Rising CO₂ levels and global warming have intensified interest in CO₂ capture and utilization. One promising approach is the catalytic conversion of CO₂ to methane (CH₄) via the Sabatier reaction, which typically employs Ni-based catalysts. However, the impact of porosity in shaped catalyst configurations remains largely unexplored. Optimizing porosity and surface area can enhance active site accessibility and overall catalytic performance. Additionally, key design parameters, such as pattern architecture and fiber size in 3D-printed structures, significantly influence methane yield and reactor efficiency by improving heat and mass transfer. Scaling up these catalysts through 3D printing offers significant advantages for industrial applications, including enhanced material utilization and improved energy efficiency.

Dr. Arturo Pajares is a materials scientist specializing in heterogeneous catalysis. He earned his PhD in Nanoscience from the University of Barcelona in 2021. Afterward, he joined VITO as a postdoctoral researcher, working on catalytic applications in space in collaboration with ESA. In 2024, he was promoted to R&D scientist at VITO. His expertise lies in transition metal carbides, oxides, and nitrides, focusing on their scaling up through non-conventional shaping methods like 3D printing. His research aims to develop and optimize materials for large-scale catalytic applications.