SYMBOL - Solar-driven hYBrid Methane production via BioelectrOchemicaL CO2 utilization
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Abstract
The SYMBOL Doctoral Network pioneers a new generation of solar-biohybrid technologies for decentralized biomethane production. SYMBOL introduces a Dual Pathway Conversion (DPC) architecture that merges two synergistic CO2-to-CH4 routes: (i) a biophotoelectrochemical (BPEC) process in which Cu2O-based plasmon-enhanced photocathodes generate H2 in situ for biological methanation, and (ii) a direct interspecies electron transfer (DIET) process enabling direct photo-electron uptake by methanogenic archaea without molecular hydrogen. The integrated system achieves hydrogen-free, low-temperature, solar-driven biomethanation from biogenic CO2, fully consistent with the EU Green Deal, REPowerEU and Fit-for-55 objectives. Ten doctoral projects combine frontier research in materials chemistry, electrochemistry, microbiology, photovoltaics, modelling and system engineering, culminating in a validated TRL 3 prototype.
Key innovations include self-healing plasmonic Cu2O photocathodes, low-overpotential transition-metal chalcogenide anodes, semi-transparent patterned perovskite solar cells for light-sharing, and advanced membranes enabling stable hybrid operation. Together they target = 5 % solar-to-methane efficiency and = 95 % selectivity under continuous illumination. Beyond scientific excellence, SYMBOL establishes a pan-European doctoral training ecosystem integrating academia and industry (Prodeval, Antares, EBA) through intersectoral secondments, transferable-skills courses, open-science practices, and career mentoring. The programme will train ten highly employable researchers capable of advancing CO2 valorisation and renewable-gas innovation. By coupling cutting-edge technology with structured training, SYMBOL strengthens Europe’s capacity for climate-neutral energy, sustainable process engineering and the circular-carbon economy.
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Sustainable Development Goals
Budget
| Total cost: | € 2,997,712.08 |
|---|---|
| Total contribution: | € 2,997,712.08 |
| PoliTo total cost: | € 563,510.16 |
| PoliTo contribution: | € 563,510.16 |