Ongoing Research Projects
MUR Italian call PRIN (2023-2025) for a project entitled "Decoupled production of solar fuels" (LEAF)
This project targets the design and development of a modular photoelectrochemical system for the decoupled production of solar fuels and implementation of a carbon-neutral energy landscape.
For more details, see the LEAF website
MUR Italian funding (2023-2025) for a project entitled "Copper indium sulfide quantum dots as photocatalysts for sun-driven biomass oxidation" (SUN-SPOT)
The project targets the solar-driven production of hydrogen from water reduction, coupled to biomass valorization.
SUN-SPOT proposes the design and synthesis of hybrid nanomaterials based on Copper Indium Sulfide Quantum Dots (CIS QDs) and molecular catalysts aimed at the conversion and storage of solar energy.
H2020-RIA (2020-2024) as the European Coordinator of a project entitled: “Combined sun-driven oxidation and CO2 reduction for renewable energy storage” (CONDOR)
Abstract: Conversion of sunlight into fuels and mitigation of anthropogenic climate change are big scientific challenges. CONDOR addresses both of them by developing highly efficient solar-driven conversion of CO2 into fuels and added-value chemicals. We propose a photosynthetic device made of two compartments (a) a photoelectrochemical cell that splits water and CO2 and generates oxygen and syngas, a mixture of H2 and CO; (b) a (photo)reactor that converts syngas into methanol and dimethylether (DME), via bi-functional heterogeneous catalysts. The proposed modular approach enables different configurations depending on the target product. CONDOR represents a large progress with respect to the state of the art and requires an international collaboration and a multidisciplinary approach, which integrates expertise in nanomaterials preparation and characterisation by operando microscopy and spectroscopy, homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis, photochemistry/photoelectrochemistry, PEC engineering and assessment of the environmental and socio-economic impact of the proposed technology, including life cycle assessment.
Innovative Training Network (ITN) (2021-2024) as coordinator of the Bologna research unit of a project entitled: “Photocatalysis as a tool for synthetic organic chemistry” (PhotoReact)
Abstract: Photocatalysis harnesses the energy of light to accelerate a chemical reaction. It is a green chemistry alternative as it reduces the use or generation of hazardous substances in the design, manufacture and application of chemical products. Funded by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the PhotoReAct project will offer 15 early-stage researchers (ESRs) the opportunity to undertake research in the field and overcome current limitations that prevent the applicability and scalability of photochemical transformations. Young researchers will focus on the rational design of photocatalysts, new photocatalytic methodologies, improved reactor technologies and the industrial implementation of photocatalytic transformations. All ESRs will complete secondments at an industrial partner and at an institute other than their host to broaden their knowledge and expertise in preparation for entering the job market.