Research

Photocatalysts design for fuel production

This research is targeted to design innovative processes to storage sunlight into molecules by photocatalysis. In particular, we are considering both C-based and C-free energy vectors, so we are focusing on CO₂ photoreduction and ethanol photoreforming.
In the first case, we are developing TiO₂-based catalysts for the photocatalytic CO₂ reduction to CH₄ to be used as an energy carrier focusing on materials’ electronic properties. The study includes both the development of the photocatalyst and of the process conditions.

Moreover, CATMAT group has developed a new rig for the photocatalytic conversion of ethanol, which can be biomass derived, to hydrogen. Also in this case TiO₂ materials are used considering this reaction’s peculiar features, such as ethanol/water competitive adsorption, co-catalyst role, etcetera.

Development of catalysts and processes for the production of fine chemicals and fuels from biomass

The research group works on the valorization of each fraction of lignocellulosic biomass. The research is focused on the development of innovative metal supported nanostructured catalysts. In one case, the research concerns the upgrading of C5 and C6 fractions (from cellulose and hemicellulose) to highly required products, such as monomers for bioplastics and fragrances. Gold based materials are investigated for oxidation and oxidative esterification reactions.

Whereas, we are also interested in the conversion of lignin, the least valorized fraction of biomass, to fuel or fuel additives by hydrogenolysis reactions. In this case highly performant, stable and cost effective catalyst are required. Our research is thus oriented to nickel and/or cobalt supported catalyst to upgrade real lignocellulosic biomass from local vineries.

Catalytic Production of Hydrogen from biomass 

One of the research themes of CATMAT group is hydrogen production from renewable sources. The research focuses on the use of Ni based heterogeneous catalysts in the steam reforming of ethanol.
We are evaluating, in particular, the effect of both the metal phase and the support on the performance of the catalyst in terms of stability, regeneration and hydrogen productivity.
A new automatic and computerized high-pressure catalytic reactor (PID) has been optimized for the investigation of this process. 

Applications of our catalysts as anode for real solar oxide fuel cells (SOFC) have been investigated too.

Production of syn-gas by methane dry reforming

The catalytic reforming of CH₄ with CO₂, rather than steam, for the production of synthesis gas characterized by a low H₂/CO ratio, has attracted a considerable interest for both environmental and commercial reasons. The major problem preventing commercialization of the CO₂ reforming is finding a suitable catalyst that will not deactivate under the conditions needed for this reaction.

Our group works on catalytic reforming of CH₄ with CO₂ over mono and bimetallic Pd(or Pt)-Ni based samples supported on Al₂O₃, ZrO₂ and CeO₂. A simple temperature-programmed procedure is used for the study of both reforming and coke formation via CH₄ or CO decomposition.

Design of dermo-cosmetic and pharmaceutical formulates

CATMAT works on the formulation of innovative high performant products for cosmetics and pharmaceutic through the development of sustainable protocols.
The research is focused on the synthesis and characterization of inorganic (SiO₂, TiO₂) and hybrid matrices (by using several organic polymers) for the formulation of drug delivery systems. The investigations about the samples preparation have been performed using not only traditional techniques such as impregnation and precipitation, but also examining closely the research on sol gel methodology and on LCT (Liquid Crystal Template) method.
The drug release tests have been performed in vitro simulating the physiological environment of the gastro-intestinal tract. The attention was centered on the correlation between the physico-chemical, morphological and structural features of the carriers and the drug release kinetic.  

Formulation of Innovative Materials for Applications in Cultural Heritage

Recently CATMAT expanded its research to the formulation of innovative, environmentally friendly  and multi-functional materials for applications in Cultural Heritage. 
We have a strong background in the synthesis and characterization of oxides based materials for the abatement of air pollutants by photocatalysis. Also sol gel technology is a widely consolidated technique in our Group. At the moment we are investigating the application of photocatalytically active titanium dioxide and zinc oxide materials on a natural typical venician "marmorino" in collaboration with restorers of Uni.S.Ve. (Union of Venician Restorers). More recently, we are investigating innovative coatings for Roman frescoes, in collaboration with CCHT. 

Formulation of multifunctional materials for bio-building applications

Within CATMAT group we developed a strong background in the synthesis and characterization of TiO₂ based materials for photocatalytic reactions aiming at the abatement of air pollutants.
By new approaches for the synthesis and dopants introduction, we optimized TiO₂ both for oxidation reactions of NO with visible light and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) mineralization to CO₂ and H₂O.
Recently CATMAT expanded his research to the formulation of environmentally friendly, cheap and multi-functional materials for applications in the green building sector.
At the moment we are coupling photocatalytically active titanium dioxide materials with thermal insulants high surface area silica to formulate multifunctional silica-titania systems a cost effective approach to control their physicochemical, morphological and structural features.

Development of industrial catalysts and processes

For many years, CATMAT research group has been working on the development of heterogeneous activated carbon and oxides supported metal catalysts.
In particular, the research group works on the synthesis of nanoparticles of noble metals such as Pd, Pt, Au and of less expensive Ni, Cu, Ru, their characterization and investigation of catalytic processes.