Laura Gatti

Laura Gatti's picture

Ph.D. candidate in Ingegneria Elettrica, Elettronica E Delle Comunicazioni , 39th cycle (2023-2026)
Department of Applied Science and Technology (DISAT)

Profile

PhD

Tutors

Keywords

Co2 electrolyzer
Co2 processes and technologies
Co2 reduction, cu-based electrodes, co-electrolysis, carbon capture and utilisation, renewable fuels, alcohols.
Electrocatalysis
Electrochemistry
Sprayed coatings

Biography

Since November I'm a new PhD student in Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering at Politecnico di Torino. While pursuing my Bachelor's degree and then my Master's degree in Industrial Chemistry at Sapienza University of Rome, I developed a strong passion for Material chemistry and sustainable processes. Because of that At Polytechnic University of Turin my research is focusing on the development of large-scale innovative electrolyzers for electrochemical H2 production and CO2 conversion into high-value chemicals (syngas, methane, ethylene). The aim of the project is to be able to reduce the amount of CO2 being released to the atmosphere, while producing a variety of essential chemicals, that used to be obtain from petroleum.

Curriculum

Download file (447KB, in Italian)

Research topics

  • My research focuses on the electrochemical reduction of CO₂ to produce valuable chemicals and enable sustainable chemical production. I combine electrochemistry, materials engineering, and system design to improve efficiency, selectivity, and long-term stability. I develop and optimize gas diffusion electrodes, catalyst layers, and membrane–electrode assemblies across scales up to 250 cm². During my PhD, I collaborated with Professor Burdyny at TU Delft on a five-cell stack, studying how electrode architecture, polymeric binders, and operating conditions influence performance and durability. I focus on translating laboratory-scale results to pilot-scale systems, aiming to demonstrate for the first time in Italy a scalable CO₂ electrolysis technology. My work contributes to sustainable CO₂ conversion, industrial decarbonization, and a circular carbon economy.

Skills

ERC sectors

PE7_4 - (Micro- and nano-) systems engineering
PE4_8 - Electrochemistry, electrodialysis, microfluidics, sensors
PE3_4 - Electronic properties of materials, surfaces, interfaces, nanostructures

SDG

Goal 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
Goal 12: Responsible consumption and production
Goal 13: Climate action

Conferences

  • MATSUS #PECCO2 - Advances in (Photo)Electrochemical CO2 Conversion to Chemicals and Fuels (12/11/2024-15/11/2024), Oral Presentation

Research networks

Publications

Latest publications View all publications in Porto@Iris