RESEARCH

Rational design of homogeneous ruthenium based catalytic systems for the development of innovative processes toward the conversion of bio-based platforms (e.g. 2,5-hydroxymethyl furfural (HMF), 2,5-bis-hydroxymethylfurfural (BHMF), bio-ethanol from waste) to building blocks for green and energy transition (second generation bio-fuel) and for sustainable materials such as bio-based polymers.

Design, synthesis and application of Earth-abundant transition metal complexes (e.g. Fe and Mn) which combine cyclopentadienone and N-heterocyclic carbene ligands for energy transition (water oxidation, hydrogen production, acqueous phase reforming) and for the development of sustainable materials for sensor applications, flame behaviour control and bio-inorganic applications (e.g. anticancer pro-drugs development).

Design, synthesis and application of dinuclear iron complexes bearing bridging ligands suitable for the proton responsive electrocatalytic production of hydrogen from acidic hydrogen sources.

Sustainable processes for the synthesis of multifunctionalized smart polymers and nanomaterials.

Design of recyclable molecular (single site) catalytic systems by means of biphasic (ionic liquid) approaches or by immobilization on polymers techniques.