PLANKT-ON aims to construct and validate a bio-inspired approach to sustainably generate oxygen (O2) and formic acid (FA) based on a bottom-up chemical construction of photosynthetic micro-compartmentalized systems endowed with a structure inspired in the phytoplankton. Plankton-like protocells will contain at their core two types of (photo)catalytic proto-organelles that work synergistically to autonomously produce O2 and FA from sunlight, water (H2O) and carbon dioxide (CO2). We now proposes to elevate the applicability of such artificial organelles by developing 3D polymeric scaffolds with enhanced structural and multi-functional properties for the co-localization of the oxygenic quantasomes and CO2-to-FA specialized proto-organelles. The inclusion of UAVR as a widening partner can be highly valuable for the PLANKT-ON project, complementing the concepts and models that support the work of the project. UAVR proposes the development of highly innovative modular natural polymer-based bioinks comprising the plankton-like protocells. In addition, and as highlighted in the first PLANKT-ON review-meeting and technical assessment, this responds to the necessity of tailored bio-hybrid compartments mitigating the FDH enzyme fragility while leveraging the CO2-to-FA forward equilibrium at the reduction sites to bias the bio-hybrid process towards formate production.

The aim of NEWTEAM project is to develop ad assess alloys by Powder Bed Additive Manufacturing (PB-AM) processes to be applied on next generation of low pressure turbine (LPT) blades production. - NEWTEAM will develop a modification in terms of chemical composition for the Ti-48Al-2Cr-2Nb alloy tailored on the needs of Electron Beam Melting (EBM) process and contemporary NEWTEAM will develop an optimization of the post processing heat treatments of this alloy both in terms of Hot Isostatic Pressing (HIP) and Heat Treatment (HT) customized to exploit the feature microstructure and phase composition of as-EBM material in order to increase the mechanical performances. - NEWTEAM will increase the Topic Manager portfolio in terms of Nickel-base superalloys processed by Laser Beam Melting (LBM) for high temperature applications to be employed for LPT blades, performing an extensive optimization of the LBM process parameters for 2 Ni-base alloys. Contemporary NEWTEAM will develop an optimization of the post processing heat treatments of these alloys both in terms of HIP, HT and part surface finishing. - NEWTEAM will test and validate the 3 materials developed during the project (1 Ti-48-2-2 based + 2 Ni-base alloys) with an extensive mechanical characterization with at least a NADCAP certification. - NEWTEAM will fabricate representative LPT blades via PB-AM together with non conventional hollow ones. The final goal is to achieve at least a TRL 3. - NEWTEAM will develop an enhanced process simulation tool for EBM process, tailored on Titanium Aluminides alloys capable to give information about the properties of the material in terms of final chemistry and microstructure. - NEWTEAM will develop a surface finishing post processing for complex shapes (like hollow blades) produced by LBM in Ni-base alloys in order to avoid the needs of machining of the parts since machining means to limit the freedom of shape complexity, that is in principle enabled by AM design.

The exploitation of fossil fuels brought our ecosystem on the edge of catastrophic changes. Mankind’s current challenge is to reverse the increase of greenhouse gases emissions to mitigate the serious consequences on the global climate. In this scenario, the transition of modern society to a more sustainable and circular economy must be accelerated. One of the key pillars of this transition is the implementation of a sustainable CO2 cycle, based on net-zero emissions Carbon Capture and Utilization processes. Membrane-based technologies could play a pivotal role to bring this vision closer to reality. Indeed, thanks to their high efficiency, scalability, easy operability, they are candidates for the efficient capture and use of CO2. The goal of DAM4CO2 is to develop a novel membrane technology for the simultaneous CO2 separation and its photocatalytic conversion to C4+ molecules, as renewable fuels. DAM4CO2 will overcome the conventional membrane technologies by developing double active membranes (DAMs) with a durable and highly selective gas separation layer and a photocatalytic layer able to simultaneously combine in one pot reverse water gas shift (RWGS) and Fisher-Tropsch synthesis (FTS) to obtain C4+ molecules. The project will deliver a prototype, designed using the design-build-test-learn approach, for a proof-of-concept validation in lab-conditions. Close attention will be paid to the use of non-critical raw materials at every stage of the process, and the carbon-neutrality of the entire process will be certified by a full life cycle analysis. DAM4CO2 brings together the complementary expertise of our team in the areas of organic, inorganic and physical chemistry, materials science, and chemical engineering for the development, synthesis, and characterization of the starting materials, and for the design, construction, and application of membrane modules. DAM4CO2 will implement a sustainable, cost and energy effective net zero carbon CO2 cycle.