Project overview
MOJITO is a Horizon Europe project funded by the European Innovation Council and coordinated by the University of Bologna (2025–2028), aiming to develop more energy-efficient, decarbonised lime production.
It combines electric and microwave heating in a rotary kiln with waste-derived carbonaceous materials that enhance microwave absorption and heat transfer. Together with CO₂ collection, this approach seeks to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions from limestone calcination.
Computational modelling of calcination and microwave absorption
Our group leads the “Computational science” work package, investigating calcium carbonate decomposition and the dielectric properties of carbonaceous materials. Using density functional theory, machine-learning interatomic potentials and semi-empirical approaches, we study reaction pathways, calcination dynamics and microwave absorption, linking atomic-scale mechanisms and material properties to the development of more energy-efficient lime production technologies.
Project website
Official website: MOJITO Project
European Commission link: CORDIS