The aim of this project is to develop and model an integrated modular system based on continuous-flow heterogeneous photo(electro)catalytic reactors to produce relevant chemicals such as ethylene in the chemical sector, precursor to "green plastics" and many other high-value chemicals using abundant resources such as water, carbon dioxide and light. We aim at delivering cost-efficient small-scale systems for intermittent operation to respond to the needs of rural, isolated territories, and distributed manufacturing. Novel multifunctional photo(electro)catalytic materials integrated into practical and scalable reactors are required in Europe to maintain the technological leadership in chemical manufacturing, while ensuring the deployment of sustainable processes which meet circular economy and green industry for a low-carbon future. FlowPhotoChem will use the expertise of the partners to design, model, construct and validate an integrated modular system with improved energy efficiency and negative CO2 emissions, since concentrated CO2 will be valorised to high-value chemicals. The integrated system will be studied from a life cycle analysis perspective to quantify such effects, and to include a techno-economic study to quantify the cost of the technology and compare with comparable renewable solutions for the production of the same/similar chemicals.

The use of visible light energy to induce chemical transformations constitutes an interesting and green activation mode of organic molecules. However, implementation of this energy source in organic synthetic methodologies and in the industrial production of fine chemicals has been challenging. The Photo4Future Innovative Training Network establishes a training network with five beneficiaries from academia and five beneficiaries from industry to tackle the challenges associated with photochemistry in a coherent and comprehensive fashion. In total 13 Early Stage Researchers will be recruited within the Photo4Future network. The network will provide them with opportunities to undertake research with the aim to overcome the current limitations towards the applicability and scalability of photochemical transformations. This will be achieved through a rational design of novel photocatalytic methodologies, improved catalytic systems and innovative photoreactors. Furthermore, the ESRs will be trained in the Photo4Future graduate school, covering training in scientific, personal and complementary skills. All the ESRs will perform two secondments, of which at least one is carried out with an industrial partner. Consequently, the ESRs will have improved career prospects and a higher employability. Due to the high degree of industrial participation, the Photo4Future network will provide an innovation-friendly environment where scientific results can grow and become products or services that will benefit European economies.

C-H activation is one of the most rapidly expanding areas of molecular chemistry and has emerged as an increasingly viable tool. Despite clear benefits offered by the C-H activation for sustainable and eco-responsible synthesis, its industrial applications are scarce. The lack of its widespread implementation in the industrial sector is due to multiple factors, amongst which the major reasons are a) the limited interactions between academia and industrial practitioners, and b) a limited number of young scientists with a strong expertise in the domain. CHAIR is aimed to specifically address these issues. CHAIR represents a unique European Research Network, combining nine renowned academic research groups and six industrial partners, strongly motivated to settle a solid basement for profound embedment of the C-H activation in an industrial environment. To achieve this ambitious goal 15 ESRs and 15 advanced scientists will be mobilized to implement direct C-H functionalization in industry, including both lead development and process chemistry. Fundamental research projects will be conducted to showcase the potential of the C-H activation to 1) speed up lead-to-hit optimization in pharmaceutical industries; 2) rapidly access molecular diversity; 3) assemble advanced materials; 4) convert raw materials into valuable building blocks; 5) bring new techniques to easily implement C-H activation based protocols for large-scale production. Development of these projects, combined with the scientific training and close collaborations within the CHAIR consortiums through specific secondments will provide 15 ESRs with unique competences in this edge-cutting field. Trainings on personal development, career development and societal/business aspects will complement their unique education, providing them with far-reaching and complementary competences to become future key actors of chemical industries in charge of the modernization of chemical and pharmaceutical industries.