For the needs of the HELICOSS project, we set up a laboratory for the characterization of photothermal properties of materials. The first experiments in our new Ajdovščina facilities took place in July. And while the summer outside was scorching, our lab experiments never got that hot—we never had to call the firefighters for cooling support!

On May 29th, the HELICOSS project was showcased at Lavrič Square in Ajdovščina as part of a public science outreach event. Dr. Sebastjan Nemec demonstrated the synthesis of innovative photothermally active CO₂ monolithic sorbents and explained how their unique properties are studied. A laser setup was installed on-site, allowing passers-by to witness firsthand how light can be transformed into heat — a key principle behind the project’s approach to efficient CO₂ desorption.