Jens Vinge Nygaard works at the interface of biology, chemistry, and materials science, exploring how biological functionality can be integrated into engineered systems. His research often focuses on designing materials and structures that enable or enhance biological processes, particularly in complex and reactive environments.
Within CORC, he is part of the project “Enzyme-Assisted Capture and Electrochemical Conversion of CO2 from Flue Gas to Syngas”, where biological and electrochemical approaches are combined into a single integrated system. The goal of the project is to establish a setup that enables both efficient CO2 capture and its subsequent conversion into syngas, a key building block for sustainable fuels and chemicals.
A central element of this work is the use of enzymes-specifically carbonic anhydrase-to accelerate CO2 capture and conversion processes. These enzymes are immobilized on nanostructured materials and integrated into a so-called pH spacer within an electrochemical system, enabling controlled transformation of captured carbon into CO2 at the point of conversion.
Nygaard contributes to the design and development of these enzyme-functionalized materials and their integration into the overall system. The project brings together experimental work and computational modeling, including COMSOL-based simulations, to better understand and optimize the coupled processes of capture and conversion.
Working closely with CORC PIs Peter Westh and Kim Daasbjerg, he is part of a collaborative effort that connects enzyme engineering, electrochemistry, and modeling. Together, they aim to develop a scalable, integrated solution that can convert CO2 from flue gas into valuable products more efficiently.
