Study on Artificial Intelligence for supporting Green materials development

Conventional materials and their properties are increasingly proving to be inadequate for complex, sustainable projects, such as those required in modern energy and mobility systems, but also in the construction industry. Methods from the field of artificial intelligence (AI) can help to analyse and optimize material properties. For example, physical material properties can be can be predicted using AI models, and the search for new materials (e.g., for batteries, photovoltaics, CO2 sorbents for carbon capture storage, cement alternatives) can be accelerated. The focus of the ‘Study-AI4GreenMat’ project is on the use of AI for the development of novel materials to substitute materials with high CO2-footprint or otherwise environmentally damaging properties, as well as the use of existing materials for the reduction of negative environmental impacts. The objectives of the BOKU-led work are (1) Status quo and trends on sustainability problems in connection with materials with high relevance for a transformation towards sustainability (energy transition, circular economy). Identification of Austrian sectors/fields of activity where accelerated material development has the greatest potential. (2) Overview of the material flow accounting (MFA) method, its methodological conventions and available databases; overview of the most important findings from MFA, i.e. material use and material footprint of Austria along material groups, by end uses and by use in economic sectors/industries. (3) Overview of the life cycle assessment method, impact categories used, unit of analysis, and available databases;