Energy & Environment
Humanity’s current dependence on fossil fuels as a primary energy source, either for electricity, heating or transportation, has led to the unequivocal crisis of climate change, along with many other environmental problems associated with the use of natural resources that satisfy multiple human needs.
Now is the time to wisely and responsibly capitalize on science and technology. We must offer sustainable energy alternatives that fit into a circular economy model. At the same time, we need to implement measures that protect the environment and increase society’s well-being.
Activities
By exploiting the underlying physics of light interactions with matter, a new paradigm in energy conversion and environment protection can be accomplished. In this scope, ICFO continues to develop its green technology portfolio, ranging from:
Photovoltaic systems
ICFO is at the forefront of developing solar cell technology based on abundant and non-toxic nanostructured materials like organic polymers and quantum dots. This approach not only delivers clean, green electricity but also offers attractive features such as transparency, flexibility, customizable color options, and reduced costs. Additionally, ICFO is actively researching thermo-photovoltaic systems to harness waste heat, further expanding the potential of renewable energy sources.
Solar fuels and CO2 capture & use
ICFO is leveraging solar energy to drive both the production and storage of green energy carriers. This includes the generation of hydrogen through water electrolysis and the synthesis of solar fuels from captured CO2. Researchers at ICFO are employing catalyst-driven electrochemical and photo-electrochemical processes inspired by photosynthesis to achieve these goals.
Environmental science
ICFO’s commitment to environmental sustainability extends to the realm of environmental science. The institute is developing fluorescence-sensitive sensors with microfluidics to detect microorganisms in water, aiming to improve water quality control and ensure access to safe drinking water. Additionally, ICFO is exploring nanoscale technology to create surfaces with self-cleaning or antimicrobial properties, which could have significant implications for public health and hygiene.
Fundamental energy & environment research
ICFO seeks answers to fundamental research questions such as how a material interacts with light at the atomic level, or how light harvesting and energy storage can be made more efficient. Other questions relate to molecular dynamics in light-harvesting complexes and photo-active proteins, unraveling how photosynthesis works.
Groups
We explore the use of photons to shed light on the process of capturing and converting greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, helping understand the various mechanisms involved.
We employ solution-processed functional nanomaterials to address current challenges in optoelectronics, imaging, sensing and renewable energies.
Our group aims at understanding how changes in light, structure and environment regulate the molecular mechanisms of photoactive (bio)molecular systems.
Our research focuses on the design, implementation and study of new nano-photonic configurations to transform sunlight into other forms of energy
We aim to harness thermal radiation by tailoring light-matter interactions at subwavelength scales.
We study and develop new advanced materials, devices and systems for information and communication technologies, in particular displays, image sensors and cybersecurity.
Research focuses on nanoscale optical fields and single emitters, using advanced experiments where ultra-small (nanotechnology) and ultra-fast (femtosecond spectroscopy) come together.