accelerate the kinetics of rock-fluid reactions during the carbonation procedure. Hence, carbonate minerals, which are stable over geological timescales, will provide a safe long term CCS solution. Additives will also be tested in the nanomaterials in an attempt to increase their CO2-storage capacity. The proposal also involves applied research in the form of exploitation of the end-product carbonates in the building industry. The successful outcome of this project will be based on the researcher’s extensive experience in the study of mafic and ultramafic ophiolitic rocks and mineral carbonation, as well as on supervisor’s expertise in the fields of nanomaterials and CCS.

Fields of science

• natural sciences › chemical sciences › inorganic chemistry › inorganic compounds
• natural sciences › physical sciences › optics › microscopy › electron microscopy
• engineering and technology › nanotechnology › nano-materials
• engineering and technology › environmental engineering › energy and fuels
• engineering and technology › environmental engineering › carbon capture engineering

Programme(s)

• H2020-EU.1.3. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Main Programme
• H2020-EU.1.3.2. - Nurturing excellence by means of cross-border and cross-sector mobility

Topic(s)

• MSCA-IF-2014-EF - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowships (IF-EF)

Call for proposal

H2020-MSCA-IF-2014

Funding Scheme

MSCA-IF-EF-ST - Standard EF

Coordinator

UNIVERSITY OF CYPRUS

• Net EU contribution: € 151 648,80
• Address: AVENUE PANEPISTIMIOU 2109 AGLANTZI ; 1678 Nicosia ; Cyprus
• Region: Κύπρος › Κύπρος › Κύπρος
• Activity type: Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
• Total cost: € 151 648,80