THE PROJECT
CaTalysts foR TrAnsItion to ReNewable Energy FutuRe..
The project core moves from the preparation of tailored 1D-3D carbon networks to be employed as non-innocent platforms for the bottom-up synthesis of targeted metal and metal-free catalytic materials. Selected C-matrices with mesoporous structures and featuring with specific templating (chemical and morphological) microenvironments will be used for the controlled anchoring, growth and stabilization of single-atom or metal sub-nanoclusters as well as for the ultra-thin surface coating with defective or highly strained (exfoliated) metal-sulfide structures. Surface engineered C-based materials will be also considered as single-phase, metal-free systems for the effective activation and conversion of small molecules in processes at the heart of renewable energy technology. With its catalyst technology, TRAINER prompts the transition towards a sustainable catalysis era by addressing scientifically ambitious but technologically concrete breakthroughs. It will focus on the intensification of three highly energy-demanding processes, ensuring mild operative conditions and zero or negative CO2 impact all over the whole production chain. Its catalyst technology will be mainly applied to: 1) H2 production from water electrolysis (hydrogen-evolution reaction, HER), 2) Hydrocarbon production from hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) of oxygen-rich biomasses, 3) Production of chemicals and energy vectors from CO2 electro-reduction. Other satellite processes will complete the study, strengthening the impact and long-term vision of the proposal. Advanced characterization techniques (including operando studies) will give insight on the catalysts properties during all their operative life.
The project core moves from the preparation of tailored 1D-3D carbon networks to be employed as non-innocent platforms for the bottom-up synthesis of targeted metal and metal-free catalytic materials. Selected C-matrices with mesoporous structures and featuring with specific templating (chemical and morphological) microenvironments will be used for the controlled anchoring, growth and stabilization of single-atom or metal sub-nanoclusters as well as for the ultra-thin surface coating with defective or highly strained (exfoliated) metal-sulfide structures. Surface engineered C-based materials will be also considered as single-phase, metal-free systems for the effective activation and conversion of small molecules in processes at the heart of renewable energy technology. With its catalyst technology, TRAINER prompts the transition towards a sustainable catalysis era by addressing scientifically ambitious but technologically concrete breakthroughs. It will focus on the intensification of three highly energy-demanding processes, ensuring mild operative conditions and zero or negative CO2 impact all over the whole production chain. Its catalyst technology will be mainly applied to: 1) H2 production from water electrolysis (hydrogen-evolution reaction, HER), 2) Hydrocarbon production from hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) of oxygen-rich biomasses, 3) Production of chemicals and energy vectors from CO2 electro-reduction. Other satellite processes will complete the study, strengthening the impact and long-term vision of the proposal. Advanced characterization techniques (including operando studies) will give insight on the catalysts properties during all their operative life.
THE TEAM AT THE ICPEES UMR-7515 -CNRS
Giuliano GIAMBASTIANI - Trainer PI
He is commuting between ICCOM-CNR and University of Strasbourg where he holds the position of Research Director and TRAINER PI. His current scientific activity mainly deals with homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis and with the preparation and characterization of technologically advanced materials and composites based on functionalized carbon nanostructures. |
Cuong PHAM-HUU - Trainer co-PI
He is Research Director at the ICPEES - CNRS.. His activity is focused on the synthesis of 1D and 2D carbon-based and silicon carbide materials along with hierarchical composites for use in the fields of heterogeneous catalysis, energy and environment. |
Agnès ORB
Administrative Deputy Director She is in charge for the coordination of all administrative stuff at ICPEES, including TRAINER funds managing, personnel contracts and ICPEES website administration. |
Spiros ZAFEIRATOS
CNRS Research Director He is CNRS Research Director at the ICPEES in Strasbourg. His current research interests deal with surface studies of heterogeneous catalysts and electrochemical processes for fuel cell and electrolysis applications. |
Guy SCHLATTER
ICPEES Director He is Professor at the University of Strasbourg and Director of ICPEES. His current research interests deal with the elaboration of functional nanofibrous materials by electrospinning with emphasis in the control of the micro and nano structure of the materials. |
Vasiliki PAPAEFTHIMIOU
Development Engineer She is the engineer responsible for the surface characterization platform at ICPEES, comprising three XPS spectrometers equipped with several techniques. She is in charge of the surface characterization experiments and responsible for the training of students.
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Cuong DUONG-VIET
His research activity is focussed on the development of metal-free catalysts for selective oxidation processes. |
WeiWANG
His research research activity deals with the development of heterogeneous catalysts for CO2 methanation under unconventional conditions (i.e. induction heating and dynamic operational modes.. |
Xiong ZHANG
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Silviya MARKOVA
She is in charge for managing (in close connection with the supervisory authorities) of contracts for the recruitment of personnel (Including people hired on the TRAINER project) as well as for handling all conventions of trainees and visitors. |
Michèle THOMAS
She is in charge for managing contracts, agreements and commercial orders. She also manages incomes and grants coming from external contracts. |
Fabrice VIGNERON
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Jean-Mario NHUT
He is CNRS Research Engineer at ICPEES in Strasbourg where he holds the role of responsible for the platform of heterogeneous catalytic tests. He is also in charge of micro-pilots and set-up conception. |