STSM Grantee: Mirtha A. O. Lourenço

Home Institution: Department of Chemistry, CICECO – Aveiro Institute of Materials, University of Aveiro

Host Institution: University of Iceland, Reykjavík, Iceland

STSM Title: Synthesis of periodic mesoporous organosilicas CO₂ adsorbents modified with bissilylated diradicals

Duration: 03/09/2023 – 30/09/2023

Within the framework of the COST Action TrANsMIT, Mirtha A. O. Lourenço successfully completed a Short Term Scientific Mission at the University of Iceland. The STSM focused on advancing materials for CO₂ adsorption through the synthesis and modification of periodic mesoporous organosilicas (PMOs).

The original research plan aimed to incorporate radical based molecules into the PMO framework to enhance adsorption performance. Although synthetic challenges limited the direct implementation of this approach, the work led to a significant outcome: the development of a new synthetic route for ¹⁵N labeled precursors. This achievement enables future solid state NMR investigations to gain deeper insight into CO₂ adsorption mechanisms in porous materials.

In parallel, Mirtha conducted a techno economic analysis of PMO based sorbents, providing valuable perspectives on their feasibility and potential role as model materials for CO₂ capture technologies.

The STSM also included strong dissemination and outreach activities. Mirtha delivered a seminar entitled “Designing Porous Materials for Enhanced CO₂ Capture and Conversion”, participated in the European Researchers Night 2023, and contributed to science communication through the creation of an educational comic aimed at engaging the wider public.

This STSM strengthened international collaboration, combined fundamental materials chemistry with applied assessment, and contributed to the broader objectives of the TrANsMIT COST Action.

Congratulations on your excellent work, Mirtha!