Research projects

Check out the research projects carried out by the CIIAE team.

Development of Advanced Porous Materials for Hydrogen Storage and Carbon Dioxide Capture

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 […]

Start date:

01/01/2026

Completion date:

31/12/2028

THERMES – Advanced THERmochemical sorption Energy stoage base on MESoporous silica materials for cooling applications

Start date:

31/10/2025

Completion date:

31/10/2028

HOFTUM – HOmogenous heating of Thermal FlUids based on Metamaterials.

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 […]

Start date:

16/07/2025

Completion date:

15/01/2028

IBES 2024

Start date:

01/01/2024

Completion date:

31/12/2026

Principal Investigator:

LONGTHERM – Long-duration Thermal Energy – Revenue mechanisms

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 […]

Start date:

31/10/2025

Completion date:

31/10/2028

Principal Investigator:

H2SACs: SAC catalysts for green hydrogen production: A theoretical study

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 […]

Start date:

28/10/2025

Completion date:

27/10/2028

Principal Investigator:

HOLMES

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 […]

Start date:

01/09/2024

Completion date:

31/08/2027

SPARK-e SOLID-STATE PCMS FOR ADVANCED ENERGY RECOVERY AND KEY THERMAL CONTROL IN ELECTRONICS

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 […]

Start date:

01/11/2025

Completion date:

31/10/2029

Principal Investigator:

DELaw – Degrowth through Energy Law: Using the legal framework for electricity batteries in Europe to achieve a degrowth-focused energy law

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 […]

Start date:

01/01/2025

Completion date:

01/10/2029

Principal Investigator:

4TunaTES – for Tunable Thermochemical Energy Storage

4TunaTES will unlock the potential thermal energy storage by delivering a groundbreaking flexible Thermo-Chemical Energy Storage (TCES) technology that can be easily adapted to different applications (variable in- and output temperatures) and thereby reduce the development costs by 90%. 4TunaTES will develop a TCES-prototype that can be also used for domestic use and addresses different […]

Start date:

01/02/2024

Completion date:

31/01/2028

Principal Investigator: