EU-Funded CO₂-to-Polyethylene Research Wins Silver Medal / 1.04.2025

The Horizon 2020 research project led by Dr. Reza Gholizadehaghoyeh and funded by the European Union has been awarded the Silver Medal for Best Inventive Solutions in the Circular Economy by the Slovenian Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Innovation.

This groundbreaking study, titled "One-Step Direct Conversion of CO₂ to Polyethylene via Cascade Electroreduction–Polymerization Catalysis on a Cu–Pd Bifunctional Electrocatalyst," introduces an innovative single-step process for converting CO₂ into polyethylene. By seamlessly integrating electroreduction and polymerization, the breakthrough eliminates the need for conventional multi-step methods, using water as a co-reactant to provide a cleaner and more efficient alternative to fossil fuel-based plastics.

With the global polyethylene market exceeding $100 billion annually, this technology offers a sustainable and cost-effective solution aligned with international decarbonization efforts and regulatory frameworks.