Research Areas
energy storage
High-energy storage devices competing at an economical and environmental level with current Li–ion cells are one of the keys to a sustainable future. In this context, we aim to showcase the promise of multivalent metal-based cells as promising alternatives to Li-counterparts, with equally high energy density theoretically delivered by the multivalent-transporting cations at similar cell voltages. Another promising alternative to Li–ion batteries involves a shift from intercalation technologies to conversion-based systems. Particularly, research on the development of metal–”air” and metal–sulphur batteries has received continuous attention in the past decades.
Representative works:
J. Power Sources 2022, 547, 232002
Chem. Eng. J. 2022, 449, 137744
Mater. Today Energy 2022, 7, 101033
ACS Appl. Energy Mater. 2022, 5, 2150
J. Mater. Chem. A 2021, 9, 10012
Adv. Energy Mater. 2020, 10, 1903486
Adv. Energy Mater. 2017, 7, 1700391
energy conversion
One of the key goals in creating a sustainable global society is the valorization of small molecules (H2O, CO2, N2) as a resource for energy conversion/production of chemicals. In this optic, efforts on developing nanomaterials for application in (photo)electrochemical platforms for water splitting, fuel cells, and CO2 reduction are more than ever urgent. Reutilizing captured CO2, in particular, is a solution to environmental concerns and an alternative to the exploitation of fossil fuels. However, current CO2 utilization (200 Mt) remains the equivalent of less than 0.6% of emitted CO2 to date. Continuing to assess the promise of CO2 reutilization to hydrocarbons (from CH4 to long-chains) through electrochemical platforms is one of our focus.
Representative works:
J. Mater. Chem. 2023, 11, 5328
Chem. Soc. Rev. 2019, 48, 205
ACS Appl. Energy Mater. 2019, 2, 3780
J. Mater. Chem. A 2019, 7, 639
Adv. Mater. Interfaces 2019, 6, 1801144
ACS Catal. 2018, 8, 4364
J. Mater. Chem. A 2017, 5, 7072
ACS Appl. Mater. Interfaces 2017, 9, 7075
nanomaterials
Our research focuses on the rational design, characterization, and application of innovative materials, from single nanostructures to hybrid architectures through the integration of candidates from within a diverse materials library (e.g., metals, inorganic materials, semiconductors, biomaterials, and carbon materials). The resulting hybrid systems uncover new functionalities ascribed to the cooperative and synergistic effects established between neighboring nanocomponents. By understanding how to effectively identify and exploit the fingerprints of these systems, and analyzing the interaction between catalytic functionalities, we have been able to explore challenges not only in the domains of an energy transition but also within the domains of adjacent exciting research fields.
Representative works:
Appl. Mater. Today 2022, 27, 101472
ACS Appl. Mater. Interfaces 2021, 13, 58422
ACS Sustainable Chem. Eng. 2018, 6, 1310
Appl. Catal. B: Environ. 2017, 206, 263
Adv. Funct. Mater. 2017, 27, 1604604
Nanoscale 2016, 8, 18938
Small 2016, 12, 6167
