Sustainable Energy Sources and Applications

The research carried out under this theme focuses mainly on electrochemical and photovoltaic energy sources. Our researchers are also working to develop key components for batteries and fuel cells.

One of the pillars of our R&D is the creation of new high-performance catalysts made of common, affordable materials. Our research also focuses on the design and production of new nanostructured electrodes for electro-photocatalytic applications.

The ultimate goal of this R&D work is to develop sustainable energy sources and more efficient, decentralized energy systems while minimizing the carbon footprint.

In their laboratories, the research teams are using their expertise to come up with processes for producing “green” hydrogen from the electrolysis of water and the photolysis of water with sunlight, more efficient lithium-ion batteries using new micro/nano-silicon-based anodes, photobatteries that convert and store solar energy, as well as nanomaterials to improve the performance of electrocatalysts.

• Producing “green” hydrogen using new nanostructured electrodes that are photosensitive to sunlight.
• Using electrolysis and cold plasmas to synthesize high-value-added chemicals with a low carbon footprint (fuels from the electrochemical reduction of CO₂, ammonia, hydrogen peroxide, aluminum, etc.).
• Improving the conversion and storage of electrochemical energy using rechargeable batteries, fuel cells, and supercapacitors.
• Optimizing efficient systems for harvesting and converting solar energy into other forms of usable or storable energy.