Check out the research projects carried out by the CIIAE team.
Climate change is arguably one of the top challenges our planet faces during the 21st century, primarily due to the significant amounts of greenhouse gas emissions, particularly CO₂, released into the atmosphere. The catalytic upgradation of CO₂ into fuels and high-value chemicals, such as methanol, presents a valuable solution to mitigate the excess CO₂ in […]
In the context of the current energy transition, the search for clean and sustainable energy sources is essential to transform the energy system into a more efficient and circular one. In this regard, hydrogen (H2) emerges as a key alternative due to its high energy density and carbon dioxide (CO2)-free production. However, H2 storage faces […]
HOTFUM is an innovative research project that explores a novel approach to converting renewable electricity into heat, while enhancing the performance and durability of thermal energy storage systems. The project aims to develop a breakthrough Power-to-Heat technology that heats fluids more efficiently and uniformly, overcoming limitations of conventional heating methods that often create damaging hot […]
Long Duration Thermal Energy Storage (LDTES) plays a crucial role in decarbonizing the industrial sector. It offers reliable solutions to bridge the gap between variable renewable energy sources and consistent industrial energy demand. LDTES is particularly well-suited for decarbonizing high-temperature industrial processes, such as those in the cement, steel, and chemical sectors, by potentially cutting […]
The H2SACs project explores advanced catalysts for green hydrogen production through Density Functional Theory (DFT) simulations. Three material classes are investigated: single-atom catalysts (SACs) supported on nitrogen-doped graphene, layered double hydroxides (LDHs), and MXenes. SACs maximize atomic efficiency and catalytic activity, while their laminar supports enhance accessibility and surface area. Nitrogen-doped graphene provides stable, conductive […]
HOLMES aims to develop an innovative interconnected Power-to-Heat (P2H) and Thermal Energy Storage (TES) technology. The central concept is a novel P2H approach capable of inducing uniform heating in heat transfer fluids (HTFs), which serve dual roles in both heat transfer and thermal energy storage. Electricity can be converted into heat using methods such as […]
Electronics are becoming smaller and more powerful, yet managing the heat they generate remains critical. Funded by the European Innovation Council, the SPARK-e project aims to tackle this issue by focusing on innovative materials called solid-to-solid phase-change materials (PCMs). These materials can absorb and store large amounts of heat during phase transitions, making them ideal […]
Adopting a degrowth economy is essential for restoring Earth as a safe operating space for humanity. Degrowth involves a planned reduction in energy and resource use to align the economy with ecological limits while reducing inequality and enhancing well-being. The ERC-funded DELaw project strives to embed degrowth principles within legal frameworks to drive meaningful societal […]
