Energy and materials

Our research

Our research deals with the development of novel nanomaterials for solid oxide fuel cells, electrolysers, batteries, super-capacitors, the new generation of solar cells and membranes technology, as well as custom-made catalysts for environmental and photocatalytic applications.

We tune the chemistry and the structure of multicomponent materials to make them top systems for energy applications.  Our team combines expertise in chemical engineering, physical chemistry, chemistry of materials and multi-scale modelling, which allow us to develop research at a fundamental level and transform the basic knowledge into real-world applications.

Research interests

Clean energy production, carbon capture/utilisation and bioenergy are priority areas among our research interests.

In particular, we have a H₂/CO₂ lab for the production of bio-hydrogen syngas and fine chemicals using CO₂ as a carbon pool. We design pioneering catalysts and nanoreactors based on metallic and metal-oxide nanoparticles, as well as yolk-shell structures with direct applicability in fuel processors and green chemistry.

As for bioenergy, fast pyrolysis and advanced technology for biofuel production constitute one of our research thrusts. Novel pyrolyser reactors for one-pot biofuel generation from biomass are currently under development in our facilities.

Such devices make possible the so-called “waste to fuel” approach in a compact manner using membranes to intensify the process. Additionally, we are active in the application of plasma technology including plasma catalysis, plasma pyrolysis and the use of plasma as a versatile tool for nanomaterials synthesis.

Our current research deals with the development of novel nanomaterials for solid oxide fuel cells, electrolysers, batteries, super-capacitors, the new generation of solar cells and membranes technology, as well as custom-made catalysts for environmental and photocatalytic applications. We tune the chemistry and the structure of multicomponent materials to make them top systems for energy applications.  Our team combines expertise in chemical engineering, physical chemistry, chemistry of materials and multi-scale modelling, which allow us to develop research at a fundamental level and transform the basic knowledge into real-world applications.