TEAM

Country: Spain

Type: University

The Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV)is a public, dynamic and innovative academic institution that maintains strong links with the social environment in which it carries out its activities. Our group is composed by national and international researchers specialized in the preparation of novel photocatalysts based on metal oxides, MOFs, COFs and graphenes among others.

The group leads and coordinates Methasol project. To this end, we should provide support to the rest of the partners involved in the work packages.  Specially, UPV leads WP1 in which it performs tasks of preparing the technical developments and integration of components in the project; and WP 9 aimed to ensure the smooth coordination and management of the project optimizing project resources, to provide the best opportunity for the partners to jointly achieve the project objectives. In the other WPs (2, 4, 5, ), the group works on the testing of the photocatalysts and the study of the optimal reaction conditions for their scaling up to industrial level for the efficient production of methanol in a photocatalytic way.

Website: https://hermenegildogarciagroup.es/

Relevant links to social media: https://twitter.com/navalon_sergio

https://www.linkedin.com/company/instituto-de-tecnologia-quimica-upv-csic/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sergio-naval%C3%B3n-2692aa140/

Country: Germany

Type: Research organisation

The Max-Planck Institute (MPG) is an institution of the German state for the support of fundamental and basic research. There are 84 different Max Planck Institutes, all in different areas of Science, with more than 15000 employees. The MPIKG is devoted to the hierarchical construction of modern functional materials, biomimetics and sustainability, and has with in these operations a strong focus on photocatalyst design.

In Methasol, MPIKG focuses on advanced catalytic materials for the photochemical oxidation of water to dioxygen. This is done in plants by the photosystem II; which however has to be actively repaired every 30 minutes of operation. MPIKG developed a carbon and nitrogen based sustainable semiconductor to run this reaction stable and efficiently. In addition, they organize the international exchange of ideas and people between the European partners, but also between EU and China to create an international community of solar fuel science.

Country: China

Type: University

Wuhan University of Technology (WHUT) is one of the leading Chinese universities under the direct administration of the Ministry of Education and one of the universities in the country’s construction plan of world-class universities and first-class disciplines. In the past 70 years, WHUT has fostered over 500,000 engineers and technicians, maintaining itself the largest scale university under the direct administration of the Ministry of Education for nurturing talents oriented in the three industrial sectors: building materials industry, transportation industry and automobile industry and retaining itself an important base of nurturing high-level talents for the three industrial sectors as well as providing significant scientific and technological achievements.

In METHASOL, WHUT studies of the integration in a Z-scheme heterojunction and tests, by preparing powder and thin-film systems based on Z-scheme (S-Scheme) heterojunction, as well as their characterization, analysis and gas-phase photocatalytic activity.

Country: France

Type: Research organisation

The Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) is a government-funded research organisation under the administrative authority of the French Ministry of Education and Research.

The CNRS partner of Methasol involves three different academic labs: 1) The Institut Charles Gerhardt of Montpellier (ICGM, UMR 5253 CNRS, Université Montpellier), one of the world leaders in the development of advanced molecular simulations to model the structure of MOFs and their properties. 2) The Institut Lavoisier of Versailles (ILV, UMR CNRS 8180-University of Versailles St Quentin en Yvelines & University Paris Saclay) with a strong expertise in the synthesis and characterization of porous hybrid materials such as MOFs and MOFs based composites. 3) The CNRS- Catalysis and Spectrochemistry Laboratory (LCS, ENSICAEN, University of Caen, worldwide recognised expert in the spectroscopic characterisation of MOFs.

In METHASOL, CNRS-ILV will be in charge of the synthesis and microstructural characterization of MOFs-Cu and MOF-Cu-CQDs based photocatalysts for CO2 reduction reaction and the development of MOFs-carbon nitride composites for Z-scheme heterojunction (WP2, WP4 and WP5). CNRS-ILV will lead WP2. CNRS-ICGM will model and rationalize the catalytic activity for both carbon nitride and MOF to guide the experimental effort towards improved systems (WP3) and anticipate the properties of the MOF/carbon nitride composites (WP5). CNRS-LCS will perform an Operando investigation of the best MOFs and composites under photocatalytic conditions using FT-IR and Raman (WP3 and 5).

Relevant links to social media: https://twitter.com/ILV_UMR8180, https://twitter.com/gmaurin1 

Country: United Kingdom

Type: University

Imperial College London is a science, engineering and medicine-based university with 13,000 students and 6,000 staff, and is home to the greatest concentration of high-impact research of any major UK university. Energy is one of the College’s key strategic themes for growth. The College has made significant recent investments to create the Centre for Plastic Electronics , which is one of the largest global research efforts in the field of organic and molecular electronics.

In METHASOL, the Durrant group will focus on transient and operando optical spectroscopic analyses of photocatalysts prepared in this project, employing these techniques to development materials and photocatalyst design guidelines, as detailed in WP3 and WP5. ICL will lead WP3. The Durrant group has extensive experience in the use of transient and operando optical spectroscopic to interrogate the function of photocatalysts, including inorganic, molecular and polymeric (including carbon nitride). These studies have included both analyses of charge separation and recombination in such systems, and operando analysis of catalysis kinetics.

Relevant links to social media: https://twitter.com/imperialcollege

https://twitter.com/CPE_Imperial

https://twitter.com/durrant_group

Country: China

Type: Research organisation

The Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, is one of the most vibrant and inspirational scientific research institutes in China. DICP has established a long track record of major academic and industrial accomplishments in catalytic chemistry, chemical engineering, chemical lasers, molecular reaction dynamics, organic chemistry, modern analytical chemistry and biotechnology. DICP focuses on sustainable energy research and coordinates the development of environment optimization, biotechnology and advanced material in a multidisciplinary atmosphere by strengthening technological integration and innovation.

In METHASOL, DICP is involved in the mechanism characterization of photoanodes and photocathodes (WP3) with time-resolved and space-resolved spectroscopy.

Relevant links to social media:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/school/dalian-institute-of-chemical-physics-chinese-academy-of-sciences-china/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/dicp_cas

Country: France

Type: University

The Ecole Normale Supérieure (ENS) is an internationally renowned institution. It is one of the most selective and challenging institutions of higher learning and research in France, attracting the best students. It forms elite researchers and public administrators. It has 14 departments from humanities to sciences, and it promotes inter-disciplinary education. ENS is consistently ranked among the top three universities in continental Europe. ENS respects the principles of the European Charter and Code for Researchers and has the HRS4R certification. ENS is a founding member of the Paris Sciences et Lettres (PSL) university. PSL has a world-leading reputation, as the first French university being ranked 36th worldwide in THE Ranking (PSL was ranked 4th Best Young University by THE 2019, 53th in QS 2020). PSL counts 17.000 students which includes 2.500 PhD students (41% being international PhD students). PSL aims to develop and promote the interdisciplinary and international excellence of its members.

In METHASOL, the ENS-IMAP will be in charge of the synthesis, the development and the structural characterization of newly reported and novel in-house MOFs materials (mainly the MIP series) and their photo-catalytically active Cu-based composites (including CQDots and/or PCN). ENS-IMAP will rely on in-house developed strategies of MOF and Cu grafting loading following the greenest and the most sustainable routes (including the use of water and room temperature synthesis). ENS will lead the WP4.

Relevant links to social media: https://twitter.com/MOF_IMAP

Country: Switzerland

Type: University

EPFL is one of the two Swiss Federal Institutes of Technology. With the status of a national school since 1969, the young engineering school has grown in many dimensions, to the extent of becoming one of the most famous European institutions of science and technology. EPFL focuses on three missions: education, research and innovation. EPFL collaborates with an important network of partners, including other universities and colleges, secondary schools and gymnasiums, industry and the economy, politicians and the general public, in order to have a real impact on society.

In METHASOL, the laboratory of Photonics and Interfaces will mainly carry out three tasks in the proposal: 1) Design and test Cu-based molecular catalysts and Cu-based alloys as catalysts for CO2 conversion; 2) Employ operando Raman spectroscopy to probe reaction intermediates and investigate the reaction mechanism for CO2 conversion; 3) Collaborate with Synchrotron facilities such as PSI to monitor the dynamic change.

Relevant links to social media: https://www.linkedin.com/school/epfl/, https://twitter.com/epfl

Country: Israel

Type: Research organisation

The Technion – Israel Institute of Technology is a public research university located in Haifa, Israel. Established in 1912, the Technion is the oldest university in the country. The university offers degrees in science, engineering and related fields such as architecture, medicine, industrial management, and education. It has 19 academic departments, 60 research centres, and 12 affiliated teaching hospitals. Since its founding, it has awarded more than 100,000 degrees and its graduates are cited for providing the skills and education behind the creation and protection of the State of Israel. Technion’s 565 faculty members currently include three Nobel Laureates in chemistry. Four Nobel Laureates have been associated with the university. The Technion is considered to be a major factor behind the growth of Israel’s high-tech industry and innovation.

In METHASOL, the Technion group will characterize both the MOFs and the GCN materials by means of transient IR spectroscopy, will model the behaviour of CO2 to methanol units and will test the performance of the units.

Relevant links to social media:  https://www.facebook.com/TechnionLive

Country: China

Type: University

Fuzhou University (FZU) is founded in 1958, and has developed into a key university with a multidisciplinary and coordinated development of science, engineering, economics, management, literature, law, arts and other disciplines in China.  FZU is a double first-class initiative university, and ‘211’ project university.

The university has 27 colleges and 38,855 ordinary undergraduate students. The university has 90 undergraduate majors, 38 first-level master’s degree points, 21 master’s degree authorization points, 14 first-level disciplines doctoral points, 2 professional degree doctoral points, 10 post-doctoral research mobile stations. The comprehensive strength of the school ranks 301-400 and 252nd in 2021 QS Asia, and 60th in mainland universities.

In METHASOL, the State Key Laboratory of Photocatalysis on Energy and Environment will carry out oxygen evolution reaction by polymeric carbon nitride polymers.

Country: China

Type: University

Nankai University (NKU) is a key multidisciplinary and research-oriented university directly under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Education of China, a Class A university of the “National Double First-Class” Initiative, located in Tianjin on the coast of the sea of Bohai. It was founded in 1919, by educators Yan Xiu and Zhang Boling. Nankai has long been recognized as one of the most prestigious universities in China, constantly ranked among various top 10 lists of Chinese Universities. As a comprehensive university with a wide range of disciplines, Nankai features a balance between the humanities and the sciences, a solid foundation and a combination of application and creativity. The university has 26 academic colleges, together with the Graduate School, the School for Continuing Education, the Advanced Vocational School, the Modern Distance Education School, and categories covering literature, history, philosophy, economics, management, law, science, engineering, agriculture, medicine, teaching and art.

In METHASOL, NKU will be involved in the design of photoreactors, photocatalysts and Cu co-catalysts. NKU will work with partners such as TECH, ITQ and WHUT to develop new type photoreactors that are tailored for this project. NKU will also work on CO₂ reduction co-catalysts, such as Cu₂O nanoparticle catalyst and other metallic co-catalysts. Jingshan Luo, Ying Zhao and their team in NKU have worldwide reputation in developing photocatalysts, electrocatalysts and photovoltaics for solar energy conversion and have tremendous experiences in reactor designs for solar water splitting and solar driven CO₂ reduction.

Country: Netherlands

Type: University

Maastricht University (UM) is the most international university in the Netherlands and, with more than 20,000 students and 4,400 employees, is still growing. UM is the coordinator of Young Universities for the Future of Europe (YUFE) and the 6^th best university worldwide under 50 years (THE 2021). The Aachen-Maastricht Institute for Biobased Materials (AMIBM) is a collaboration of UM with RWTH Aachen University, Germany. AMIBM strives for ground-breaking conversion of biomass to biobased materials and into product applications and offers a unique approach covering the entire biobased materials value chain, including raw materials (feedstock), polymers (materials) and the end products derived from them (applications) and sustainability evaluations over the whole value chain.

In METHASOL, UM performs research in the area of sustainability assessment and Life Cycle Assessment of chemicals and materials, focusing on renewable resources, greener production routes and circular end of life scenarios.

Relevant links to social media:

https://www.facebook.com/maastricht.university  

https://www.instagram.com/maastrichtuniversity/

https://twitter.com/maastrichtu

https://www.linkedin.com/school/maastricht-university/

https://www.youtube.com/user/maastrichtuniversity

Country: USA

Type: Industry

The Methanol Institute serves as the trade association for the global methanol industry, representing methanol producers, distributors and technology providers from offices in Washington, Brussels, Singapore, Beijing and Delhi.

In METHASOL, MI ensures that project partners meet relevant international standards for the commercial production an sale of methanol as well as the requirements for the use of methanol for road and marine transport and chemical derivatives. Contribute to discussions on LCA of RES-3 fuel as well as social energy security aspects of the project. Facilitate interregional cooperation with a broad network of stakeholders and identify necessary activities to establish a commercial roadmap for the market introduction of the product produced from the photosynthesis reactor. MI will assist in developing a dissemination strategy for the project and be responsible for organizing and managing the international industrial board, providing a bridge between project partners and the methanol sector.

Relevant links to social media:

https://twitter.com/MethanolToday
https://www.facebook.com/MethanolToday/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/methanol-institute/  

Country: France

Type: SME

Established in 1997, Euroquality is a service provider specialised in innovation consulting. Its main activities are setting up European projects (e.g. H2020, LIFE, Erasmus+), carrying out economic studies, policy evaluation, technological and technical studies, development of communication material, training, and the management of national and European projects.

In METHASOL, Euroquality is responsible for the information management, animates the consortium and develops tools that facilitate know-how exchanges and collaborative work. Euroquality is also in charge of the communication activities (hence leading WP8) in close collaboration with the coordinator and all partners of the project. Finally, Euroquality takes care of the exploitation and develop the business plan for the sustainable solutions developed in the project to ensure their economic and technical feasibility.

Relevant links to social media:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/euroquality/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Euroquality_EU