Recycling Carbon & Reducing Emissions

Addressing climate change requires more than just cutting emissions – it means rethinking carbon itself. At MECS, we are developing catalytic strategies to convert CO₂ from a waste product into a valuable raw material. Our research enables the transformation of captured carbon into fuels and platform chemicals, helping close the carbon loop and laying the foundation for a circular carbon economy.

Through cutting-edge catalysis, advanced modeling and strong industrial partnerships, we are turning a major climate challenge into a sustainable resource stream.

Our Focus

From Emission to Innovation

MECS researchers tackle carbon utilization from every angle – merging experimental, computational and application-oriented approaches to create practical solutions.

  • Catalyst Screening
    We use high-throughput experimental platforms to rapidly identify the most effective catalysts for CO₂ conversion under varied conditions.

  • Machine Learning Integration
    Our AI-driven models help discover new catalyst candidates and optimize reaction conditions – boosting innovation speed and precision.

  • Reaction Pathway Analysis
    Using state-of-the-art spectroscopy and microscopy, we uncover the atomic-level mechanisms behind CO₂ activation and transformation.

  • Industrial Collaboration
    In close collaboration with industry, we scale promising technologies beyond the lab – developing systems that can make a real-world impact.

Our Potential

Closing the Carbon Loop

At MECS, we are not just reducing emissions – we are redefining carbon as a resource for the future.

From waste to value

Converting CO₂ into useful fuels and chemicals.

Decarbonizing industry

Enabling carbon-neutral production pathways.

Data-driven discovery

Accelerating breakthroughs with AI and automation.

Contributing to net-zero goals

Supporting the transition to a global circular carbon economy.

To tackle the climate crisis, we need to stop seeing CO₂ as waste and start seeing it as an opportunity.

Stefan Freunberger

MECS Board of Directors

Spotlight on Success

From Molecule to Market

MECS groups combine world-class expertise in catalysis, surface science and systems integration. Together, we are advancing the tools and technologies that will enable a new carbon economy – one that works with nature’s cycles instead of against them.

Learn more about our work in different fields of energy storage and conversion.