HG-energy

Recognised Across Europe: Professor Hermenegildo from HG Energy (ITQ CSIC-UPV) Elected to Academia Europaea

Katya Cuevas Bercovich — Thu, 23 Apr 2026 07:37:50 +0000

Recognised Across Europe: Professor Hermenegildo from HG Energy (ITQ CSIC-UPV) Elected to Academia Europaea

April 23, 2026

Professor Hermenegildo from HG Energy at Instituto de Tecnología Química (CSIC-UPV) has been elected as a member of Academia Europaea following a competitive selection process based on peer review and the recommendation of the relevant academic section.

Founded in 1988, Academia Europaea is one of the most respected scientific institutions in Europe, bringing together leading researchers and scholars from across the continent and beyond. With around 6,000 members, the Academy covers a wide range of disciplines and contributes to scientific collaboration, policy advice, and the advancement of knowledge.

Among its activities, Academia Europaea organises scientific meetings and workshops, publishes the international journal European Review, and contributes to science advice initiatives such as SAPEA (Science Advice for Policy by European Academies), supporting European institutions in evidence-based decision-making.

As a newly elected member in 2026, Professor Hermenegildo will take part in the Academy’s annual conference, where new members are invited to present their research and engage with the wider academic community.

This recognition reflects the international relevance of the research carried out at HG Energy and its contribution to the scientific community.

https://www.ae-info.org/ae/Member/Garcia_Hermenegildo

International collaboration explores advanced porous materials for energy and environmental applications

Katya Cuevas Bercovich — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 10:29:44 +0000

International collaboration explores advanced porous materials for energy and environmental applications

April, 20, 2026

A recent publication in Chemical Society Reviews showcases a strong international collaboration between researchers from Europe, the Middle East and Asia, bringing together complementary expertise in chemistry, materials science and energy technologies. The work reflects a collective effort to advance the development of functional porous materials with real-world applications.

The study focuses on sulfonated porous organic polymers (SPOPs), a class of materials that combines stable porous frameworks with sulfonic acid (–SO₃H) functional groups. This shared research provides a comprehensive overview of their design, synthesis and performance, highlighting how controlled functionalisation can unlock new capabilities across environmental and energy sectors.

The collaboration brings together researchers from multiple institutions, including:

Ali Reza Oveisi — Lorestan University
Saba Daliran — Lorestan University
José Alemán — Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM)
Matías Blanco — Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM)
Amarajothi Dhakshinamoorthy — Madurai Kamaraj University (India)
Unal Sen — Eskisehir Technical University (Turkey)
Hermenegildo García — HG energy- Instituto de Tecnología Química, Universitat Politècnica de València (Spain)

Together, these institutions form a multidisciplinary network that underlines the importance of collaboration in advancing material science. Their combined work shows that SPOPs are promising candidates for environmental remediation, particularly in removing pollutants such as dyes, antibiotics and heavy metals from water, as well as for selective gas separation processes.

In the energy field, the research highlights their potential as proton-conducting membranes for fuel cells and as components in advanced energy storage systems, offering alternatives to conventional materials and supporting the transition toward more sustainable technologies.

HG Energy recognises the value of this type of collaborative research, where academic institutions and scientific disciplines align to accelerate innovation. The outcomes of this study are closely connected to the group’s interest in integrating advanced materials into future energy and environmental solutions.

This publication also represents a clear opportunity for backover (Artwork: Katya Cuevas), reinforcing the relevance of these materials as a potential pathway for future development and integration into next-generation energy and environmental technologies.

More information about the study is available here:
https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2026/cs/d5cs00918a

HG Energy Advances Global Collaboration at IWSF3 and Prepares Three New Strategic Projects

Katya Cuevas Bercovich — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 09:39:15 +0000

HG Energy Advances Global Collaboration at IWSF3 and Prepares Three New Strategic Projects

April, 17, 2026

HG Energy was actively represented at the 3rd International Workshop on Solar Fuels (IWSF3), a leading global forum dedicated to advancing solar-driven fuel technologies. The event, held with strong international participation, brought together more than 400 researchers and experts from across the world, reflecting both the scale and the scientific depth of the field.

Professor Hermenegildo García, leader of HG Energy, acted as co-chair of the organizing committee. In addition he contributed to the programme with a presentation entitled “MXenes as Electro- and Photocatalysts.” His talk addressed the growing relevance of advanced materials in accelerating electro- and photocatalytic processes, an area that is central to the transition towards sustainable energy systems. The presentation generated strong engagement, with extensive discussion, questions, and scientific exchange among participants.

Beyond the technical sessions, the workshop stood out for the quality of its discussions and the opportunities it created for collaboration. The exchange of ideas between academia, research centres, and industry reinforced the importance of multidisciplinary approaches in tackling current energy challenges. The networking environment fostered new connections and opened pathways for future joint initiatives.

As a direct outcome of the interactions and insights gained during IWSF3, HG Energy is preparing the launch of three new strategic projects. These initiatives will build on the knowledge shared during the workshop and aim to further strengthen the group’s position in advanced energy research.

Further details on each of these projects will be shared soon. Stay tuned.

Thanks to the organisers for the invitation and for delivering an excellent event.

Women and Science Day brings honest reflection from within the ITQ community

Katya Cuevas Bercovich — Thu, 02 Apr 2026 08:36:09 +0000

Women and Science Day brings honest reflection from within the ITQ community

April 1, 2026

The ITQ (CSIC–UPV) hosted the “Women and Science” Day, an initiative led by its Equality Committee, whose work throughout the process stood out for its depth, care and commitment.

This edition felt especially meaningful as it opened a space for voices from within the institute itself. Researchers and staff shared their experiences across different stages and roles, creating a dialogue rooted in everyday realities. HG Energy also took part in the day, contributing both to the organisation and to the roundtable discussions, reinforcing its commitment to equality in the scientific and energy sectors.

The conversations explored the role of women in science and the importance of ensuring equal opportunities, but they also went further, into the nuances that shape careers, expectations and personal choices.

What made the day truly distinctive was its tone. The discussions emerged from awareness, from education, and from lived experience. There was room for honesty, for emotion, and for recognising both the visible and invisible challenges that persist. At the same time, the sessions reflected a collective willingness to move forward, to question established dynamics and to contribute to meaningful change.

More than a programme of talks, the day became a shared moment of listening and understanding. A reminder that building a more inclusive scientific environment starts from within, through reflection, dialogue and a sustained commitment to a better future for women in science.

Liang Tian successfully defends his PhD thesis on multiscale photocatalytic materials

Katya Cuevas Bercovich — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 10:26:02 +0000

Liang Tian successfully defends his PhD thesis on multiscale photocatalytic materials

March, 31, 2026

Liang Tian, PhD researcher at HG energy – Instituto de Tecnología Química (ITQ, UPV-CSIC), has successfully defended his doctoral thesis entitled “Structure–Performance Relationships in Multiscale Photocatalytic Materials: Experimental Studies Supported by Computational Insights.”

His research focuses on understanding how the structure of photocatalytic materials at different scales influences their performance. By combining experimental methodologies with computational analysis, the work provides valuable insights for the rational design of more efficient materials for energy and catalytic applications.

The thesis was carried out under the supervision of Prof. Hermenegildo García Gómez and Dr. Germán Sastre, reflecting sustained effort and a high level of scientific rigor over the course of his doctoral studies.

The evaluation committee was composed of leading experts in the field:

Dr. Urbano Díaz, Senior Research Scientist at ITQ (UPV-CSIC), with extensive experience in heterogeneous catalysis and advanced porous materials
Prof. Valérie Keller, Professor at the University of Strasbourg, internationally recognized for her work in photocatalysis and sustainable chemical processes
Dr. Benjamín Solsona, Associate Professor at the University of Valencia, specialized in catalysis and environmental applications

During the defense, Liang presented his results with clarity and precision, addressing the committee’s questions with confidence and demonstrating a deep understanding of the structure–performance relationships governing photocatalytic systems.

At the conclusion of the examination, both Prof. Hermenegildo García Gómez and Dr. Germán Sastre shared remarks recognizing Liang’s talent, his strong commitment, and the intensity with which he approached his research. They emphasized the excellent quality of his contributions and expressed their confidence in his future scientific career.

Liang Tian’s work represents a meaningful contribution to the development of advanced materials for sustainable energy and chemical processes.

We congratulate Liang on this important academic achievement and thank him for his dedication and contributions to HG energy.

HG Energy researchers contribute to MATSUS Spring 2026 in Barcelona

Katya Cuevas Bercovich — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 13:24:34 +0000

HG Energy researchers contribute to MATSUS Spring 2026 in Barcelona

March, 24, 2026

HG Energy played a prominent role at MATSUS Spring 2026, held in Barcelona (Spain) from 23 to 27 March 2026, through its involvement in the symposium “E4 Photo-assisted chemical reactions: materials, characterization and mechanisms.”

The group contributed at the organisational level, with Josep Albero Sancho and Diego Mateo Mateo acting as symposium organisers. Their role was key in shaping a scientific programme focused on photo-assisted chemical processes, covering catalytic materials, advanced characterization techniques and reaction mechanisms relevant to sustainable energy applications.

HG Energy researchers were also part of the invited speaker line-up. Sergio Navalón (Universitat Politècnica de València) presented the talk “Engineering Strategies in Metal-Organic Frameworks toward Efficient Solar-Driven Photocatalytic Water Splitting,” addressing material design strategies for solar fuel production. In parallel, Valérie Keller (CNRS, Université de Strasbourg) delivered “Nanostructured carbon-based photocatalysts for some solar fuels and depollution applications,” focusing on carbon-based materials for energy and environmental uses.

The participation of the group was further reinforced by its early-stage researchers. PhD candidates Pau Vidal and Shangfeng Chen attended the congress, engaging with the international scientific community and contributing to discussions around emerging approaches in photocatalysis and sustainable chemical processes.

The E4 symposium gathered experts working on photocatalysis, photoelectrocatalysis and photothermal catalysis, addressing challenges such as water splitting, CO₂ reduction, ammonia synthesis and biomass conversion. The programme also highlighted advanced in situ and operando characterization methods, essential for understanding catalytic mechanisms and improving process efficiency.

Beyond the scientific sessions, MATSUS Spring 2026 provided a strong environment for networking and collaboration, bringing together researchers from different institutions and disciplines. These interactions support the development of new partnerships and reinforce ongoing research efforts in sustainable energy and chemical production.

HG Energy’s participation reflects its active role in advancing light-driven catalytic technologies and its continued engagement with the international research community.

PhD Defense at HG energy ITQ: Dawid Kruger presents research on MXene-based materials for catalytic and energy applications

Katya Cuevas Bercovich — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 12:23:08 +0000

PhD Defense at HG energy ITQ: Dawid Kruger presents research on MXene-based materials for catalytic and energy applications

March, 23, 2026

Dawid Kruger, researcher at HG energy – Instituto de Tecnología Química (ITQ, UPV-CSIC), has successfully defended his PhD thesis entitled “MXene-based materials for the catalytic, electrocatalytic and photothermal production of fuels and chemicals.”

The doctoral research was conducted under the supervision of Dr. Ana Primo Arnau and Prof. Hermenegildo García, and focuses on the development and understanding of MXene-based materials as advanced platforms for catalytic and energy-related processes. The work explores how these materials can contribute to the production of fuels and chemical compounds through catalytic, electrocatalytic and photothermal approaches.

Originally from South Africa, Dawid joined the research group with strong motivation and quickly became an active contributor to its scientific activity. Over the course of his doctoral studies, he carried out extensive experimental work and developed a solid understanding of catalytic materials and energy-related processes. His dedication and consistency throughout the PhD were reflected in the quality, depth, and coherence of the research presented in his thesis.

During the defense, Dawid delivered a detailed and carefully structured presentation in which he explained the scientific context of his work, the methodology used, and the main results obtained. The thesis committee engaged in a thorough scientific discussion, posing several relevant and technically demanding questions. Dawid addressed these questions with clarity and well-supported arguments, demonstrating both a deep understanding of his research and strong communication skills.

The thesis committee was composed of:

Prof. Sara Iborra, Catedrática, Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV)
Prof. José Ramón Galán-Mascarós, Professor, Institute of Chemical Research of Catalonia (ICIQ-CERCA)
Dr. Francesc Sastre, Research Scientist, TNO

Following the defense, Dr. Ana Primo and Prof. Hermenegildo García highlighted the dedication Dawid has shown during his doctoral training. They emphasized that supervising his PhD has been both scientifically rewarding and personally enriching, noting his commitment to high-quality research and his positive contribution to the group.

His work represents an important step forward in the understanding and development of MXene-based materials for catalytic applications related to energy and sustainable chemical production.

The entire HG energy group congratulates Dawid on this achievement and wishes him continued success in the next stage of his scientific career.

HG Energy at the Real Academia de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales de España

Katya Cuevas Bercovich — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 13:24:42 +0000

HG Energy at the Real Academia de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales de España

March 10, 2026

Professor Hermenegildo García, from HG Energy, will deliver a lecture at the Real Academia de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales de España (RAC) in Madrid on March 11, 2026, as part of the scientific session “Premios Nobel de Física y de Química 2025.”

The session will feature two presentations. Professor Juan José García Ripoll (CSIC) will present the lecture “Premio Nobel de Física 2025: de los efectos cuánticos macroscópicos a la computación cuántica.” Professor Hermenegildo García will deliver the talk “Premio Nobel de Química 2025: de los complejos moleculares a los materiales reticulares metal-orgánicos.”

His lecture will explore the scientific breakthroughs recognized by the 2025 Nobel Prize in Chemistry, awarded to Richard Robson, Susumu Kitagawa and Omar Yaghi for their pioneering contributions to the development of metal–organic framework (MOF) materials. These crystalline porous materials are notable for their large surface area, unique structural properties and wide range of potential applications.

The event will take place in person at the Academy’s headquarters in Madrid and will also be live-streamed on the RAC YouTube channel.

Celebrating the women who shape our future through science, knowledge and determination

Katya Cuevas Bercovich — Mon, 09 Mar 2026 09:33:06 +0000

Celebrating the women who shape our future through science, knowledge and determination

March, 9, 2026

Yesterday we celebrated International Women’s Day. 💜

From the HG Energy group, we would like to recognize and thank all the women who, throughout history, have contributed to advancing equal rights and opportunities for women in every area of life, and especially in science. 🔬⚡

We also celebrate the women who continue to rise every morning and face challenges, including persistent gender bias, yet keep moving forward, breaking barriers and opening paths for future generations. 🌍✨

Your resilience, courage and achievements inspire progress every single day. 💪🌱

#InternationalWomensDay #WomenInScience #WomenInEnergy #WomenInSTEM #Equality #HGenergy

Angewandte Chemie: Featured in Two Wiley “Hot Topic” Collections on Surfaces and Interfaces & Carbon Dioxide

Katya Cuevas Bercovich — Tue, 03 Mar 2026 10:08:17 +0000

Angewandte Chemie: Featured in Two Wiley “Hot Topic” Collections on Surfaces and Interfaces & Carbon Dioxide

March, 3, 2026

Our latest study, published in Angewandte Chemie (DOI: 10.1002/anie.8425918), has been selected for inclusion in two Wiley “Hot Topic” collections: Surfaces and Interfaces and Carbon Dioxide. This distinction underscores the relevance of the work in both interfacial materials science and CO₂ conversion research.

The paper presents a rational design strategy for heterostructured photocatalysts, reporting the synthesis of a Ni/Ti₃C₂Cl_x MXene heterojunction via Lewis acid molten-salt etching. Ultrathin Ni platelets are firmly anchored to the MXene substrate through interfacial TiNi₃ bonding, enabling strong electronic coupling and an efficient S-scheme charge transfer pathway.

Advanced spectroscopic analysis confirms rapid interfacial carrier dynamics and effective charge separation. Under photothermal conditions, the cooperative interaction between metallic Ni, surface NiO_x species, and the conductive MXene support enables controlled CO₂ hydrogenation, regulating selectivity between methane (CH₄) and methanol (CH₃OH).

Density functional theory calculations demonstrate that surface-state evolution at the Ni–NiO_x interface governs adsorption energetics and reaction barriers. Moderately oxidized interfacial ensembles favour methanol-forming intermediates, while excessive oxidation suppresses CH₃OH formation.

The study reinforces how precise interfacial engineering can steer catalytic pathways and enhance performance in sustainable fuel production.

Congratulations to Dawid Kruger, María Cabrero-Antonino, Ana Primo and Hermenegildo Garcia, and our collaborators Silvio Osella, Feiyan Xu and Jiaguo Yu for this achievement!

Read paper