Annual Scientific Report 2017

In 2017, ICIQ researchers discovered a blue material capable of ‘trapping’ CO₂ molecules. This new material –a metal-organic framework– slows down CO₂ molecules, allowing the separation of carbon dioxide in a mixture of gases. This novel technology has been commercialised by ICIQ’s new spin-off company – Orchestra Scientific.

The technology incorporates the blue MOF into thin plastic layers that, rolled up, can be fitted in gas pipes and reactors. When gas mixtures circulate through these rolls, CO₂ molecules are slowed down and separated from the mixture, which is particularly useful for biogas refinery. Biogas is mainly composed of methane and carbon dioxide.

“Methane has a greenhouse effect 21 times greater than carbon dioxide, yet we often forget the danger it represents,” explained Dr. Cristina Sáenz de Pipaón, Orchestra’s CEO. “However, if you separate the two gases, they both have an added value we can take advantage of,” she added.

“Methane has a greenhouse effect 21 times greater than carbon dioxide, yet we often forget the danger it represents,” explained Dr. Cristina Sáenz de Pipaón, Orchestra’s CEO. “However, if you separate the two gases, they both have an added value we can take advantage of,” she added.

The project was born in Prof. José Ramón Galán-Mascarós’ group, and grew thanks to the support of the Obra Social “la Caixa” Foundation in ICIQ’s Incubator Call.