This research line aims to pioneer innovations in materials science and engineering for the energy transition. Aligned with CICECO's mission, it addresses the development and application of advanced materials for efficient and sustainable energy solutions. It prioritizes aligning performance goals with the environmental sustainability of materials and processes, right from the early stages of the project development.
Aims
ENERGY PRODUCTION, CONVERSION AND HARVESTING
Focusing on materials for electrochemical energy conversion (fuel cells, reversible solid-electrolyte cells), smart materials for energy harvesting and conversion (thermoelectrics, calorics, multiferroics, piezoelectrics, ferroelectrics, magnetoelectrics, triboelectricity), photovoltaics and solar concentrators.
ENERGY STORAGE TECHNOLOGIES
Encompassing materials for various battery types (Li-, Na- and Mg-based, solid state devices, (membrane-free) redox flow, metal-air) and battery recycling. It also addresses multi-cation metal oxides and 2D materials (MXenes, graphene composites) for supercapacitors and electrolysis applications, and explores large-scale storage solutions, harnessing biofuels and green hydrogen as sustainable and efficient energy carriers.
SUSTAINABLE ENERGY IN INDUSTRIAL PROCESSES
Aiming to reduce the carbon footprint in industrial processes through innovative electrolytic processes powered by renewable energy and by advancing carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies for the energy sector. The focus is on CO2 capture and separation using ionic liquids, composite ceramic membranes and MOFs, combined with a comprehensive understanding of the underlying mechanisms.
The Line leverages CICECO's interdisciplinarity approach and group flexibility for collaborative research, bridging fundamental and applied science. The excellence in energy research is highlighted by 3 ongoing ERC grants, focusing on molecular-scale understanding of CO2 adsorption processes for CCS (G1), developing alternative organic-based electrodes for Li-ion batteries (G3) and designing innovative solvents for recycling batteries (G4). A strong focus on future battery technologies is witnessed by CICECO's key role in the large national New Generation Storage Innovation Pact and MeBattery EIC Pathfinder projects, aimed at developing next-generation battery ecosystems. We are committed to advancing R&D on advanced energy materials with a primary emphasis on energy sustainability and efficiency, aiming to foster innovation in the industrial sector. Our research will be leveraged by computational methods combining artificial intelligence and multiscale modeling to optimize and accelerate the advancement of energy technologies.