HG-energy

HG Energy at EGF 2026: Dr. Ana Primo delivers invited keynote and co-chairs scientific session

Katya Cuevas Bercovich — Fri, 23 Oct 2026 11:03:18 +0000

HG Energy at EGF 2026: Dr. Ana Primo delivers invited keynote and co-chairs scientific session

Oct 23, 2026

Dr Ana Primo, leader of the HG Energy research group at the Instituto de Tecnología Química (UPV-CSIC), delivered an invited keynote lecture and served as a session co-chair at the 11th Graphene and 2D Materials Forum (EGF 2026), held in Seville, Spain, from 21 to 23 October 2026.

The conference brings together leading international researchers and experts to discuss advances in graphene and two-dimensional materials, from fundamental science to emerging technological applications.

In her keynote lecture, “MXenes as versatile 2D materials for next-generation catalysis,” Dr Primo presents the potential of MXenes as advanced catalytic materials, highlighting their tunable properties and opportunities for developing more efficient and sustainable catalytic processes.

In addition to her keynote, Dr Primo co-chaired the “Graphene and 2D Materials / Sensor Materials” session on 21 October, alongside Dr Mindaugas Lukosius and Dr Pablo Ares. Her contributions to both the scientific programme and its discussions reflect her expertise in two-dimensional materials and the research strength of HG Energy.

The group is also represented by Dr Álvaro Raya-Barón, postdoctoral researcher at HG Energy, who presents “Efficient Transformation of Glucose into 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural using PO4-terminated Nb2C MXene as Catalyst.” His contribution explores the use of MXene-based catalysts for biomass valorisation, an important research direction in sustainable chemistry.

Both presentations highlight the strength of HG Energy’s collaborative research and its commitment to advancing materials science and catalysis through innovative approaches.

We sincerely thank the EGF 2026 organisers for bringing together the international scientific community and providing an excellent platform for exchanging knowledge, discussing research advances and fostering future collaborations.

EGF 2026 – Official Conference

Josep Albero presents advances in catalyst interface engineering at PECS 2026

Katya Cuevas Bercovich — Fri, 16 Oct 2026 08:48:45 +0000

Josep Albero presents advances in catalyst interface engineering at PECS 2026

Oct, 16, 2026

Josep Albero, researcher at HG Energy, participated in PECS 2026, contributing to the scientific discussions on advanced catalytic materials and their role in improving the efficiency and selectivity of chemical transformations.

During the event, Josep delivered a scientific talk entitled “Tailoring Catalyst Interface for Selective and Efficient Chemical Transformations”, highlighting the importance of rational catalyst design and interface engineering in controlling catalytic activity, selectivity, and stability.

⚗️ His presentation explored how tailoring the local chemical environment of active sites can influence the adsorption and activation of reactants, stabilize key reaction intermediates, and promote specific reaction pathways.

Particular attention was given to the role of experimental synthetic protocols in modifying the surface structure, composition, and coordination environment of catalytic materials. These approaches offer valuable opportunities to develop more selective, efficient, and stable catalytic systems.

🤝 Participation in scientific events such as PECS 2026 reflects HG Energy’s commitment to high-quality scientific research, knowledge exchange, and collaboration within the scientific community. These interactions provide an important platform for sharing research findings, discussing emerging approaches, and strengthening connections between researchers working on advanced materials and catalytic processes.

Through its active involvement in scientific forums, HG Energy continues to contribute to the development of innovative catalytic technologies with potential applications in sustainable chemical transformations and energy-related processes.

🔗 More information about PECS 2026

Pablo García Aznar successfully defends his PhD thesis

Katya Cuevas Bercovich — Tue, 22 Sep 2026 10:10:11 +0000

Pablo García Aznar successfully defends his PhD thesis

Oct, 22, 2026

Yesterday, 21 September 2026, HG Energy researcher Pablo García Aznar successfully defended his PhD thesis, “Computational study and design of graphene and MXene catalysts for chemical, energy and environmental applications”, at the Instituto de Tecnología Química (ITQ, CSIC-UPV).
The thesis was supervised by Dr. Germán Sastre, CSIC Research Scientist at ITQ and specialist in computational and theoretical chemistry.
The examination committee brought together experts in theoretical and computational catalysis:

*   Dr. Mercedes Boronat, CSIC Research Scientist at ITQ, specialising in computational chemistry and reaction mechanisms in heterogeneous catalysis — President.
*   Prof. Núria López, Group Leader at ICIQ, specialising in theoretical chemistry and computational catalysis — Secretary.
*   Dr. Andrew Logsdail, Reader in Catalytic and Computational Chemistry at Cardiff University — Committee Member.

After a clear and engaging presentation, the defence developed into a lively and in-depth scientific discussion. The committee raised challenging and insightful questions, opening an excellent exchange on the methodology, results and broader implications of the research.
Pablo responded with clarity, confidence and scientific rigour, demonstrating an excellent command of his research and the wider context of his work.

A great conclusion to years of research and hard work.

Congratulations, Dr. Pablo García Aznar! 🎓👏

Research co-authored by HG Energy researcher Prof. Hermenegildo García featured in Nature Communications Editors’ Highlights

Katya Cuevas Bercovich — Tue, 28 Jul 2026 09:33:13 +0000

Research co-authored by HG Energy researcher Prof. Hermenegildo García featured in Nature Communications Editors’ Highlights

July, 28, 2026

Research co-authored by HG Energy researcher Prof. Hermenegildo García and an international team of scientists has been featured in the Nature Communications Editors’ Highlights collection in Catalysis.

The paper, “Single-atom photocatalyst for click reaction”, was selected by the journal’s editors as one of the most significant recent publications in the field. The Editors’ Highlights collection showcases around 50 outstanding papers published in each research area and is regularly updated as new advances are reported.

The study was carried out by Long Chen, Xiaohui Zhang, Weimin Xuan, David A. Pratt and Hermenegildo García, bringing together expertise in photocatalysis and catalyst design to develop a single-atom photocatalyst capable of promoting click reactions under light irradiation.

Click reactions are widely used in organic synthesis, medicinal chemistry and materials science because of their efficiency and selectivity. The photocatalytic strategy presented in this work offers a new approach to carrying out these transformations under mild conditions while contributing to the development of more sustainable catalytic systems based on isolated metal atoms.

Being featured in the Nature Communications Editors’ Highlights recognises the scientific relevance of this collaborative research and its contribution to advancing catalysis.

Read the article:
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-026-74278-4

Explore the Nature Communications Editors’ Highlights:
https://www.nature.com/ncomms/editorshighlights

HG Energy researchers contribute to the “2nd International Symposium on Catalytic Chemistry of C1 Molecules”

Katya Cuevas Bercovich — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 07:50:04 +0000

HG Energy researchers contribute to the “2nd International Symposium on Catalytic Chemistry of C1 Molecules” with presentations on advanced CO₂ conversion technologies

July, 10, 2026

This week, our colleagues Diego Mateo and Josep Albero are taking part in C1 Chemistry 2026, one of the leading international conferences focused on C1 chemistry, CO₂ utilisation and sustainable catalysis.

The conference brings together researchers from universities, research institutes and industry from around the world to discuss the latest developments in catalysis, electrocatalysis, photocatalysis and carbon utilisation. It provides an outstanding platform for scientific exchange, collaboration and the development of new research partnerships in technologies that are expected to play a key role in the energy transition.

During the event, our researchers are presenting their work:

Diego Mateo – “Oxygen Vacancy-Engineered In₂O₃@Carbon Catalysts from Steam-Pyrolyzed MOFs for Photo-thermal CO₂ Hydrogenation”
Josep Albero – “Ni and Mo Atom Pairs as Active Sites for Urea Production from Simultaneous CO₂ and NO₃⁻ Reduction by Pulsed Electrocatalysis”

We are proud to see HG Energy contributing to such an important international scientific forum and would like to thank the organisers for bringing together the global C1 chemistry community.

Meetings such as C1 Chemistry are essential to accelerate scientific progress, foster new collaborations and advance the development of innovative technologies for carbon utilisation and the transition towards a more sustainable energy system.

More information: https://c1chem.org/

HG energy at Graphene2026: sharing research, ideas and collaborations

Katya Cuevas Bercovich — Thu, 02 Jul 2026 09:44:51 +0000

HG energy at Graphene2026: sharing research, ideas and collaborations

July, 2, 2026

Our research leaders, Dr. Ana Primo and Prof. Hermenegildo García, were invited to present their latest work as invited speakers at Graphene2026 – The 16th International Conference on Graphene and 2D Materials, one of the leading international events dedicated to graphene, MXenes and other advanced 2D materials.

Bringing together researchers, technology developers and industry leaders from around the world, Graphene2026 offered an outstanding scientific programme and an excellent opportunity to discuss the latest advances in the field while strengthening international collaborations.

Dr. Ana Primo delivered the invited lecture “MXenes as Versatile 2D Materials for Photocatalysis”, presenting recent advances in the use of MXenes for solar-driven photocatalytic processes and discussing how the design of these materials is opening new opportunities for sustainable energy applications.

Prof. Hermenegildo García presented the invited lecture “MXenes as New 2D Thermal Catalysts”, highlighting the growing potential of MXenes as a new family of catalytic materials for thermal catalysis and their role in developing more efficient and sustainable chemical processes.

Beyond the scientific sessions, the conference was also a valuable opportunity to exchange ideas, reconnect with colleagues and establish new collaborations with researchers from universities, research centres and companies across the globe.

HG energy would like to thank the organisers for delivering an excellent conference and creating an inspiring environment where science, innovation and collaboration come together. It was also a pleasure to enjoy Barcelona, whose vibrant atmosphere and international character make it an ideal setting for bringing together the global scientific community.

HG Energy researchers share their work at CIMTEC 2026 in Perugia, Italy

Katya Cuevas Bercovich — Mon, 22 Jun 2026 09:16:19 +0000

HG Energy researchers share their work at CIMTEC 2026 in Perugia, Italy

June, 22, 2026

HG Energy researchers Sara Goberna-Ferrón and Elena Romero participated in CIMTEC 2026, held in Perugia, Italy, from 15–19 June, joining scientists from around the world working on advanced materials, catalysis and sustainable technologies.

Sara Goberna-Ferrón delivered the oral presentation:

“Fe-Engineered Mo₂C MXene for Efficient Electrochemical NH₃ Production”

while Elena Romero presented the poster:

“In-situ Synthesis of MXene–Perovskite Interfaces in 3D Carbon Catalysts Boost Aerobic Oxime Oxidation.”

The conference provided an excellent opportunity to exchange ideas, discuss new research directions and establish new connections within the international scientific community. The quality of the programme and the diversity of the contributions made CIMTEC a valuable forum for scientific discussion and collaboration.

We would like to thank the organisers for a fantastic event, and especially Prof. Johanna Rosen (Sweden), Convener of the symposium, for bringing together such a stimulating programme and fostering meaningful scientific interactions.

Science, Music and Participation: Babak Anasori Brings a Different Perspective on Research to HG Energy

Katya Cuevas Bercovich — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 12:27:08 +0000

Science, Music and Participation: Babak Anasori Brings a Different Perspective on Research to HG Energy

June, 15, 2026

This morning, HG Energy had the pleasure of welcoming Professor Babak Anasori for an inspiring and highly engaging scientific talk. Professor Anasori, who is joining the group as a visiting researcher for the next month, shared his expertise on “Composition and Defect Control in MXenes for Hydrogen Evolution Reaction”, offering valuable insights into one of the most promising families of advanced materials for future energy technologies.

Babak Anasori is a Rising Star Associate Professor in the School of Materials Engineering and the School of Mechanical Engineering at Purdue University. Internationally recognized for his pioneering work on MXenes, a class of two-dimensional materials with remarkable properties and applications in energy storage, catalysis, electronics and sustainability, he has become one of the leading voices in this field.

What made today’s session particularly memorable was not only the scientific content, but also the way it was delivered.

The talk started with music.

As Babak explained, films use music to capture attention, create emotion and enhance the experience. Why should scientific communication be any different?

That philosophy set the tone for a session that was far from a conventional lecture. Throughout the presentation, participants were encouraged to interact, ask questions and share ideas. The audience became part of the conversation rather than simply listening from their seats.

One of the highlights was hearing songs about MXenes created by Babak himself, bringing creativity and humor into a highly technical subject. The combination of rigorous science, storytelling, music and interaction created an atmosphere that was both enjoyable and intellectually stimulating.

The experience reminded us that science does not have to be heavy or difficult to engage with. Learning can be dynamic, collaborative and even fun, without losing depth or rigor.

We are delighted to have Babak with us over the coming weeks and look forward to continuing the discussions, collaborations and exchange of ideas that began this morning.

More information: https://www.babakanasori.com

From Valencia to Dublin: Ana Primo and Hermenegildo García contribute to EuroMXene 2026 in Dublin

Katya Cuevas Bercovich — Thu, 04 Jun 2026 13:46:39 +0000

From Valencia to Dublin: Ana Primo and Hermenegildo García contribute to EuroMXene 2026 in Dublin

June, 4, 2026

This morning, Dr Ana Primo and Prof. Hermenegildo García contributed to the scientific programme of EuroMXene 2026, held at Trinity College Dublin, with two talks reflecting HG Energy’s research activity in MXenes and advanced 2D materials.

Dr Ana Primo, participating as an Invited Speaker, delivered the lecture “MXenes as versatile 2D materials for next-generation catalysis”. Prof. Hermenegildo García also presented the talk “Single-Atom MXenes: Versatile Platforms for Selective Cinnamaldehyde Reduction”.

Their participation is especially meaningful for HG Energy. Ana Primo and Hermenegildo García were the initiators of EuroMXene 2024 in Valencia, the first EuroMXene congress held in Europe. That first edition created a dedicated European meeting point for the MXene community, bringing together leading researchers and opening a space for scientific exchange around one of the most active areas in materials science.

We are very proud to see how that initiative has continued and grown into EuroMXene 2026 in Dublin, thanks to the work of Prof. Valeria Nicolosi and the organising team at Trinity College Dublin, who have carried the conference forward with great commitment.

The scientific quality of this edition is exceptional, with outstanding contributions covering MXene synthesis, characterisation, catalysis, energy applications, electronics, sensing, biomedical materials and other emerging directions in 2D materials research.

From HG Energy, we warmly thank Valeria Nicolosi, the full organising committee, the scientific board, speakers and participants for making EuroMXene 2026 such a strong and inspiring event for the international MXene community.

Following Enthusiasm, Challenging Perspectives: A Memorable Visit by Nobel Laureate Benjamin List

Katya Cuevas Bercovich — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 09:16:29 +0000

Following Enthusiasm, Challenging Perspectives: A Memorable Visit by Nobel Laureate Benjamin List

June, 2, 2026

🧑‍🔬 Yesterday, researchers from HG Energy had the opportunity to take part in an inspiring visit by Prof. Benjamin List, Nobel Laureate in Chemistry 2021, at the Instituto de Tecnología Química (CSIC-UPV).

✨ His talk, “Follow your enthusiasm”, was a powerful reminder that innovation often comes from questioning established approaches and having the confidence to explore new ideas. Prof. List’s enthusiasm, curiosity and passion for science were evident throughout the session, making it a highly motivating experience for everyone in attendance.

🎤 We are especially proud that Dr. Sara Goberna Ferron from HG Energy contributed as moderator during the discussion with early-career researchers, while Prof. Hermenegildo Garcia Gomez and Dr. Urbano Díaz, both members of HG Energy – ITQ (UPV-CSIC), participated in the roundtable debate alongside Prof. List and other leading researchers.

💡 Beyond the scientific discussions, the event encouraged us to look at research from a different perspective and reinforced the value of curiosity, creativity and independent thinking.

#HGEnergy #Research #Innovation #Chemistry #BenjaminList #Science #ITQ #Catalysis