Electro-biochemical Process to Convert CO2 into Plastic Monomer
2025 Faculty Research Award
AWARD PERIOD: 2026-2028
José Avalos, Associate Professor of Chemical and Biological Engineering, and Kelsey Hatzell, Associate Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, are developing an integrated “electro-biochemical” process to convert waste CO₂ from industrial flue gas into monomers for durable and biodegradable plastics. Unlike most carbon capture methods, which produce only low-value, short-chain products like formate, CO, or acetate, this approach pairs a CO₂ electrolyzer—fed with captured bicarbonate to generate acetate—with engineered strains of hardy yeasts to convert acetate into higher-value plastic precursors. By optimizing the productivity of these electrochemical and biological steps, the team will demonstrate a continuous, scalable system that locks carbon into long-lasting plastics rather than short-lived fuels.
Participating Departments
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
- Andlinger Center for Energy and the Environment
Faculty
