RESEARCH AREAS

Five Research Pillars for the Energy Transition

Accelerating Europe's Energy Transition, from Lab to Industry

In the future economic and industrial context, renewable energies, fuels, energy vectors and green raw materials (in particular hydrogen and e-chemicals) are destined to play a key role in society. The interconnection of power and gas networks represents the new paradigm for energy production and distribution. From the production of renewable energy and the use of CO₂, we can obtain fuels and usable molecules both for industrial energy use and for other applications. Energy storage is the key element to maximize the efficiency of the energy system, the use of clean energy in mobility, and a substantial reduction in the use of fossil fuels.

VALUE CHAIN

Scientific & Technological Core Capabilities

Our laboratories and pilot facilities cover the entire materials and technology value chain, from the synthesis and processing of advanced materials and components, through advanced and in-situ/operando characterisation, to modelling, testing and validation under real operating conditions.

Integrated within national and European research networks, these capabilities allow us to connect fundamental science with industrial application, supporting the development of next-generation materials, components and energy systems.

Advanced Materials Synthesis & Processing

Integrated capabilities for the synthesis and processing of functional materials and components for energy applications, combining chemical, electrochemical and biological approaches. Capabilities include electrode and film preparation and deposition, electrospinning, spray and spin coating, hot pressing, ball milling, thermal treatments, glovebox and controlled-atmosphere processes.

Advanced Characterisation

An advanced concentration of morphological, structural, chemical-physical, mechanical, thermal and electrochemical techniques allows composition, microstructure and properties to be correlated with the performance of materials, components and devices. Capabilities include advanced electron microscopy, diffraction, spectroscopy, tomography, thermo-physical and electrochemical analysis, and reliability and failure analysis.

In-situ & Operando Characterisation

The availability of in-situ and operando methodologies enables direct observation of materials, interfaces and devices during operation. Approaches based on XRD, Raman, TEM, IR spectroscopy and electrochemical characterisation make it possible to identify reaction, transformation and degradation mechanisms that are not accessible through ex-situ measurements alone.

Modelling, Testing & Validation

Experimental capabilities are integrated with modelling, simulation, testing under controlled and representative conditions, monitoring, reliability analysis and validation. This makes it possible to turn scientific evidence into technical criteria, design guidance and decision support for materials, components, systems and infrastructures.