In February 2025, the OHPERA project proudly took part in the Conference on Catalyst Design Strategies for Photo- and Electrochemical Fuel Synthesis (ECAT25), held in Madrid, Spain. This high-level scientific event brought together leading researchers in catalysis and renewable energy, focusing on the development of efficient, scalable, and sustainable technologies to convert renewable electricity into chemical fuels and value-added products.
OHPERA was represented by two of its core research partners, Universitat Jaume I and Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin, both of whom are at the forefront of innovation in photoelectrochemical (PEC) systems and catalyst development. Their participation reinforced the project’s commitment to collaborative research and to driving the clean energy transition through advanced materials and system design.
Cutting-edge research from OHPERA partners
Dr. Sixto Giménez, OHPERA’s project coordinator, delivered a keynote presentation exploring the transformative potential of (photo)electrocatalysis in the global shift toward climate neutrality. His talk provided a broad overview of the current landscape of PEC research, focusing on the synthesis and application of advanced materials such as metal oxides, halide perovskites, and organic semiconductors. A key emphasis was placed on the integration of these materials into tandem device architectures to enhance energy conversion efficiency and product selectivity. Drawing from OHPERA’s experimental work, Dr. Giménez also discussed the use of spectroscopic tools to uncover the fundamental mechanisms governing device operation and performance. His contribution underscored how OHPERA is paving the way for novel, sustainable methods of producing green hydrogen and value-added chemicals, directly from solar energy and water-based sources.
Dr. Marco Favaro‘s presentation tackled one of the most debated concepts in photoelectrochemistry — the true mechanism behind charge separation in semiconductors under illumination. Challenging the conventional interpretation of band bending as the primary driver, he proposed an alternative view based on chemical potential gradients and the role of selective contacts in guiding charge carrier dynamics. He also presented experimental findings from Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin’s work on electrolyte selection for PEC glycerol oxidation on BiVO₄ photoanodes, revealing substantial differences in performance across common acidic electrolytes. Notably, NaNO₃ emerged as the most promising medium, offering high photocurrent, stability, and selectivity towards glycolaldehyde, a valuable chemical intermediate. This research is directly aligned with OHPERA’s goals to enhance the efficiency and selectivity of PEC reactions, and to optimise the interface between materials, electrolytes, and device architecture for real-world applications.
Both Dr. Giménez and Dr. Favaro also served as session chairs, contributing to scientific discussions, moderating key presentations, and facilitating dialogue between academic and industrial researchers working on catalytic solutions for energy conversion. Their active roles in ECAT25 not only highlighted the expertise within the OHPERA consortium but also demonstrated the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and fundamental research in pushing the boundaries of sustainable hydrogen production.
About ECAT25
Hosted in Madrid, ECAT25 brought together a wide range of experts in electrochemistry, materials science, and catalysis. The conference aimed to explore the full spectrum of catalyst design — from material synthesis and in-depth characterisation to device integration and performance evaluation. Topics ranged from hydrogen evolution and CO₂ reduction to nitrogen fixation and the oxidation of biomass-derived molecules, with a shared goal of replacing fossil fuels with renewable-driven alternatives.
Participation in events like ECAT25 plays a vital role in OHPERA’s strategy to share knowledge, foster partnerships, and stay at the cutting edge of hydrogen technologies. The insights presented by Universitat Jaume I and Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin will continue to inform OHPERA’s next steps as we refine our PEC systems, explore novel catalysts, and contribute to Europe’s green hydrogen transition.
Stay tuned for more updates on our activities, publications, and breakthroughs in upcoming events and newsletters!