A new study from the ESEC Group investigates the latest advancements in calcium looping technology for carbon capture, cooperated with Department of Computer Science at University of Oxford. Calcium looping, which utilizes limestone to capture CO₂, is considered a cost-effective and widely available solution for reducing carbon emissions.

The research highlights improvements in capture efficiency, energy consumption reduction, and minimized environmental impact. Additionally, the study explores the potential of integrating calcium looping with other carbon capture and utilization technologies to enhance overall sustainability. These findings provide valuable insights for developing more efficient and sustainable carbon capture solutions in the future.

New study explores advances in calcium looping technology for carbon capture 

17th March. 2025

In August 2025, End Use Theme Lead Professor Qiong Cai and Hub Researcher Dr Xiaoling Ma visited Dr Binjian Nie’s Energy Storage & Energy Carrier Group at the University of Oxford. 

August. 2025

Dr. Binjian Nie from the University of Oxford has secured funding as part of the £3 million UK Hydrogen Research Centre (UK HyRES) initiative, which supports 10 research projects to accelerate the country’s transition to net-zero emissions.

Dr. Nie, alongside Professor Ai-Dong Yang, will lead a project on "Direct Reduction of Iron Oxides with Ammonia" to explore its potential in steel manufacturing. Since the steel industry contributes approximately 8% of global carbon emissions, developing low-carbon production methods is essential. Ammonia-based reduction could provide advantages over traditional hydrogen-based methods in terms of energy efficiency and emissions reduction.

UK HyRES, led by the University of Bath, funds research on hydrogen production, storage, and applications, aiming to address key challenges in hydrogen adoption and advance sustainable energy solutions.

https://eng.ox.ac.uk/news/10-hydrogen-projects-funded-to-accelerate-uk-s-net-zero-transition/

24th Jan. 2025

On November 5–6, 2024, PRDA Alex and PhD student Zi participated in the UK Carbon Capture and Storage Research Centre (UKCCSRC) Knowledge Exchange Conference in Sheffield. The conference brought together researchers, industry leaders, and policymakers to exchange ideas about carbon capture, storage, and utilization technology advancements. 

Zi presented a poster highlighting their research on industrial decarbonization and CO2 conversion technologies. Their work focused on innovative methods to reduce carbon emissions from industrial processes and convert captured CO2 into valuable chemicals, a topic that drew considerable interest and discussion from the attendees. 

Alex and Zi’s participation in the conference was supported by UKCCSRC’s Early Career Researcher (ECR) funding, which aims to facilitate the involvement of emerging researchers in academic exchanges and professional development.

https://ukccsrc.ac.uk/knowledge-exchange-conference-sheffield-5-6-november-2024/#postergallery

5th Nov. 2024

Wang Zirui, a PhD student from the University of Oxford, recently delivered an oral presentation at the 2024 Shimadzu Clean Technology Seminar Day, held in Oxford. His presentation, titled "The potential of an integrated system for carbon capture, heat recovery and fuel generation technology in industry" focused on the new carbon capture material, where he shared his latest research findings. His presentation was well-received by both academic and industry professionals. 

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/shimadzu-uk-limited_cleantechday-activity-7246868476324114433-Rm-b?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop

1st October 2024

Zi Huang, a PhD student from the University of Oxford, recently delivered an oral presentation at the 31st annual conference of Chinese UK Reginal Group and the Chinese Society of Chemical Science and Technology Association, held in Surrey. His presentation, titled "A synergistic system of carbon capture and methanol production with waste heat recovery for industrial decarbonization " focused on systems optimization of carbon capture and ulitization, where he shared his latest research findings.  In addition, Zi was honored with the 2nd prize of Best Pressentation Award.

31st CSCST-SCI Conference

5th September 2024

Dr. Binjian Nie has been awarded the WSSET Innovation Award at SET2024 for his pioneering work in sustainable energy technologies, including advancements in low-carbon heating and renewable energy storage.

https://wsset.org/wsset-innovation-award/

22nd Auguest 2024

Hong Haoliang, a PhD student from the University of Oxford, recently attended the 21st World Society for Sustainable Energy Technologies (WSSET) International Conference held in Shanghai, China, where he delivered an oral presentation titled "Structure modification of magnesium hydride for solid hydrogen storage". His research focuses on solid hydrogen storage, and during his talk, he presented his latest findings, which were well-received by attending scholars and experts.

At the conference, the project Hong Haoliang contributed to, under the supervision of Dr. Nie, won the Innovation Prize SET2024 for its groundbreaking work in sustainable energy technologies. In addition, Hong Haoliang was honored with the Terry Payne Prize for his exceptional contributions to the field of sustainable energy. This award recognizes young researchers who demonstrate excellence in research and innovation. 

The 21st WSSET International Conference brought together leading scholars and experts in sustainable energy technologies from around the world. 

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/haoliang-hong-6a4b32289_sustainableenergy-innovation-hydrogenstorage-activity-7229149714200350720-UzDQ?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop

14rd Auguest 2024

Wang Zirui, a PhD student from the University of Oxford, recently participated in the Ecomat International Conference held in Newcastle, where he delivered an oral presentation titled "Fe/MnDoped CaO Sorbents for Synergistic Carbon Captureand Energy Recovery". His research focuses on new carbon capture material for industry decarbonlization, and during his presentation, he shared the latest findings and progress from his work. 

10th July 2024

The Nicklin Medal has been awarded to early career researcher Binjian Nie, for excellence in research and pioneering impact in the field of thermal batteries for green chemical process engineering and sustainable chemical and fuel production.

https://www.icheme.org/about-us/press-releases/winners-of-the-2024-icheme-medals-announced/

5th March 2024

At the recently held Industrial Decarbonisation Research and Innovation Centre (IDRIC)  Annual Conference, two PhD students from the University of Oxford, Huang Zi and Wang Zirui, showcased their latest research findings about A synergistic system of carbon capture and hydrogen production with waste heat recovery. The conference brought together researchers and academics from around the world, offering a platform for sharing cutting-edge research.

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/idricuk_idric24-decarbonisation-activity-7171489945449140224-Jf00?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop

3rd March 2024

Garatri Sundar Rajan won the Worshipful Company of Engineers Innovation4All prize for her project designing a desalination and refrigeration cogeneration system for low-tomiddle income contries

News item about Engineering Science DPhil student Gayatri Sundar Rajan winning the Innovation 4 All Research Award from the Worshipful Company of Engineers and Tech4All in 2023 (ox.ac.uk) 

19th Jan 2024

Welcome Prof. Zou Jianxin and Department Heads of Shanghai Jiaotong University visiting Oxford and joining our workshop 

 12th Dec. 2023