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Department of Physics and Astronomy “Augusto Righi” – DIFA

Nanostructured Materials for energy conversion and storage

Areas: Physics of condensed matter, atoms and molecules

Our research focuses on the development of innovative materials for the conversion and storage of renewable energy, with the goal of reducing dependence on fossil fuels and promoting hydrogen as a clean energy carrier.

We design and synthesize nanostructured metal oxide semiconductors for the photoelectrochemical production of solar fuels, through processes such as water splitting, CO₂ reduction, and biomass conversion under simulated sunlight. In parallel, we develop nanostructured metal alloys and carbon-based materials for solid-state hydrogen storage, with particular attention to optimizing the kinetics and thermodynamics of hydrogen absorption and release.

The functional properties of these materials are investigated through photoelectrochemical measurements (both steady-state and frequency-modulated), hydrogen sorption studies, and characterization of their electrical and optical behavior. Structural and morphological analysis is carried out using X-ray diffraction, electron microscopy, and advanced techniques based on synchrotron radiation.

A key aspect of our work is the development of experimental setups for operando characterization, enabling the study of materials under realistic working conditions. Our multidisciplinary and integrated approach is strengthened by strong collaborations with national and international research institutions

Collaborations

  • Helmholtz Zentrum Berlin (DE),
  • Institute of Chemical Research of Catalonia, ICIQ (ES),
  • Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (DE),
  • Ecole Polytchnique Fédérale de Lausanne (CH),
  • Institut de Chimie et des Materiaux Paris-Est (FR),
  • Dutch Institute for Fundamental Energy Research (NL),
  • Eotvos University,
  • Budapest (HR),
  • Delft University of Technology (NL),
  • Vinča Institute of Nuclear Sciences, Belgrade (SR),
  • Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche,
  • ENEA,
  • University of Trento,
  • University of Ferrara,
  • University of Torino