Portuguese initiative turns fishing waste into CO₂ capture solutions

The Portuguese collaborative laboratory focused on the blue bioeconomy, B2E CoLAB, has presented the 'AERO2cycle project - Development of a poly(ionic liquid)-based aerogels technology for CO₂ upcycling', which uses waste from the fishing industry as raw material.

This initiative, led by NOVA.ID.FCT, is financially supported by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT). It also involves the participation of the University of Évora, with scientific collaboration from the University of Santiago de Compostela and Universitat Jaume I.

The challenge is for AERO2cycle to have functional aerogels ready by 2028—ultra-light and highly porous materials that incorporate biochar, a carbon-rich material obtained through the controlled heating of organic waste in the absence of oxygen.

The raw materials will include fishery by-products such as scales, skin, and bones, and the materials will be structured using 3D printing so they can be adapted to different industrial configurations.

By transforming a gaseous waste into a resource with economic value, the project aims to contribute to the creation of new value chains based on captured carbon, in line with Europe's 2050 carbon neutrality targets.

Following positive laboratory results, the next step will be to optimize the performance of the materials and test their functionality under conditions closer to real industrial operating environments.

About NOVA.ID.FCT

NOVA.ID.FCT – Association for Innovation and Development of NOVA School of Science and Technology – is dedicated to promoting applied research, innovation, and technology transfer, strengthening the connection between academia and industry.

About B2E CoLAB

B2E – Blue Bioeconomy CoLAB is a private non-profit association focused on the sustainable valorisation of marine resources and the development of innovative solutions within the blue bioeconomy, fostering collaboration between research, industry, and market.