A multidisciplinary project is exploring innovative ways to reduce CO₂ footprints while creating sustainable applications across multiple sectors.
ACCENTS-4CO2 (CO₂ Footprint Reduction & CO₂ Conversion to Green Bio-Engineered Carbonates for Multi-Functional Applications in the Water-Energy-Food-Health Nexus) is one of the projects funded under the Belmont Forum 2024 Africa Regional Call (ARC). The project brings together expertise across disciplines to address CO₂ reduction while exploring how carbon dioxide can be transformed into green, bio-engineered carbonates with applications across the Water-Energy-Food-Health Nexus.
From CO₂ reduction to sustainable applications
At the heart of ACCENTS-4CO2 is the development of green, bio-engineered multi-functional carbonates that can contribute to solutions in several sectors.
The project explores applications including nano-fertilizers to support agricultural systems, nano-cloud seeding for rainwater harvesting, and thermochemical nano-compounds for concentrated solar energy technologies. It also investigates the potential use of these materials as drug nano-carriers in the pharmaceutical sector.
By connecting these different applications, ACCENTS-4CO2 takes a multidisciplinary approach to transforming CO₂ from a climate challenge into a resource for innovation and sustainable development.
Connecting science, capacity and collaboration
ACCENTS-4CO2 is a flagship project of the African Centre of Competencies in Nano-sciences & Nanotechnologies for SDGs, with a strong emphasis on developing scientific capacity.
The project supports the training of postgraduate students and early-career scientists, while promoting collaboration across regions through South-South and North-South research partnerships.
These collaborations are central to strengthening scientific expertise and creating opportunities for researchers to contribute to solutions addressing interconnected environmental, technological and societal challenges.
Advancing solutions for the SDGs
By linking CO₂ reduction with applications in agriculture, water, renewable energy and health, ACCENTS-4CO2 reflects the interconnected nature of sustainable development challenges.
The project aims to contribute to the development and wider adoption of green technologies, with anticipated market applications by 2028. Through its multidisciplinary approach, ACCENTS-4CO2 demonstrates how research and innovation can help advance climate action while creating benefits across multiple sectors.
As part of the 2024 Africa Regional Call, ACCENTS-4CO2 highlights the value of collaborative research in developing locally relevant solutions while strengthening connections between African researchers and international partners.