Project – Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology

Fishing waste transformed into solutions for CO₂ capture and valorization

Resíduos da pesca transformados em soluções para captura e valorização de CO₂

What is it about?

The AERO2cycle project is funded by the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) under the Portugal 2030 program, and aims to develop hybrid aerogels based on poly(ionic liquids) (PILs) and biochars for CO₂ capture and conversion. The project leverages 3D printing to produce continuous flow reactors, creating scalable solutions tailored to industrial users. B2E CoLAB is one of the partner entities, contributing expertise in the blue bioeconomy and supporting the dissemination of results.

Why is that?

Climate and decarbonization: A direct response to the global challenge of CO₂ emissions and carbon neutrality targets.
Circular economy: Valorization of waste from the fishing industry, such as fish scales, as raw material for biochars.
Materials innovation: Development of functional aerogels with high capacity for CO₂ capture and conversion.
Industrial impact: Creation of sustainable, value-added alternatives for high-emission sectors.

Goals

Synthesize and characterize PILs and biochars produced from fish scale waste.
Produce and optimize hybrid aerogels (HYBRID AEROPILs) for CO₂ capture and conversion.
Develop ink formulations and aerogel structures using 3D printing, tailored for flow reactors.
Create and validate a continuous flow system with long-term stability, achieving TRL 6.
Support the external dissemination of results among industrial and scientific stakeholders.