The consortium of the VIVALDI project, composed of 10 partners, gathered from June 11 to 13, 2024, at Novamont in Novara (Italy) to review progress and define next steps in the valorisation of biogenic CO₂ emissions into high value-added organic acids.
The first sessions focused on CO₂ conversion technologies, including updates on electrochemical conversion, nutrient recovery strategies, and the bioproduction of organic acids. Key developments included reports on nitrogen and macronutrient recovery, as well as progress on demonstrating downstream processing of culture supernatants.
The second day addressed industrial validation, sustainability assessments, regulatory compliance strategies, and dissemination efforts. Although some activities such as sustainability analysis and communication will continue until the project’s completion, immediate priorities include validating processes for the production of lactic and succinic acid, as well as scaling integrated strategies.
Leitat presented its progress in several areas, including:
- The design of reactors for ammonium reocvery as (NH4)HCO3, comparing two strategies: AP1 (air cathode) and AP2 (conventional/liquid cathode), along with tests using polymer inclusion membranes with different polymers.
- Progress in the preparation of metal-doped CNFs and nutrient recovery through bioelectroconcentration, focusing on the design, manufacturing, component selection, and performance testing of BEC reactors. Results indicate high stability and efficiency of the BES reactors.
Beyond the technical sessions, consortium partners had the opportunity to visit Novamont.
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