The research project AURIGA – Unveiling the RIddles of GAs-liquid fluid dynamics: towards novel carbon dioxide absorption systems, supervised by Giorgio Besagni, Associate Professor at the Departmentof Energy of Politecnico di Milano, has received funding of more than €1.5M under the FIS 2 Call for Proposals of the Italian Ministry of University and Research.

The Fondo Italiano per la Scienza (FIS2) is a competitive initiative aimed at supporting basic research in various scientific fields. The call has awarded numerous projects from Italian universities and research centres, divided into different funding categories (Starting Grant, Consolidator Grant and Advanced Grant).

AURIGA aims to address some of the main challenges in the fluid dynamics of two-phase fluids, an intrinsically complex and still poorly understood phenomenon, with important implications in the design and optimisation of multiphase reactors. The project will develop an innovative theory for interpreting regime transitions in gas-liquid flows, supported by experimental investigations at different scales, and apply these principles to the design of a new technology based on ionic liquids for CO₂ adsorption, the impact of which will be assessed at the national level. The proposed system, which combines bubble columns with ionic liquids, aims to replace traditional technologies with more efficient and sustainable solutions; this technology could, therefore, contribute to the transition to a low-carbon economy.

This project stems from the need to fully understand multiphase fluid dynamics and transform this basic knowledge into innovative solutions for CO₂ capture. The aim is to develop more sustainable and efficient systems with a positive impact towards decarbonisation goals,

explains Giorgio Besagni.

AURIGA represents an important step forward in basic and applied research on multiphase fluid dynamics and confirms the role of the Department of Energy in promoting innovation and sustainability in process engineering.