SOLAR2CHEM · Training the next generation of scientists in solar chemicals for a sustainable Europe by hybrid molecule/semiconductor devices

Training the next generation of scientists in solar chemicals for a sustainable Europe by hybrid molecule/semiconductor devices

Solar2Chem aims at training the next generation of scientists in solar chemicals. There is an urgent need to develop technologies capable to producing sustainably fuels and chemicals, with the final goal of displacing fossil fuels in the energy and chemical industry. As an inexhaustible source of energy, sunlight represents a very desirable solution to drive decarbonisation and tackle climate change, however harnessing sunlight and utilising it to drive chemical reactions is a major challenge for scientists. In this project, we aim to develop technologies that can harness sunlight and drive chemical reactions to produce a variety of fuels and chemicals that are necessary for the society. We are also looking at how these technologies can be deployed to the European industry, by looking at how new renewable technologies and hydrogen have received support from public and private organisations. In the technical part of the project, we aim at preparing new materials, membranes, reactors, etc. while in the process, training the ESRs in a wide range of skills and techniques for the synthesis, study and incorporation of these components into reactors. During the project, the ESRs have developed several new materials for direct light-driven reactions, including carbon nitrides,metal oxide nanoparticles, hybrid molecule-semiconductor assemblies. Most of these novel materials have been thoroughly characterised by advanced techniques, such as microscopy, spectroscopy and computational chemistry. Once understood, the materials have been incorporated in reactors, modelled to optimised the performance, and used to conduct a wide range of chemical transformations. In addition, steps towards bringing the technologies of direct solar energy conversion to the market have been made by looking at the policy environment, talking to industries, engaging with policy-makers, with the objective to speed up the implementation of these technologies and reach a maturity to translate to the market. There are currently 22 publications that have arisen from the work in the project, all published in open access journals. The ESRs have participated in several academic and non-academic conferences to explain the work done and to highlight the relevance of such a network. Overall, Solar2Chem has been a success with the delivery a several new PhD graduates, with some at the final stages of their studies, while others already working on the next stage of their careers.

Data: CORDIS, © European Union