Interview with Dr Josep Albero, Instituto Mixto Universitario de Tecnología Química CSIC-UPV

Dr Josep Albero Sancho

We caught up with Dr Josep Albero Sancho based at the Instituto Mixto Universitario de Tecnología Química CSIC-UPV (ITQ) in Valencia, Spain.  A world leader in catalysis research, ITQ possesses particular expertise in application domains such as synthesis of micro and mesoporous materials for heterogeneous catalysis, petrochemistry, renewable energy into chemicals, nanostructured catalysts for solar fuel production, and hybrid materials with optoelectronic properties. Dr Albero is an integral part of the "Prof. Hermenegildo Garcia research group".

 Tell us a bit about the Hermenegildo Garcia research group at the Instituto Mixto Universitario de Tecnología Química CSIC-UPV.

The activities of the Hermenegildo Garcia group are broadly focused on heterogeneous catalysis using a systemic approach that covers material synthesis and modification, catalytic evaluation and mechanistic understanding, bringing the process as close as possible to commercial application. Characterization of the active sites under conditions close to those of the chemical reaction and correlation of their structure with their performance is always the basis for rationalization of the catalytic activity.

Starting from fundamental scientific targets, the ambition of the group is to move towards the innovation of those chemical sectors interested in the further development of the process.

Beyond conventional catalysis based on thermal activation, and considering the growing importance of alternative energy types, the group is exploring alternative catalytic processes such as photo-/ electrocatalysis and plasma catalysis. In photocatalysis one of the objectives is the use of natural sunlight to obtain hydrogen from water with an energy conversion efficiency of over 5 % and CO₂ reduction to useful chemicals.

The list of materials used as catalysts includes zeolites, multifunctional metal-organic frameworks, supported metal and metal oxides and 2D nanomaterials going from graphenes to boron nitride, metal chalcogenides, MXenes and exfoliated layered double hydroxides and MOFs.

What is the group's role in FlowPhotoChem and how does it relate to your research in general?

Our main aim, as WP2 leaders, is to assist and coordinate with all WP2 members the design and fabrication of the flow photocatalytic reactors in order to combine CO₂ with the H₂ and heat obtained from the photo-electrochemical reactor in WP1. Moreover, we are also devoted to the preparation, characterization and evaluation of the photocatalytic activity of a broad range of materials including graphene-based materials and 2D MOFs, among others. The target is the preparation of suitable materials able to promote CO₂ photothermal catalytic hydrogenation to CO, ethylene, methanol or formic acid with high selectivity in the fabricated flow photocatalytic reactors.

Have you worked with any of the project partners before?

We are currently working with some of the FFC members in the Innovative Training Network entitled: Training the next generation of scientists in solar chemicals for a sustainable Europe by hybrid molecule/semiconductor devices. In this, our group is also contributing to the development of new graphene-based photo-electrodes with high specific surface area incorporating molecular complexes, and their employment in photo-electrocatalytic processes such as water oxidation, oxygen reduction or oxidation of organic substrates. Moreover, similarly to the FlowPhotoChem project, here we are also interested in photocatalytic and photothermal processes (mainly CO₂ reduction and water splitting) employing graphene-based composites.

In your opinion, what is the most exciting aspect of FlowPhotoChem?

One of the most striking aspects of the FlowPhotoChem, which perfectly fits with our group, is the ambition to join fundamental research with innovation in the chemical industrial sector. This combines the design and modification of new advanced multifunctional materials with transfer technology to the productive sector with the final aim to bring chemistry to humankind service.

Thank you very much for your time!