The research aims to develop artificial leaf-type devices for the sustainable and direct production of chemicals and fuels using sunlight, starting from small molecules (N2, CO2 and H2O). These devices find applications from resilient uses, such as in net-zero communities or valleys, to advanced applications, such as in space. This objective requires a holistic system approach, which integrates fundamental applied knowledge in chemistry, engineering, physics, industrial technologies and other aspects. The study is crucial to develop key technologies to accelerate the transition to the replacement of fossil fuels and close the carbon cycle. Artificial leaf-type devices are the frontier of research in this area aimed at producing solar fuels that overcome the many limitations of current PtX-type technologies to produce e-fuels. The Doctorate integrates with a very active research group that leads these activities on a world scale. The PhD will operate in a highly stimulating international environment, working in collaboration with many other researchers and companies. In parallel, the PhD will improve his/her knowledge and competencies for innovative strategies for the renewable energy value chain, valorising leadership & communication skills as well as enforcing the capabilities to develop and manage international research projects.

The research integrates fundamental studies on materials and mechanistic aspects with the technological and engineering development of the devices. Specific techno-scientific capabilities are integrated with educational aspects to promote human capabilities for proper management and strategic direction of energy and use of solar resources. These activities require combining fundamental and technological knowledge to additional skills in terms of system analysis, multidisciplinary integration, team working, dissemination and communication, planning a sustainable energy system, and managing the complex interconnections.

The Doctorate will operate at the CASPE Centre (Laboratory of Catalysis for Sustainable Production and Energy; http://ww2new.unime.it/catalysis/) - Dept ChiBiofarAm/UniME. The centre has about 600 m2 of laboratories, fully equipped with equipment for the preparation, characterisation and testing of catalysts, and where operate about 8 permanent scientists and 20-30 non-permanent researchers, including many international PhDs. The centre has many established international collaborations. The research activities focus on catalysis, including photo-, electro and plasma catalysis and related processes. The main research areas are solar-driven chemistry and energy, and circular economy.