New frontiers in photocatalysis with converted fertilizer material

29 04 2026

We published a collaborative study with researchers from Politecnico di Torino, focusing on the design and characterization of advanced photocatalytic materials for light-driven energy conversion. In this work, we contributed extensive electronic-structure and materials simulations that demonstrated a favorable band alignment for catalytic operation under illumination. These calculations provided insight into charge separation and carrier transport, helping explain why the investigated material system shows promise for efficient photocatalytic activity.

The study combines experimental and computational approaches to better understand how low-dimensional and functionalized materials can support photoinduced catalytic processes. By identifying electronic configurations compatible with the desired redox reactions, the work helps guide the rational design of next-generation photocatalysts for sustainable energy and chemical applications.

The paper was published in ChemPhotoChem, a peer-reviewed journal from Chemistry Europe dedicated to photochemistry, photocatalysis, and light-driven materials research. 

Cartabia Luca, Dubinina Yana, Barbieri Marianna, Wlazło Mateusz, Schweitzer Pascal, Wang Mengjiao, Lamberti Francesco, Zoppellaro Giorgio, Schlettwein Derck, Smarsly Bernd, Osella Silvio, Đorđević Luka, Giusto Paolo, Gatti Teresa, ChemPhotoChem2026, 10, e202600008. https://doi.org/10.1002/cptc.202600008