Identification number: OSI_PIP_BioPhoT-2025/2-0069
Type: National Research Program - BioPhoT project
Duration: 01.03.2026. - 31.10.2026.
Project manager: Dr.phys. Anatolijs Popovs, Institute of Solid State Physcis, University of Latvia (ISSP UL)
Responsible person from UL: Assoc. Prof. Vladislavs Ivanistsevs, University of Latvia (UL)
Project partners: University of Latvia
Total funding: 143 859 EUR
ISSP UL funding: 115 913 EUR
Project description:
The MOCADE project transforms CO2 emissions into value by developing next-generation, bio-inspired molecular and dual-atom catalysts that electrochemically convert CO2 directly into formic acid - a high-demand, carbon-neutral chemical used in energy storage, agriculture, and manufacturing. Powered by renewable electricity, the process offers a low-cost, low-carbon alternative to fossil-based production routes. MOCADE integrates theory-driven catalyst design, green synthesis, and prototype electrolyzer testing to validate the concept and advance the technology from TRL 2 to TRL 3. The project will elucidate the catalytic mechanism within M1M2N4O2 motifs, demonstrate experimental synthesis feasibility, and evaluate performance in a controlled electrochemical environment. In the long term, MOCADE lays the groundwork for scalable, sustainable formic-acid production and positions Latvia as a regional leader in CO2-utilisation and clean-tech innovation, creating opportunities for industrial partnerships, patents, and spin-off.