Speaker
Descrizione
The development of sustainable technologies for CO2 valorization, clean air and renewable H2 production represents a key challenge for the coming years. In this context, heterogeneous catalysis can play a central role in transforming CO2 from an emission problem into a resource, while enabling the production of hydrogen and value-added molecules through thermal, photo-assisted and cyclic processes.
This contribution addresses the development of catalytic strategies for two closely interconnected research directions: CO2 valorization and renewable H₂ production. CO2 valorization is explored through thermocatalytic and photo-assisted reforming, chemical looping reforming approaches and VOC oxidation, with the aim of integrating CO2 into circular carbon pathways rather than treating it only as an emission to be mitigated [1]. At the same time, renewable H2 production is investigated through reforming and photoreforming of biomass-derived molecules, such as glycerol, as sustainable routes for hydrogen generation from renewable feedstocks [2]. Within this framework, attention is also devoted to the development of greener catalytic systems based on available waste resources, including Etna volcanic ash, aiming to combine sustainable hydrogen production with resource valorization and circular economy strategies.
These studies have highlighted the importance of catalyst composition, redox behaviour, oxygen mobility, metal-support interactions, carbon formation and regeneration dynamics, as well as light-assisted activation mechanisms. However, several scientific questions remain open. A deeper understanding is still required to identify the real active sites under dynamic reaction conditions, control catalyst deactivation, improve stability during cyclic operation and clarify the interplay between thermal and photo-induced pathways.
Looking ahead, this research line could evolve from the study of individual catalytic materials towards integrated catalytic and functional platforms. Several internal competences within the Institute may offer promising opportunities to strengthen this direction. In particular, expertise in nanostructured materials, metallic foams, surface engineering and functional coatings could support the development of advanced systems for CO2 conversion, VOC oxidation and H2 production. These approaches could help move beyond conventional powdered catalysts towards structured materials, catalytic coatings and multifunctional platforms, opening new perspectives for scale-up and real applications while maintaining a strong focus on reaction mechanisms, activity and long-term stability.
Advanced characterization, including in situ and operando approaches, will be crucial to clarify catalyst evolution, chemical states, surface and interface composition and electronic structure under reaction-relevant environments.
Finally, these challenges could benefit from a stronger internal network, particularly among young researchers across the Institute. Short exchanges, joint access to instrumentation, interdisciplinary training and collaborative project proposals would promote the circulation of skills and ideas, making CO2 valorisation, VOC abatement and renewable H2 production shared platforms for future interdisciplinary research within ISMN.
⦋1⦌ La Greca E, La Parola V, et al. Ru–Ni modified LaMnO₃ perovskites for H₂ production via CH₄–CO₂ chemical looping: Structure–activity effect. Applied Catalysis B: Environment and Energy. 2026; 385: 126282. DOI: 10.1016/j.apcatb.2025.126282.
⦋2⦌ La Greca E, Armeli Iapichino MT, et al. Influence of Ni addition on Au/CeO₂ photocatalysts for solar photocatalytic H₂ production by glycerol photoreforming. Catalysts. 2025; 15(6): 555. DOI: 10.3390/catal15060555.
| Giovane Ricercatore (under 40) | Yes |
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