Felicia Di Costola

Ph.D. candidate in Fisica , 39th cycle (2023-2026)
Department of Applied Science and Technology (DISAT)

Profile

PhD

Research topic

Development of Cu-based bimetallic catalysts for CO2RR. Investigation of the related interfacial phenomena through operando techniques to enhance selectivity toward C2 products.

Tutors

Research presentation

Poster

Keywords

Fisica della Materia Condensata / Condensed Matter Physics
Nanotecnologie per la Medicina, l'Energia, l'Ambiente e l'Elettronica / Nanotechnology Applied to Medicine, Energy, Environment and Electronics
Microscopia / Microscopy

Biography

My name is Felicia, and I hold a degree in Materials Engineering from Politecnico di Torino. I am currently a PhD candidate in Physics (cycle 39) at Politecnico di Torino, where I carry out research in the field of electrocatalysis for the electrochemical reduction of CO2 (CO2RR). My work is situated within the broader context of environmental sustainability and the energy transition, with the long-term goal of developing technologies capable of converting CO2—typically considered a waste product—into higher value-added chemicals.
Within this framework, my research focuses on the development of Cu-based bimetallic catalysts and on the detailed investigation of interfacial phenomena that govern reactivity during CO2RR. The catalyst is the core component of the electrochemical process, as it accelerates specific molecular transformations and directs selectivity toward desired products.
The overarching goal of my project is to correlate the structure and function of catalytic materials by integrating electrochemical measurements with operando characterization techniques, which allow real-time monitoring of the catalyst under reaction conditions. These methods make it possible to observe:
  • the structural evolution of the material (such as changes in oxidation state, dynamic redox processes, and surface restructuring);
  • the identification of reaction intermediates at the electrode–electrolyte interface, essential for elucidating the reaction mechanism and pathway.
By combining these insights with electrochemical performance analysis, my work aims to understand how to tune catalyst properties to enhance efficiency, improve selectivity (particularly toward C2 products), and increase operational stability.
Through this multidisciplinary approach, my research contributes to the development of rational strategies for designing innovative and high-performance materials with potential impact on future technologies for the sustainable valorization of CO2.

Awards and Honors

  • Best Oral Award - MATSUS Fall 2024 Conference, 12th-15th November, #PECCO2 Symposium (2024)

Publications

Latest publications View all publications in Porto@Iris