Fully-Integrated Photovoltaic–Electrochemical Device for the Production of Carbon–Nitrogen Chemicals
The current production of carbon–nitrogen chemicals relies heavily on fossil resources and energy-intensive processes such as the Haber–Bosch method, which significantly contributes to global CO2 emissions. At the same time, nitrate pollution and CO2 accumulation represent major environmental challenges.
At the same time, nitrate pollution and CO2 accumulation represent major environmental challenges. There is a strong need for technologies that can simultaneously address waste remediation and sustainable chemical production.
SUN2CN is inspired by the concept of artificial photosynthesis, aiming to mimic natural processes by using sunlight to drive chemical transformations. However, existing systems often lack integration, efficiency, or scalability. The challenge lies in combining light harvesting, charge transfer, and selective catalysis within a single, efficient device.
The project builds on previous advances in photocatalysis, electrochemical CO2 reduction, and nitrate reduction, as well as LIST’s expertise in thin-film catalytic materials and plasma/CVD technologies. The key challenge will be achieving high selectivity toward C–N coupling products while maintaining stability and scalability of the integrated system.
The SUN2CN project aims to develop a fully integrated solar-driven system capable of converting low-energy molecules such as carbon dioxide (CO₂) and nitrates (NO₃⁻), commonly found in waste streams, into high-value carbon–nitrogen (C–N) chemicals. These compounds, including urea and methylamine, are essential for agriculture and pharmaceutical industries and are currently produced through energy-intensive, fossil-based processes.
To address this challenge, SUN2CN proposes a novel photovoltaic–electrochemical (PV–EC) device that directly couples solar energy harvesting with electrochemical conversion. The system is based on a porous photovoltaic membrane coated with selective electrocatalysts and integrated into an advanced flow-cell architecture. This design enables efficient light absorption, charge transport, and catalytic conversion within a single compact device.
The project will combine expertise in thin-film deposition, catalysis, reactor engineering, and computational modeling across a multidisciplinary consortium. LIST plays a key role in the development of advanced catalytic materials and thin-film fabrication using scalable vapour-phase techniques (PVD, CVD). The integrated system will be validated under realistic conditions, targeting decentralized chemical production and wastewater treatment.
Ultimately, SUN2CN aims to enable solar-powered, decentralized chemical production systems, supporting the transition toward circular carbon and nitrogen economies and low-carbon industrial processes.
SUN2CN introduces a fully integrated photovoltaic–electrochemical device that goes beyond state-of-the-art systems by combining light harvesting and catalytic conversion into a single standalone platform. The use of a porous photovoltaic membrane coated with tailored electrocatalysts enables direct coupling between solar energy input and chemical transformation, eliminating the need for external power sources.
The project is highly innovative in its approach to C-N bond formation, targeting the simultaneous reduction of CO2 and nitrates within a single reactor. This tandem reaction pathway is largely unexplored and represents a breakthrough in solar-to-chemicals technologies. The integration into a flow-cell design further enhances scalability and industrial relevance.
LIST plays a central role in this innovation by developing advanced thin film electrocatalysts using scalable deposition techniques such as PVD and CVD. These methods allow precise control over composition, structure, and activity, enabling the design of highly selective catalytic interfaces. Additionally, LIST contributes to device integration and performance optimization through advanced characterization and testing platforms.
Overall, SUN2CN delivers a novel, scalable, and sustainable solution for decentralized production of value-added chemicals, positioning Europe at the forefront of solar-driven chemical manufacturing.
SUN2CN will deliver a fully integrated solar-to-X device capable of converting CO2 and nitrate waste streams into valuable carbon–nitrogen chemicals such as urea and methylamine. The main deliverables include (i) advanced thin-film electrocatalysts with high selectivity toward C-N coupling, (ii) a novel porous PV–electrochemical membrane, and (iii) a validated prototype flow-cell device operating under realistic conditions.
The impact of this technology is significant for both the chemical and energy sectors. It offers a sustainable alternative to conventional fossil-based production routes, reducing CO2 emissions and energy consumption. By coupling wastewater treatment with chemical production, SUN2CN introduces a circular approach to resource utilization, transforming pollutants into value-added products.
In real-life applications, the technology can be deployed in decentralized systems such as wastewater treatment plants, agricultural facilities, or remote areas lacking access to centralized chemical production. This enables local, on-demand production of chemicals using only sunlight and waste resources, contributing to energy independence and environmental sustainability.
SUN2CN is a Horizon Europe project, funded by the European Innovation Council (Grant agreement ID: 101223193)
