The project aims to develop next-generation materials for sustainable hydrogen production through photocatalytic and photo(electro)catalytic routes by
the design of mesoporous crystalline porous layered carbon nitrides (p-LCNs) co-loaded with plasmonic metals. Unlike conventional amorphous
carbon nitrides, the proposed p-LCNs will feature engineered porosity, crystallinity, and tunable semiconducting properties, enabling efficient light
harvesting and charge transport. The innovative co-loading of plasmonic metals, such as Ag and Cu, is expected to generate synergistic
photoactivation effects and significantly enhance (photo)electrocatalytic activity and conductivity.
The project integrates predictive computational modeling by means of Density Functional Theory (DFT) and machine learning (ML), guided monomer
synthesis, advanced materials fabrication, multi-scale characterization (high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), Particle Induced
X-ray Emission (PIXE), Rutherford Backscattering Spectrometry (RBS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray absorption fine structure
(XAFS), Raman, optical spectroscopy), electrochemical analysis, and full cell design and fabrication. Materials will be structurally and functionally
validated for hydrogen evolution under solar illumination.
By combining theoretical predictions, experimental synthesis, reactor fabrication, advanced characterizations, and open science dissemination
practices, the project seeks to establish a new materials platform for green energy technologies. Our multidisciplinary and multicultural consortium,
with partners from Türkiye, Austria, Spain, Brazil and Argentina, this project will strengthen EU–LAC scientific cooperation, foster training and
exchange of young researchers, and contribute to global sustainability goals by enabling low-cost, scalable, and accessible clean fuel production.
