Renewable energies

Research lines

• CO2 capture and storage

  ICIQ research includes the catalytic functionalization of raw materials for synthesizing valuable compounds from simple and abundant precursors. This focuses on the catalytic functionalization of C-O and C-H bonds and CO2 fixation to organic matter. Development of catalytic technology capable of fixing carbon dioxide in hydrocarbons to prepare fatty acids, crucial for manufacturing polymers, detergents, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals, is a key area of research.

• Artificial photosynthesis

  ICIQ researchers are developing catalysts for artificial photosynthesis and integrating this field with organic chemistry. Objectives include using sunlight to drive endergonic chemical reactions, creating biomimetic catalysts for reducing water and CO2 into fuels, and photocatalytic reduction of organic compounds. This research also explores robust catalysts for industrial applications and automating catalyst discovery.

• Hydrogen and sustainable fuels

  Research at ICIQ focuses on redox catalysis using transition metal complexes for the oxidation and reduction of substrates. Objectives include understanding factors affecting catalyst efficiency and selectivity, with a particular focus on the catalytic oxidation of water to molecular dioxygen. The ultimate goal is generating clean and renewable fuels with high energy density.

• Materials and polymers

  ICIQ research combines the chemistry of small molecules and macromolecules to build functional materials. The focus is on controlling mechanical properties through rational design, aiming to develop strategies applicable to sustainable development.

• Solar cells

  Research at ICIQ involves the design, synthesis, and characterization of molecules and materials with optical and electrical properties for energy applications. This includes manufacturing (opto)electronic devices such as solar cells, light-emitting diodes, and photo/electrocatalysts. Understanding device behaviour, improving stability and efficiency of perovskite solar cells, and investigating charge kinetics in the catalytic reduction of CO2 are key research areas.