The IAEA is launching a research project to use radiation to convert greenhouse gases into less harmful compounds or to develop materials that facilitate their capture and storage.
Greenhouse gases (GHGs) such as carbon dioxide and methane play a significant role in the greenhouse effect, contributing to global warming and consequential shifts in earth’s climate. The resulting rise in temperature leads to various impacts, including altered weather patterns, rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and disturbances to ecosystems. Furthermore, the presence of certain greenhouse gases combined with other pollutants can compromise air quality, posing health risks to humans, animals and the environment.
In the pursuit of environmental sustainability and materials innovation, radiation technology emerges as a potent tool. Leveraging ionizing radiation, it becomes possible to instigate chemical reactions that break down GHGs into simpler, less harmful compounds or transform them into benign substances. This radiation-based approach holds promise for the development of materials integral to Carbon Capture and Utilization processes. These materials facilitate the capture and conversion of carbon dioxide emissions from industrial sources, turning them into valuable products or ensuring stable storage.
The IAEA is launching a five-year Coordinated Research Project (CRP) on “Mitigating Greenhouse Gases using Radiation Technology”. This project aims to explore innovative approaches for transforming GHGs into harmless forms. Harnessing ionizing radiation for this purpose presents substantial opportunities for driving forward environmental sustainability and encouraging materials innovation.
The CRP will provide comprehensive procedures and technical requirements for the conversion and capture of GHGs, encompassing optimal radiation doses for treatment and leveraging available scientific data on the effects of ionizing radiation as well as the study of reaction mechanisms and by-products inherent in the irradiation treatment of GHGs, providing invaluable insights into this transformative process.
CRP Overall Objective:
The overall objective is to develop radiation-based solutions to convert GHGs into simpler, less harmful compounds or to develop materials that facilitate the capture, conversion and stable storage of GHGs.
Specific Research Objectives:
- To develop appropriate technology to convert GHGs into simpler compounds or to transform them into less harmful substances;
- To develop innovative materials that can capture and convert GHGs into valuable products or stable storage;
- To develop materials and methods to support biological processes for the removal of GHGs.
How to join the CRP:
Proposals must be received no later than 1 August, 2024. Please submit your Proposal for Research Contract or Agreement by email to the IAEA’s Research Contracts Administration Section, using the appropriate template on the CRA website.
For further information related to this CRP, potential applicants should use the contact form under the CRP page.
