We are pleased to share the highlights of our recent NEFERTITI Workshop, titled “Contemporary approaches to carbon dioxide valorisation using sunlight” which took place on 13 February 2025, in Galway, Ireland. The event was hosted by our esteemed partner, the University of Galway, and was organized with the help of the Ryan Institute. The workshop gathered all NEFERTITI project partners—researchers from academia, research organisations, and industry— as well as approximately 30 students and researchers from University of Galway to share news on the latest advances in CO2 conversion technologies, artificial photosynthesis, and green fuel production, fostering collaboration and knowledge transfer in the field.

Deep Dive into Sustainable Photocatalysis

The workshop began with welcome remarks by Pau Farràs (University of Galway) and an overview of the NEFERTITI project by David González (Leitat Technological Center). Sessions then delved into some of the key scientific advances, including:

• Theoretical modeling methods for material designing, as presented by Santiago Aparicio (University of Burgos).
• Localized nanoparticles on COFs for artificial photosynthesis, by Kathryn McCarthy (University of Galway).
• Synthesis of metal oxide nanoparticles for Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis (FTS) conversion, explored by Tiancheng Pu (Pekin University).

Discovering Breakthrough Innovations

Also, the workshop featured in-depth presentations on photocatalysis, materials science, and reactor design:

• NEFERTITI MOOC Launch – Open-access training initiative (Beatriz Lapuente, University of Burgos).
• Light-responsive molecules for solar cells (Eugenia Martínez, ICIQ).
• Noble-metal-free MCOFs for photocatalysis (Aibhe Boran, University of Galway).
• Photoreactor design for flow chemistry (Charlotte Wiles, CHEMTRIX BV).
• Implementation of light-driven outdoor reactors (Celal G. Ogulgönen, SOCAR).

The session concluded with closing remarks by Pau Farràs, highlighting the importance of collaboration and the future of CO2 valorisation technologies.

The workshop was a notable opportunity for exchange, underlining the central position of photocatalysis and nanomaterials in the development of carbon-neutral energy solutions. NEFERTITI project’s team promise to extending partnerships, organizing additional training activities, and disseminating knowledge through open-access channels such as the new MOOC, which was recently launched.

Stay tuned for upcoming events and research news!