CARE-C awarded new SPARKLE project
The Climate and Atmosphere Research Center (CARE-C) of the Cyprus Institute has recently been awarded, through the Research & Innovation Foundation (RIF) in Cyprus, a new project entitled “Spark-produced aerosol nanoparticles: exploring their catalytic role in life-formation experiments and their great potential for reducing atmospheric CO2 – SPARKLE”.
The project aims to investigate the catalytic roles of aerosol nanoparticles generated by electrical discharges in two critical areas: the origin of life on Earth and the reduction of atmospheric CO2. By leveraging insights from early Earth conditions, where CO2 was pivotal, the project seeks to develop novel pathways for amino acid synthesis, essential for life, while concurrently addressing contemporary challenges posed by rising CO2 levels. Inspired by landmark experiments like the Miller-Urey study, which overlooked the potential role of nanoparticles produced during electrical discharges in their experimental outcomes, SPARKLE integrates plasma and photocatalysis to explore how naturally occurring nanoparticles, such as those from volcanic origins, influence amino acid formation. Experimental setups will elucidate the nanoparticle-mediated pathways in amino acid synthesis, distinguishing between gas-phase and liquid-phase mechanisms. This interdisciplinary approach merges catalysis, environmental science, and nanotechnology to advance understanding of life’s origins and develop sustainable methods for amino acid production.
The outcomes are expected to bolster competitiveness for future ERC funding, enhance scientific visibility through high-impact publications, and foster collaborations across diverse fields. SPARKLE’s innovative framework promises breakthroughs in both fundamental science and practical applications, significantly contributing to our knowledge for the origin of life and addressing pressing global challenges related to climate change mitigation.
The project has commenced on 1 December 2024, and it’s expected to end on 31 May 2026, and it’s led by CARE-C’s Associate Research Scientist Dr Klito Petallidou.
SPARKLE is co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund and the Republic of Cyprus through the Research and Innovation Foundation.
