The aim of the CUDET project, supported by Hellenic Foundation Research & Innovation (HFRI-FM17-1899), is to develop a new process for ethylene production via dehydrogenation of ethane assisted by CO₂ acting as a mild oxidant. By developing active and selective catalysts it will be possible to produce ethylene at relatively low temperatures and high yield and simultaneously convert CO2 almost exclusively to high added value CO. The potential to employ two underutilized reactants to supply ethylene and CO, as well as to mitigate detrimental CO₂ emissions, can be highly rewarding though challenging.

The scientific challenges arose by CUDET research project, will be achieved by a team comprising of Prof. Angeliki Lemonidou as the lead principal investigator from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTh), expert in catalytic processes of hydrocarbons, Dr. Eleni Heracleous from Center for Research and Technology Hellas (CERTH), expert in advanced catalyst characterization and Prof. Johannes Lercher from Technical University of Munich (TUM), expert in mechanistic studies of hydrocarbons, who will join their efforts by implementing a well structure methodology towards the project objectives.