A tandem project of Dr. Li Li (MPI of Microstructure Physics) and Dr. Aishwarya Singh (MPI for Chemistry).
About
Can atmospheric CO2 be converted directly into fuels using only sunlight and air? COF-AERO-FUEL explores a radically new approach to artificial photosynthesis by combining recyclable covalent organic frameworks with aerosol microreactors. By operating directly within airborne microdroplets, this project aims to bypass energy-intensive CO2 capture and open new pathways for sustainable, decentralized carbon conversion.
Persons
- Dr. Li Li (Postdoctoral Researcher @ MPI of Microstructure Physics, Department of Synthetic Materials and Functional Devices)
- Dr. Aishwarya Singh (Postdoctoral Researcher @ MPI for Chemistry, Department of Aerosol Chemistry)
Project summary
Converting dilute atmospheric CO2 into solar fuels is a central challenge for achieving a circular carbon economy. Conventional photocatalytic systems rely on CO2 capture, concentration, and sealed reactors, which limit scalability and sustainability. COF-AERO-FUEL introduces a fundamentally new paradigm: aerosol-assisted photocatalysis.
In this project, recyclable, metal-free covalent organic framework (COF) photocatalysts are integrated into airborne microdroplets, creating confined reaction environments with exceptionally high interfacial area and unique physicochemical properties. These aerosol microreactors enable enhanced CO2 activation and selective photoreduction under sunlight using only ambient humidity and atmospheric CO2 (~430 ppm).
The project combines expertise from materials science and atmospheric chemistry to (i) design aerosol-compatible COFs with tailored hydrophobicity and visible-light absorption, (ii) construct stable, illuminated COF-containing aerosols, and (iii) reveal the underlying reaction mechanisms using advanced in-situ spectroscopies and aerosol mass spectrometry. Scaled atmospheric simulation experiments will further assess feasibility under cloud-relevant conditions.
By operating directly in air without CO2 capture or pressurization, COF-AERO-FUEL establishes a new framework for sustainable, low-energy carbon conversion. The project directly supports the SusMax vision by advancing recyclable materials, circular carbon utilization, and interdisciplinary solutions for climate-relevant challenges.
COF-aerosol microreactors enables direct CO2-to-fuel conversion from dilute atmospheric CO2 using sunlight and ambient humidity without capture or concentration.