The Cyprus Employers & Industrialists Federation (OEB) is part of the collaborative network for the research project “Novel Nano-Enhanced Carbon Capture Systems for Industrial Post-Combustion Processes” (Nano-CarbonCapS Project, CODEVELOP-REPowerEU/1223/0118). The project began in July 2024 and will run for 24 months.
The Project is funded by the European Union Recovery and Resilience Facility of the NextGenerationEU instrument, through the Research and Innovation Foundation.
PROJECT SUMMARY
The Nano-CarbonCapS project aims to develop a small-scale, portable intensified membrane device for more efficient CO₂ capture (CCS) compared to existing technologies. Unlike conventional systems, which are typically limited to large power plants, this device can be deployed at smaller, localized sites. While primarily designed for CO₂ removal, it could also target other pollutants such as Nitrogen Oxides (Nox), Carbon Monoxide (CO), Methane (CH₄), Hydrogen Sulfide (H₂S), and Sulfur Dioxide (SO₂). By the end of the project, a prototype will be demonstrated at an industrial site, reaching a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 6–7.
The innovation of this project lies in the integration of a novel intensified nanofibrous membrane reactor (IMR) with ionic liquids (ILs) and/or deep eutectic solvents (DESs). The system design will be fully optimized through computational modeling, combining atomistic simulations for material and membrane structure selection with computational fluid dynamics to refine operational parameters, achieving maximum CO₂ removal efficiency.
OBJECTIVES
The general objectives (GO) of Nano-CarbonCapS can be summarized as follows:
GO I. Establish a long-term partnership between industrial and academic partners that goes beyond the current project. This collaboration will combine access to bespoke equipment and processes (e.g. atomistic modelling, computational fluid dynamics, needless electrospinning), highly specialized personnel, academic and industrial competencies, and expertise. The goal is to accelerate development and commercialization of technologies and products, currently in R&D, to offer a competitive CCS solution for industrial applications.
GO II: Leverage upon partners’ expertise on nanoparticles and polymer nanofibers as well as on ILs and/or DESs solvents development to create nanofabrics with adequate mechanical integrity and hydrophobic performance, combined in a novel intensified nanofibrous membrane reactor to allow efficient capture of CO2. Combine atomistic modelling for optimization of nanofibers physical properties (i.e. mechanical, hydrophobicity, biocompatibility) and CFD modelling for optimization of membranes geometry and CO2 capture mechanism from ILs/DESs.
GO III: Use novel, certified methodologies to assess CO2 capturing efficiency of the intensified nanofibrous membrane reactor to accelerate adoption of the technology in industrial applications. Investigate the methods for producing Nano-CarbonCapS textiles at large scale and implement the necessary quality control measures and standards to reach product and processing development at TRL 6 to 7 by the end of the project.
PROJECT ACTIVITIES & EVENTS
The Nano-CarbonCapS team has been actively engaging with the scientific community. To date, the consortium has participated in one international conference, showcasing its innovative research.
Specifically, AmaDema represented the consortium with a poster presentation titled:
“Novel Nano-Enabled Membranes for Carbon Capture (CCS) Systems for Industrial Post-Combustion Processes” at the 8th European Symposium on Electrohydrodynamic Atomization and Electrospinning, organized by the University of Cyprus (UCY) and held in Nicosia, Cyprus, from April 28–30, 2025.
In addition, a series of project workshops, training sessions, and knowledge-transfer initiatives have taken place among the partners, ensuring a deep understanding of all technical and scientific aspects of the project.
END USERS OF THE NEW CARBON-CAPTURE TECHNOLOGY
The sectors most likely to benefit from new carbon-capture technology are electricity production, manufacturing, food processing, cement, construction materials, chemicals, plastics, oil and gas, maritime transport, waste management, and advanced materials R&D. The companies of the above mentioned sectors, can integrate the Nano-CarbonCapS membrane system into their production processes to capture CO₂ and other emissions, improving environmental performance and compliance with EU regulations.
Using such technology enables significant reductions in CO₂ and other pollutant emissions (NOₓ, CO, CH₄, H₂S, SO₂), helping industries meet EU environmental and emissions-trading obligations while lowering operating costs and improving sustainability performance.
OEB’s ENGAGEMENT
OEB, the leading employers’ and business organization in Cyprus, representing more than 15,000 enterprises from all productive sectors of the economy, plays a pivotal role in bridging research and industry.
Within the Nano-CarbonCapS project, OEB is responsible for the following tasks:
- Representing the industrial sector, ensuring that project activities and outcomes address real market and industrial needs.
- Supporting the dissemination of results to the wider industrial community, promoting knowledge transfer and the practical application of research outcomes in real production settings.
- Conducting surveys among industries to gather feedback on technical and operational requirements, ensuring project results reflect actual market needs.
- Providing guidance during the pilot testing and evaluation phase to ensure testing conditions mirror industrial environments.
- Disseminating Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) results among enterprises and offering advice to improve the environmental performance and industrial sustainability of carbon capture technologies.
- Coordinating the industrial demonstration of the Intensified Membrane Reactor (IMR), including design, planning, and supervision activities to achieve TRL 6–7.
- Organizing workshops in collaboration with project partners to present the project to businesses, fostering collaboration between research and industry through information sessions, workshops, and business meetings that promote an innovation-driven green industry culture.
- Participating in international conferences to further disseminate the project’s results.
Overall, OEB’s participation in the project aligns with its broader strategic goals for green the transition, reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, and promotion of industrial innovation in Cyprus.
CONSORTIUM/PARTNERS
HOST ORGANIZATION
Dr. Vassilis Drakonakis (Managing Director, Co-Founder)
Dr. Anna Lewandowska (R&D Manager)
Dr. Ioanna Savva (Senior R&D Scientist, Project Coordinator)
Mrs. Maria Karouzou (R&D Scientist)
Mrs. Natalia Violari (R&D Engineer)
PARTNER 1
Dr. Achilleas Konstantinou (Associate Professor)
Mr. Antonis Prokopiou (PhD Student)
Mr. Konstantinos Achillides (PhD Student)
Mrs. Nikol Atanasova (PhD Student)
Mrs. Anastasia Spanou (PhD Student)
Partner 2
Prof. Vangelis Harmandaris (Professor, ERA-Chair SimEA)
Dr. Hilal Reda (Associate Research Scientist)
Dr. Pengzhi Wang (Post-Doctoral Fellow)
PARTNER 3
Mr. Michalis Gregoriou (Senior Officer)
Mr. Kyriacos Angelides (Coordinator of Professional Associations)
The Project is funded by the European Union Recovery and Resilience Facility of the NextGenerationEU instrument, through the Research and Innovation Foundation.
