Artificial Photosynthesis

Direct conversion of solar energy into chemical fuel is a primary objective in the endeavor to address the globally growing energy demand in a sustainable way. This process is clean and carbon neutral, and a relevant amount of chemical energy can be stored and used when needed. A techno-logically relevant approach to the solar-to-chemical energy conversion process is referred to as artificial photosynthesis, which aims to emulate natural processes using man-made materials. ISM is able to synthes-ize advanced nanomaterials which catalyze the production of hydrogen or other chem-ical fuels from renewable energy resources. Active catalysts are prepared by using electrochemical techniques as well as innovative photolytic processes based on ultrafast laser pulses. ISM can also perform an in-depth investigation of the physical and chemical properties of such materials, based on synchrotron radiation, ultrafast spectro-scopy and ab initio simulations

Staff: G. Mattioli, F. Filippone, P. O'Keeffe, A. Paladini, A. Santagata, F. Toschi