Politecnico di Torino logo

Research database

PLASBIOFUEL - Biocatalisi Plasmonica per la Riduzione di CO2 e la Produzione Di Combustibili Rinnovabili

Duration:
01/01/2026 - 31/12/2029
Principal investigator(s):
Project type:
National Research
Funding body:
ALTRI MINISTERI e ALTRI ENTI PUBBLICI (MAECI)
Project identification number:
PGR00043
PoliTo role:
Coordinator

Abstract

There is a global demand for sustainable energy solutions to mitigate the impact of climate change. One promising avenue is the conversion of carbon dioxide (CO2) into renewable fuels, thus addressing environmental and energy challenges [1]. In this project, we propose a cutting-edge methodology combining plasmonic nanomaterials with biocatalysts to enhance the efficiency of CO2 reduction processes. Our approach, named plasmonic biocatalysis, leverages the unique properties of plasmonic nanoparticles (NPs) to enhance enzyme-based catalysis for improved efficiency and selectivity transformations. This is possible as plasmonic NPs exhibit localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR), generating heat and hot electrons under light irradiation, which can significantly enhance the catalytic performance of enzymes interfacing with the NPs.

Here, we will build nanobioconjugate materials based on the enzyme formate dehydrogenase (FDH) and gold nanostars (AuNSt) and excite them with near-infrared (NIR) laser radiation to elucidate the plasmonic biocatalytic features involved in CO2 reduction and renewable fuel production. Our key goals include 1) the synthesis and characterization of plasmonic platforms with optimized LSPR modes, 2) the improved determination of reaction kinetics and selectivity in CO2 reduction reactions and renewable fuel production, and 3) the elucidation of the plasmonic mechanisms involving the transfer of charges (electrochemical processes), and heat (photothermal processes). The interdisciplinary collaboration between expert research groups in nanomaterials, plasmonics, and biocatalysis will drive significant advancements in the field, contributing to the transition to a low-carbon economy. Finally, by advancing the understanding and application of plasmonic biocatalysis, the breakthroughs that this research will enable have the potential to transform concepts in CO2 reduction technologies and contribute to producing renewable fuels at relevant scale.

Structures

Keywords

Sustainable Development Goals

Obiettivo 7. Assicurare a tutti l’accesso a sistemi di energia economici, affidabili, sostenibili e moderni|Obiettivo 12. Garantire modelli sostenibili di produzione e di consumo

Budget

Total cost: € 162,800.00
Total contribution: € 76,800.00
PoliTo total cost: € 162,800.00
PoliTo contribution: € 76,800.00