A new spin-out company from the University of Liverpool has raised a total of £1 million to commercialise an innovative carbon dioxide (CO₂) electrolyser designed to reduce emissions and enable the reuse of waste CO₂ in transforming it into valuable feedstocks for the chemicals industry.
CO2Volt has been created in partnership with Zinc VC and has secured investment from both partners alongside the Innovate UK Investor Partnership Programme. The funding will accelerate the development and scale-up of its pioneering CO₂ electrolyser technology.
A CO₂ electrolyser uses renewable electricity to convert waste carbon dioxide and water into valuable platform chemicals. CO2Volt's patented technology transforms these inputs into carbon monoxide and hydrogen - key building blocks for use by the chemicals industry for manufacturing a wide range of products, from everyday household materials to sustainable synthetic fuels. By providing a direct alternative to fossil-derived feedstocks, it supports the transition to a circular, sustainable economy.
The technology was developed by researchers at the University's Stephenson Institute for Renewable Energy (SIRE). The company is now advancing a working prototype and is focused on scaling the system towards a pilot-scale demonstrator.
Alex Cowan, Professor of Chemistry with SIRE and Chief Technology Officer of CO2Volt, said:
"CO2Volt aims to position itself at the forefront of next-generation carbon utilisation technologies, supporting industry efforts to decarbonise while unlocking new value from waste CO₂.
"This investment enables us to take the next step in developing and scaling our technology. We are addressing key operational challenges that have historically limited CO₂ electrolysers. Our system delivers high single-pass conversion efficiencies and improved operational uptime, while being manufactured from low-cost, widely available materials.
"We believe this technology, developed here at the University of Liverpool has the potential to transform the production of chemicals, fuels and materials - helping to accelerate the transition to a carbon-neutral economy while creating significant economic opportunity."
Martin Sellers, Head Venture Partner, Environment at Zinc, added: "CO2Volt exemplifies the kind of breakthrough science we look to support at Zinc - innovations that can utilise greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide and create real commercial value. We are excited to partner with the team as they scale toward real-world impact."
The University of Liverpool's Enterprise Team supported the formation of this spin-out, fostering a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem and a cluster of high-growth companies across the Liverpool City Region and beyond.
Image from left to right: Howard Duffy (UoL), Bhavin Siritanaratkul (CO2Volt, UoL), Alex Cowan (CO2Volt, UoL), Tom Pugh (UoL), Martin Sellers (Zinc), Sanja Moll (Zinc).
About Zinc:
Zinc is an early-stage investor and venture builder that partners with founders to create scalable, science-for-Impact ventures addressing critical health, environmental challenges. It combines pre-seed capital with hands-on support, networks and expertise to help ventures build, launch and grow.
