The development of high-efficiency, stable perovskite solar cells (PSCs) depends on a comprehensive understanding of molecular interfaces, which are crucial in influencing charge transport, passivation, and overall stability. This symposium invites contributions on recent advances in interfacial engineering for PSCs, examining how optimized interfaces can enhance charge transport properties, suppress recombination, and improve device stability under operational conditions. Topics will cover novel approaches to interface passivation, the design of selective charge transport layers, and strategies for mitigating ionic migration—all with an emphasis on stability.
The role of surface treatments, grain boundary engineering, and advanced molecular passivation in preserving perovskite integrity will be highlighted. Advanced characterization techniques that provide insights into interface dynamics will be included. This symposium, planned to be two days, aims to bring together leaders from materials science, chemistry, and photovoltaic research to foster discussions on overcoming interfacial limitations in PSCs. By advancing our understanding of interface design and characterization, this event seeks to address both performance and stability, setting the foundation for the commercialization of reliable, high-performance perovskite solar technologies.
- Emerging photovoltaics
- Perovskite solar cells
- Charge transport layers
- Device performance
- Stability
The broad materials library of halide perovskites and their versatility have made this class of semiconductors exciting for a wide range of optoelectronic applications. Much of this success is based on the unique tunability of composition, dimensionality, optical and electronic properties as well as their defect tolerance. A better understanding of their properties and synthesis mechanisms is, however, needed for further progress and development. Here, advanced characterization methods and the ever-evolving theoretical framework help to observe and better understand these properties, which need to be addressed over several length and time scales.
This symposium aims to bring the community together to present these recent advances in our fundamental understanding of halide perovskites and discuss how theory as well as spectroscopy and microscopy tools can be applied to increase our knowledge base. We will explore new materials chemistries, optical and electronic behavior, the role of dimensionality, crystallization mechanisms in solution- and vapor-processing and defect dynamics. We invite contributions from a diverse set of speakers from a variety of scientific backgrounds to emphasize the interdisciplinary nature of the field that has been foundational to its success.
- Physics and fundamental aspects of 3D and 2D perovskites
- Novel and emerging synthesis methods
- Advanced characterization techniques
- Defect physics and effect of interfaces
- Interface characterization
Selina Olthof studied physics at the University of Stuttgart (Germany) and completed her master's thesis at the Max Planck Institute for Solid State Research. In 2010, she earned her Ph.D. from the University of Dresden under Karl Leo, followed by a two-year postdoctoral stay at Princeton University with Antoine Kahn. From 2012 to 2024, she led the Surface Science Research Group in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Cologne. Recently, she was appointed Full Professor at the University of Wuppertal, where she established the Chair of Material and Surface Analysis. Her research focuses on advancing the understanding of the electronic structure of novel semiconducting materials, particularly organic semiconductors and hybrid perovskites.
With the rapid progress in perovskite solar cells, research on perovskite optoelectronic devices, including light-emitting diodes, photodetectors, and lasers, has also seen remarkable growth. This surge is primarily driven by the easy tunability of optical bandgaps in halide perovskite materials. These materials offer a broad color spectrum from ultraviolet to near-infrared, coupled with high luminescence yields and exceptional color purity. The development of innovative chemical routes for synthesizing perovskite layers has led to a solid foundation for producing optoelectronic devices. While spin coating remains the go-to method for achieving high performance in laboratory, industrial applications demand scalable techniques that enable mass production, large-area deposition, and spatial resolution. Recent European projects proposed printing technologies as a more sustainable approach to fabricating perovskite devices.
Therefore, this symposium serves as a platform to bring together the scientific community and industry stakeholders to evaluate the potential of various printed electronics techniques—such as inkjet , screen printing, slot-die , blade-coating and gravure —for advancing perovskite optoelectronic and electronic devices. A special focus will be given to environmentally friendly approaches, alongside emerging studies that integrate machine learning to optimize printing processes. By fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange, PeroPRINT aims to catalyze innovation in the sustainable development of high-performance perovskite-based devices.
- Development of sustainable inks, solutions, or slurries.
- Comparison of solution-processed quantum dots and precursor approaches.
- Innovation in electrodes and charge transport layers.
- Fully printed optoelectronic and electronic device architectures.
- Comparative analysis of advanced deposition technologies.
- Machine learning and AI-driven enhancements in printing technologies.
- Flexible, wearable, and skin-integrated electronics.
- Novel techniques in printed electronics, including electrohydrodynamic inkjet, tapping-mode inkjet, laser-induced forward transfer, and more.
Over the last decade, metal halide perovskite materials have ushered in a new era for next-generation optoelectronic devices, including solar cells, light emitting diodes and X-ray detectors. These developments have been attributed to the unusual physics and chemistry in these materials, which are still being actively investigated. This symposium will bring together the community to discuss latest efforts in obtaining deeper understanding of material properties through advanced characterization and theoretical modelling in a range of halide perovskite compositions and perovskite-inspired materials (including nanocrystals and single crystals), which also holds the key to further advancements in the performance and stability of the resulting devices.
When integrated in a multilayer device stack, the presence of interfaces may alter the expected dynamics of relevant processes and therefore, efforts dedicated to the improved understanding of the interface effects and ways to minimize interface-induced losses in the device performance will also constitute another key focus area of this symposium. In addition, we invite submissions on emerging applications exploiting the fascinating fundamental properties of halide perovskites, such as (light emitting) field effect transistors, thermoelectrics, memristors and neuromorphics, optically and electrically pumped lasing, single photon emission, polarized light emission, spintronics, ferroelectricity and piezoelectricity, among others.
- Structural characterization
- Optoelectronic characterization
- Chemical characterization
- Electrical characterization
- Ion migration
- Defect chemistry
- Lower dimensional perovskites and perovskite-inspired materials
- In-situ and in-operando measurements
- Emerging applications
- Theoretical modeling and device simulation
Iván Mora-Seró (1974, M. Sc. Physics 1997, Ph. D. Physics 2004) is researcher at Universitat Jaume I de Castelló (Spain). His research during the Ph.D. at Universitat de València (Spain) was centered in the crystal growth of semiconductors II-VI with narrow gap. On February 2002 he joined the University Jaume I. From this date until nowadays his research work has been developed in: electronic transport in nanostructured devices, photovoltaics, photocatalysis, making both experimental and theoretical work. Currently he is associate professor at University Jaume I and he is Principal Researcher (Research Division F4) of the Institute of Advanced Materials (INAM). Recent research activity was focused on new concepts for photovoltaic conversion and light emission based on nanoscaled devices and semiconductor materials following two mean lines: quantum dot solar cells with especial attention to sensitized devices and lead halide perovskite solar cells and LEDs, been this last line probably the current hottest topic in the development of new solar cells.
Since 2019, Yana Vaynzof holds the Chair for Emerging Electronic Technologies at the Technical University of Dresden. Prior to that (2014-2019), she was a juniorprofessor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy, Heidelberg University (Germany). She received a B.Sc degree (summa cum laude) in electrical engineering from the Technion - Israel Institute of Technology (Israel) in 2006, and a M.Sc. degree in electrical engineering from Princeton University, (USA) in 2008. She pursued a Ph.D. degree in physics under the supervision of Prof. Sir. Richard Friend at the Optoelectronics Group, Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge (UK), and investigated the development of hybrid polymer solar cells and the improvement of their efficiency and stability. Upon completing her PhD in 2011, she joined the Microelectronics group at the University of Cambridge as a Postdoctoral Research Associate focusing on the research of surfaces and interfaces in organic and hybrid optoelectronics. Yana Vaynzof was the recipient of a number of fellowships and awards, including the ERC Starting Grant, Gordon Y. Wu Fellowship, Henry Kressel Fellowship, Fulbright-Cottrell Award and the Walter Kalkhof-Rose Memorial Prize.
This symposium explores cutting-edge advancements in vacuum deposition techniques for the fabrication of halide perovskite-based materials and devices. It also welcomes discussions on hybrid processes that combine vacuum and other methods, as well as emerging deposition strategies that push the boundaries of current vacuum technologies for halide perovskites. It will address the challenges and innovations in achieving high-quality perovskite films with enhanced stability, efficiency, and scalability. Topics include study of nucleation and growth mechanisms, interface engineering, scalability challenges and integration strategies for thin films in photovoltaic and optoelectronic applications.
- Vacuum deposition techniques for halide perovskites and perovskite-inspired photoabsorbers
- Hybrid deposition processes for halide perovskites
- Stability and scalability of perovskite thin films and solar cell devices
- Interface engineering in vacuum-deposited perovskite devices
- In-situ growth monitoring during vacuum-based perovskite formation
- Applications in photovoltaics and optoelectronics
- Innovations in material quality and defect reduction
- Vacuum-based LEDs, Photodetectors and other optoelectronics are welcome too
Dr. Annalisa Bruno is a Principal Scientist at the Energy ResearchInstitute at Nanyang Technological University (ERI@N) coordinating a team working on perovskite high-efficiency solar cells and modules by thermal evaporation. Annalisa is also a tenured Scientist at Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy, and Sustainable Economic Development (ENEA). Previously Annalisa was a Post-Doctoral Research Associate at Imperial College London. Annalisa received her B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. Degrees in Physics from the University of Naples Federico II. Her research interests include perovskite light-harvesting and charge generation properties and their implementation in solar cells and optoelectronic devices.
Transparent and semi-transparent PV constitute a new paradigm in PV technologies that initiated in early 2000’s related to the need for increased and seamless PV building integration. Since then, relevant advances have been achieved including the development of innovative materials and strategies for high optical quality and aesthetic smart solar windows and glass-based façades involving emerging perovskites, DSSC, organic and chalcogenide/oxide inorganic technologies, and new relevant applications have also raised as Agrivoltaics (APV) and PV of things.
This symposium invites contributions on new materials and devices challenges to enhance the performance of Transparent PV solar cells, focusing on new device architectures aiming to cost-efficient, robust technologies with suitable optical quality for advanced PV integration applications.
- Inorganic technologies for UV-blue selective transparent devices
- New perovskite transparent device architectures
- Advanced DSSC device concepts
- Organic transparent devices
- IR-selective device approaches
- New materials for highly transparent solar windows, including LSC approaches
- Advances in materials and processes for high optical quality segmented devices
Alejandro Pérez-Rodríguez is Full Professor of Electronics at the University of Barcelona (UB). Since October 2009 he is ascribed to IREC as Head of the Solar Energy Materials and Systems (SEMS) Group. His research activities are centred in the development and advanced characterisation of cost-efficient thin film emerging inorganic technologies, using processes compatible with their industrial sustainable upscaling with very low environmental impact. Special emphasis in these activities is given to the exploitation of the technological flexibility of these technologies for advanced PV integration applications, including the development of flexible solar cells and innovative efficient transparent contacts for next generation semi-transparent devices specially suited for Building Integration and Agrivoltaics. He is co-author of 413 scientific publications, including 329 papers in SCI high IF journals, with an h-factor of 58 and 11322 citations (with a consolidated average of 802 citations/year during the last 6 years) (Scopus January 2025). He is co-author of 6 patents, including a patent that was under exploitation by the former company Smalle Technologies SL (spin-off of the UB) and 3 patents shared with NEXCIS (former spin-off of EDF in France).
This symposium brings together expert researchers from modelling, simulation and characterization with the main objective of demonstrating the latest developments on next generation of highly efficient and stable emerging OptoElectroIonic devices, from solar cells, LEDs, photodetectors, memristors, batteries, capacitors, fotoelectrodes, etc… with special focus on OptoElectroIonic perovskite solar cells.
From modelling and simulation, essential topics as drift-diffusion simulations, opto-electro-ionic modelling, machine learning, device optimization, device degradation and physical mechanisms at different time scales will be addressed.
From characterization, a special emphasis on general and advanced characterization techniques (including in-situ characterization) focused on device performance, stability (Lab-scale cells and modules) and reliability (industry modules).
- Numerical device modelling and simulation of OptoElectroIonic devices: perovskite solar cells, tandem devices, LEDs, memristors, detectors, batteries…
- Characterization techniques focused on device performance, stability (Lab-scale cells and modules) and reliability (industry modules)
- Protocols
- Degradation models – bayesians, machine learning methods
- In-situ characterization for stability assessment
Prof. Mónica Lira-Cantú is Group Leader of the Nanostructured Materials for Photovoltaic Energy Group at the Catalan Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (www.icn.cat located in Barcelona (Spain). She obtained a Bachelor in Chemistry at the Monterrey Institute of Technology and Higher Education, ITESM Mexico (1992), obtained a Master and PhD in Materials Science at the Materials Science Institute of Barcelona (ICMAB) & Autonoma University of Barcelona (1995/1997) and completed a postdoctoral work under a contract with the company Schneider Electric/ICMAB (1998). From 1999 to 2001 she worked as Senior Staff Chemist at ExxonMobil Research & Engineering (formerly Mobil Technology Co) in New Jersey (USA) initiating a laboratory on energy related applications (fuel cells and membranes). She moved back to ICMAB in Barcelona, Spain in 2002. She received different awards/fellowships as a visiting scientist to the following laboratories: University of Oslo, Norway (2003), Riso National Laboratory, Denmark (2004/2005) and the Center for Advanced Science and Innovation, Japan (2006). In parallel to her duties as Group Leader at ICN2 (Spain), she is currently visiting scientist at the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL, CH). Her research interests are the synthesis and application of nanostructured materials for Next-generation solar cells: Dye sensitized, hybrid, organic, all-oxide and perovskite solar cells. Monica Lira-Cantu has more than 85 published papers, 8 patents and 10 book chapters and 1 edited book (in preparation).
There is a growing interest in understanding emergent properties in nanomaterials and ways to engineer them for use in technology. The complexity of novel materials grows as chemistry and physics advance to address materials discovery and UN sustainable goals. This involves multicomponent and hierarchical structures, combining dissimilar components. Examples include but are not limited to nanocrystal assemblies, hybrid organic-inorganic materials, and high-entropy compounds.
In such cases, the properties and performance of a nanomaterial exceed the sum of its parts and give rise to emergent properties. These phenomena include cooperative light-matter interactions (e.g., superfluorescence and plasmonic resonances), enhanced electronic transport, chirality transfer, heat transfer, and phononics. The #EmergentNANO symposium brings together leading early-career and established scientists exploring the synthesis, structure, and applications of materials with emergent properties.
- Synthesis, fabrication, and additive manufacturing of nanomaterials with emergent properties
- Structure and composition control in nanoparticle assemblies, high-entropy, and hybrid organic-inorganic materials
- Electronic structure and structure-property relationships by theoretical and experimental methods
- Energy, carrier, and thermal transport in nanostructures
- Emergent optical phenomena such as superradiance, superfluorescence, chirality transfer, and plasmonic effects
James Utterback’s research focuses on ultrafast optical spectroscopy and microscopy of energy relaxation and transport in materials for optoelectronic applications.
CNRS Researcher | Researcher; Institute of Nanosciences of Paris; Sorbonne University | 2023 – present
Postdoctoral Fellow | Beckman Postdoctoral Fellow; University of California, Berkeley | 2019 – 2022
PhD in Chemistry | NSF Graduate Research Fellow; University of Colorado, Boulder | 2013 – 2018
B.S. in Physics | Goldwater Scholar & Undergraduate Research Fellow; University of Oregon | 2007 – 2011
This symposium invites contributions from a wide range of topics relating to the use of whole living organisms in bioelectronics. Microbe electrode interfaces are key to connecting metabolic processes to electronic signals. These lay the foundation for sustainable applications in biosensing, bioremediation, electrosynthesis and energy conversion.
The later also includes solar energy conversion using photosynthetic organisms in biological photovoltaics. The symposium will cover all microbial electronic technologies from a bioengineering, electrode engineering and application focused perspective to highlight recent developments in the field.
- Advanced materials for improved microbe electrode interaction
- Engineered microbes for bioelectronics
- Solar energy conversion in bio-photovoltaics
- CO2 sequestration in microbial electrochemical technologies
- Bio-electrochemical remediation of waste streams
- Whole microbe bio-electrochemical sensors
- Microbial electrosynthesis




This symposium dives into recent progress achieved by international experts in academia and industry in the area of sustainable and emerging battery chemistries beyond classical Li-ion batteries, including mono- and multi-valent chemistries based on organic and aqueous electrolyte media, to achieve net zero.
We particularly welcome contributions from researchers in the field of sustainable battery technologies, including those based on Na, K, Mg, Ca, Zn and Al, that highlight advances and novel approaches toward the design, characterisation and understanding of electrode and electrolyte materials, and their respective interf(ph)ases.
- Mono and multivalent organic and aqueous-based batteries beyond Li, including Na, K, Mg, Ca, Zn and Al- based batteries
- Inorganic and organic electrodes
- Organic, aqueous and super-concentrated electrolytes
- Interfaces and interphases
- Modelling and simulation
- Insights from industry




The development of energy-efficient and fast computer systems is paramount due to the rise in big data and artificial intelligence. Currently, the advancement in computing is being hampered by the speed and power efficiency constraints of the John von Neumann architecture, which divides the CPU from memory. Neuromorphic computing, which is inspired by the human brain, can potentially address these issues. The human brain serves as an archetype for next-generation computing systems due to its almost 100 billion neurons and 100 trillion synapses, which process enormous volumes of data in parallel with remarkable energy efficiency.
There is an increasing need for functional electronic materials for neuromorphic artificial intelligence systems, beyond silicon. Halide perovskites can mimic the synapse functioning in the human brain, and this has fueled the interest in building efficient neuromorphic computing systems. Metal oxides, organic semiconductors, halide perovskites, 2D materials, chalcogenides, piezoelectric materials, and magnetic materials are not only energy-efficient and multipurpose, but they can also replicate the characteristics of synaptic processes in the human brain.
Devices that can switch at low power with high endurance are switching neuromorphic devices' components and features, along with characterization techniques, which will be the main topics of this conference along with the emerging fields of bioinspired ionic-electronic photonic materials.
- Neuromorphic Devices
- Neuromorphic computing
- Memristive devices
- Halide Perovskite for synapses
- Organic semiconductors
- Nanocrystals and low-dimensional halide perovskites
- Characterization protocols
- Low-power neuromorphic devices
- Human brain interface
- Neuristor
- Interfacing biological neurons and electronics
Antonio Guerrero is Associate Professor in Applied Physics at the Institute of Advanced Materials (Spain). His background includes synthesis of organic and inorganic materials (PhD in Chemistry). He worked 4 years at Cambridge Dispaly Technology fabricating materiales for organic light emitting diodes and joined University Jaume I in 2010 to lead the fabrication laboratory of electronic devices. His expertise includes chemical and electrical characterization of several types of electronic devices. In the last years he has focused in solar cells, memristors, electrochemical cells and batteries.
Inspired by the brain’s highly energy-efficient ability for in-memory computing, the field of neuromorphic engineering strives to develop materials, devices, and circuits that can emulate artificial synaptic and neuronal capabilities. Whereas the realization of robust and scalable neuromorphic hardware offers tremendous promise for the future of electronics and computer science with implications for society at large, many current challenges in neuromorphic computation are related to materials development and the integration of materials into novel device paradigms.
This symposium invites contributions to cover the latest advancements in engineered materials with promising physical properties for neuromorphic devices, such as ferroic materials, phase-change materials, valence-change materials, spintronic materials, 2D van der Waals materials, halide perovskites, and organic materials. It will cover the processing challenges of these materials, design approaches to tune memristive characteristics via structure or defect engineering, the conceptualization of novel neuromorphic device schemes, and the integration of materials and devices into neuromorphic circuits.
- In-memory sensing and computing
- Artificial synaptic and neuronal materials and devices
- Materials integration for neuromorphic circuits
- Memristive materials: spintronic, ferroelectric, resistive RAM, phase-change materials, organics, halide perovskite, 2D materials
- Neuromorphic oscillators
- Stimuli-responsive materials and devices
- Concepts for edge computing
Juan Bisquert (pHD Universitat de València, 1991) is a Professor of applied physics at Universitat Jaume I de Castelló, Spain. He is the director of the Institute of Advanced Materials at UJI. He authored 360 peer reviewed papers, and a series of books including . Physics of Solar Cells: Perovskites, Organics, and Photovoltaics Fundamentals (CRC Press). His h-index 95, and is currently a Senior Editor of the Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters. He conducts experimental and theoretical research on materials and devices for production and storage of clean energies. His main topics of interest are materials and processes in perovskite solar cells and solar fuel production. He has developed the application of measurement techniques and physical modeling of nanostructured energy devices, that relate the device operation with the elementary steps that take place at the nanoscale dimension: charge transfer, carrier transport, chemical reaction, etc., especially in the field of impedance spectroscopy, as well as general device models. He has been distinguished in the 2014-2019 list of ISI Highly Cited Researchers.
The use of organic mixed ionic-electronic conductors (OMIECs) for (bio)electronic devices has grown substantially in the last 20 years, with new materials and device concepts pushing performance forward. The inclusion of both electronic and ionic carriers makes an understanding of transport phenomena however challenging, and the materials design rules and device models are still actively being developed.
Interdisciplinary discussions and research are therefore crucial in developing structure-property relations and enabling rational design of high-performance materials and devices. This symposium aims to bring together speakers spanning from materials synthesis and design to characterization and device engineering to discuss a holistic view of OMIEC materials development, with the final application in OECTs in mind.
- Organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs)
- Organic mixed ionic-electronic conductors (OMIECs)
- Solid-state electrolytes
- In-operando material and device characterization
- (Electrochemical) doping
- OECT device engineering
- OECT device modeling and material simulations


Tom van der Pol is a Marie Curie fellow at the Laboratory of Organic Electronics within the Linköping University in Sweden. His research interests revolve around characterization of novel semiconductors, currently focused on organic mixed ion-electron conductors. He conducted his PhD research at the group of René Janssen studying optical characterization of thin film organic and perovskite semiconductors for solar cell applications.
Exsolution presents a sustainable alternative to conventional catalyst preparation methods by enabling the activation of earth-abundant elements through nano-structural effects, in-situ rejuvenation, or long-lasting preservation of active sites, dramatically extending catalyst lifetime and reducing material waste in energy conversion systems. This symposium aims to bring together leading experts in exsolution and solid-state ionics to discuss the latest advancements in this promising nanocatalyst fabrication route, which has significantly impacted many relevant energy conversion and storage technologies.
Beyond its initial applications in Solid Oxide Electrochemical Cells, exsolution has emerged as a versatile surface functionalization strategy finding new applications across sustainable technologies, from membrane reactors for green hydrogen production to catalyst systems for CO utilization and environmental remediation.
Topics will include recent breakthroughs in nanoparticle exsolution, with a focus on unraveling the underlying physicochemical mechanisms at the nanoscale and exploring future directions to broaden the application potential of this technology. This symposium will also examine pathways to scale exsolution from laboratory to industrial implementation while maintaining its core advantages in resource efficiency, stability and sustainability.
- New trends in metallic nanoparticle exsolution (multicomponent exsolution, non-conventional routes for exsolution, endogenous exsolution)
- In situ monitoring of exsolved nanoparticle formation
- Operando studies on electrochemical performance of advanced electrodes
- Advances in thin-film surface functionalization
- Oxide exsolution in Proton Ceramic Electrochemical Cells
- Mechanistic understanding of metallic exsolution based on computational tools
- Nanoparticle exsolution in thermo-catalytic processes and membrane reactors
Alfonso J. Carrillo holds a Ph.D. in chemical engineering by Universidad Rey Juan Carlos (Spain)—research conducted at IMDEA Energy. Then, he moved to the Electrochemical Materials Laboratory, first at ETH Zurich (Switzerland), and after at MIT (USA), where he was 2018 Eni-MIT Energy Fellow. He has been awarded with the Energy and Environmental Research Grant by Fundación Iberdrola, Juan de la Cierva Formación by the Spanish Ministry of Science, and Junior Leader Fellowship by Fundación LaCaixa. He has worked at ITQ (Spain) since January 2019, with a focus on the functionalization of redox oxides for energy storage and production of renewable fuels.
I am currently a Senior Lecturer (2023), having joined the University of Strathclyde in 2020, as a Chancellor's Fellow in Renewable Energy in the Department of Chemical and Process Engineering. I completed my MEng in Materials and Process Engineering at the University Politehnica of Bucharest in 2008, and later earned a PhD in Energy Materials from the University of St Andrews, Scotland, in 2013. Following this, I worked in several post-doctoral research roles at the University of St Andrews and Newcastle University.
My career has been dedicated to contributing innovative and ground-breaking concepts in the fields of advanced materials and renewable energy conversion applications, as evidenced by my 40+ peer-reviewed publications, including five in the prestigious Nature-family journals and two in Energy and Environmental Science.
Now leading a dynamic research team of 7 PhD students, 2 PDRAs, and multiple masters and interns, as well as international visitors, our focus is on the development of materials and devices for renewable energy conversion. This includes materials development, characterisation, and testing with applications in green hydrogen production, clean power generation, carbon capture, and conversion to sustainable fuels and chemicals. My mission is to accelerate the transition to a low-carbon society by improving technology performance, reliability, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability. This is achieved by collaborating with both industrial and academic partners worldwide to drive meaningful change.
In addition to my research, I am committed to mentoring the next generation of energy engineers and promoting knowledge transfer for a cleaner, sustainable energy future.
MXenes, a rapidly growing family of 2D transition metal carbides and nitrides, have garnered immense interest due to their unique electronic, mechanical, and chemical properties. Their tunable surface chemistry, high conductivity, and exceptional stability make them promising candidates for diverse applications, including energy storage and conversion, catalysis, electronics, and biomedical technologies.
This symposium will bring together leading researchers to discuss the latest advancements in MXene synthesis, characterization, and functionalization, as well as emerging applications. Special emphasis will be placed on novel approaches to enhance their stability, improve processability, and expand their potential for real- world implementation. By fostering interdisciplinary discussions, this symposium aims to provide insights into the future challenges and opportunities for MXene research, paving the way for their integration into next-generation technologies.
- Synthesis and Functionalization of MXenes
- Structural and Physicochemical Characterization
- MXenes in Catalysis and Environmental Applications
- MXenes in Energy Storage and Conversion
- MXenes in Electronics and Optoelectronics
- Biomedical and Healthcare Applications
- Computational and Theoretical Insights
- Future Perspectives and Emerging Applications
Dra. Ana Primo Arnau
Research Group Leader, tenured Scientist. UPV, Valencia
Dr. Ana Primo earned her Ph.D. in Chemistry from the Universidad Politécnica de Valencia (Spain) in 2006. Following her doctoral studies, she undertook a postdoctoral stint at the Institute Charles Gerhardt in Montpellier, France, from 2007 to 2009. Currently, she holds a tenured position as a scientist at the “Instituto de Tecnología Química” (UPV-CSIC). Together with Professor Hermenegildo García, she founded the HG Energy Group, which she currently leads alongside Professor García.
Her research focuses on the synthesis of 2D materials such as graphene and boron nitride, exploring their applications in catalytic and photocatalytic processes. Notable among her investigations are CO2 reduction for methanol production and water splitting for hydrogen generation. With over 100 publications, Dr. Primo’s work has garnered more than 7,000 citations, reflecting her significant contributions to the field of chemistry, and she has an h-index of 44.
This symposium will unite top scientists, researchers, and experts from the fields of electrochemistry, sustainability, and carbon management for an inspiring and thought-provoking event. Participants will have the opportunity to explore cutting-edge advancements in the (photo)electrochemical conversion of CO and N into valuable chemicals and fuels. 2 2 2 2 The symposium aims to serve as a comprehensive platform for discussing the latest developments in CO and N (photo)electroreduction, essential technologies in addressing sustainability issues.
The event will cover a broad spectrum of topics, including catalyst design and synthesis, advanced characterization techniques, energy efficiency, reactor design and process scaling up, and simulations of reaction mechanisms and processes. Renowned experts from academia, industry, and government will share their pioneering research, providing valuable insights into the real-world applications and future potential of CO and N conversion technologies.
Moreover, attendees will have numerous opportunities to engage in stimulating discussions, network with peers, and foster collaborations that will accelerate progress toward a more sustainable future. We invite you to join us as we collectively explore and shape the future of (photo)electrochemical CO and N conversion, aiming to transform CO from a climate challenge into a valuable resource and to decarbonize the production of N-containing chemicals and fuels
- Electrochemical Interface
- Advanced (in situ/ operando) Characterization
- Understanding Reaction Mechanisms
- Catalytic Material Discovery and Design
- Electrolyzers
- Electrolysis Processes
- Processes simulations
- Scaling-up
- Life Cycle Assessment
- Techno-Economic Analysis
Development of new strategies for integrating advanced in-situ/operando characterization tools (spectroscopy or spectrometry) into electrocatalysis research. It will be of particular interest to those involved in the development of novel electrocatalysts for energy applications, those looking to deepen their understanding of catalytic mechanisms, and those interested in the latest advancements in operando characterization techniques.
- XAS
- XRD
- X-ray CT
- NMR
- ICP-MS
- Electrochemical Mass Spectrometry and Differential Electrochemical Mass Spectrometry
- UV-VIS


Kavita Kumar obtained her Ph.D. in Electrochemistry from the University of Poitiers (France) in 2017 under the direction of Prof. K. Boniface Kokoh, Dr. Têko W. Napporn and Dr. Aurélien Habrioux. During her Ph.D., she focused on cobalt oxide nanoparticles deposed on derived graphene materials for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in alkaline media. From 2018 to 2022, she was a postdoctoral research associate in the Interfacial Electrochemistry and Processes group of the LEPMI, Grenoble (France), headed by Dr. Frédéric Maillard. From 2022 to 2023, she was a postdoctoral fellow in Serhiy Cherevko’s group at HI ERN, Erlangen (Germany), where she investigated the degradation of Fe-N-C electrocatalysts during the ORR in acidic and alkaline media using mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Since 2013, she has been a researcher at the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS) in LEPMI. Her current research focuses on the structure-activity-stability relationships of platinum-group metal-free catalysts for oxygen electrocatalysis, through multi-scale physicochemical analysis including in situ and operando techniques such as ICP-MS, DEMS, FTIR.
Keywords: Electrocatalysis; Alkaline hydrogen fuel cell; Alkaline water electrolyzer; Catalyst structure-activity-stability relationship
This symposium will focus on recent advancements in photoelectrochemical approaches for the sustainable production of added-value chemicals and industrial waste valorisation, as promising strategies for clean chemical and fuel production, compatible with circular economy schemes. Discussions will cover the design and development of novel materials, photoelectrodes and advanced devices for different reactions including water splitting, CO2 reduction, ammonia synthesis, waste valorization and environmental remediation. Upscaling strategies and technological developments beyond lab-scale are particularly relevant to the scope.
This symposium will foster a multi-disciplinary and collaborative environment, bridging lab-scale developments to industrial relevant processes and encouraging the circulation of novel ideas and recent milestones in the field of photoelectrochemical processes.
To this end, PECVAL will offer an interdisciplinary forum where both renowned scientists and young researchers will present their most relevant results, illustrating the state of the art and the latest advances in the development of more efficient materials and devices for the production of energy in the fields of (photo)electrochemistry Young researchers' active participation will be encouraged through dedicated oral and poster contributions spots.
- Direct solar water splitting (hydrogen evolution, oxygen evolution,…)
- Direct solar-driven valorization reactions of CO2, biomass, organics, nitrogen compounds and/or plastics
- Novel semiconductor and co-catalyst materials for PEC and PC (e.g., ternary oxides, perovskites, 2D materials, organics, MOFs, COFs, and SACs)
- Novel architectures and approaches for PEC and PC (e.g., heterojunction, Z- scheme, PV-integrated, tandem, and decoupled cells or systems)
- Advanced characterization techniques (e.g., in-operando) of PEC and PC systems covering e.g., performance, stability, charge transfer dynamics, and syntheses.
- Multi-physics modelling of systems
- Upscaling
- Recycling, recovery and waste use processes
Sixto Giménez (M. Sc. Physics 1996, Ph. D. Physics 2002) is Associate Professor at Universitat Jaume I de Castelló (Spain). His professional career has been focused on the study of micro and nanostructured materials for different applications spanning from structural components to optoelectronic devices. During his PhD thesis at the University of Navarra, he studied the relationship between processing of metallic and ceramic powders, their sintering behavior and mechanical properties. He took a Post-Doc position at the Katholiek Universiteit Leuven where he focused on the development of non-destructive and in-situ characterization techniques of the sintering behavior of metallic porous materials. In January 2008, he joined the Group of Photovoltaic and Optoelectronic Devices of University Jaume I where he is involved in the development of new concepts for photovoltaic and photoelectrochemical devices based on nanoscaled materials, particularly studying the optoelectronic and electrochemical responses of the devices by electrical impedance spectroscopy. He has co-authored more than 80 scientific papers in international journals and has received more than 5000 citations. His current h-index is 31.


We would like to organize a symposium focused on the development and use of cutting-edge (ultrafast) spectroscopic techniques to study materials related to energy applications. Dynamic processes inside semiconductor, metallic and other (nano)materials are key to their functional use, and the crosstalk between spectroscopy and materials development serves as a feedback loop to improve both materials and device performance. We aim to attract a broad audience ranging from material scientists and experts in optics to theoretical collaborators.
Topics include a variety of applications of spectroscopy, for example:
- Development of new ultrafast pump-(push)-probe experiments.- Novel nonlinear spectroscopic techniques.
- Real-time and/or direct-space tracking of energy and charge transfer dynamics.- Spectroscopic insights into photovoltaic, photocatalytic, and battery materials.
- Advances in computational methods for interpreting spectroscopic data.
This symposium will serve as a platform to highlight recent breakthroughs, discuss challenges, and identify emerging opportunities at the interface of spectroscopy and materials science. Through engaging presentations and interdisciplinary discussions, we aim to foster collaborations that drive innovation in energy technologies. Researchers from academia, industry, and government institutions are encouraged to participate and contribute to this vibrant exchange of ideas.
- (Ultrafast) spectroscopy
- Nonlinear spectroscopy
- Energy Materials
Jaco Geuchies uses advanced (nonlinear) spectroscopic techniques to study the flow of energy, electrons and heat through various kinds of materials, ranging from colloidal nanocrystals (also known as quantum dots) to metal-halide perovskites and electrochemical systems. By creating ultrafast snapshots of the fundamental processes that govern the flow of energy, he aims to rationally manipulate materials to enhance their functionality in energy-related applications.
The development of renewable and sustainable energy sources has become essential to reduce global warming and current reliance on fossil fuels. A growing technological area of interest lies in photoelectrochemical and photocatalytic approaches for solar-driven fuel generation, being required for their high energy density and on-demand use. Organic semiconductor materials, such as carbon nitrides, covalent organic frameworks, and conjugated polymer photocatalysts and their operation as heterostructures are gaining increasing attention, as their bottom-up tailor ability promises optimized optoelectronic properties and processability, which enable efficient solar light harvesting across the visible and near-infrared spectrum.
Current research aims to clarify the interplay between the structure (nanomorphology), optical properties, and performance of organic semiconductor photo(electro)catalysts through systematic molecular design strategies. These are complemented by advanced optical spectroscopic studies, enabling a deeper understanding of the underlying mechanisms within materials. This symposium will serve as an important venue to exchange current insights and strategies for improving the performance of organic semiconductor photocatalysts while fostering international collaborations helping to advance the field and to increase TRL of these promising, low-cost technologies.
- Advances in organic semiconductors materials’ and (hetero-)structures’ design for applications in photocatalysis
- Advanced and coupled (in-situ/operando) characterization techniques of organic-based photocatalyst function
- Water splitting, CO2 and N2 reduction, H2 production, oxygen evolution and value-added oxidation products
This symposium will focus on recent advancements in photo-assisted chemical reactions, emphasizing novel catalytic materials and their applications in photocatalysis, photoelectrocatalysis, and photothermal catalysis. Discussions will cover the design and development of cutting-edge catalysts tailored for light-driven processes, particularly those used in water splitting, CO2 reduction, ammonia synthesis, biomass conversion and organic transformation. Special attention will be given to catalytic strategies for environmental remediation, highlighting the role of these materials in breaking down pollutants and addressing pressing environmental challenges.
Additionally, the symposium will explore advanced characterization techniques, such as in situ and in operando methods, which provide real-time insights into catalytic behavior and reaction mechanisms. These studies are crucial for understanding the complex interactions within catalytic systems and for improving the efficiency and selectivity of photo-assisted transformations. Mechanistic studies of catalytic processes will further shed light on the underlying principles guiding the reactions, paving the way for future innovations in sustainable energy and chemical production.
- Catalytic materials in photocatalysis, photoelectrocatalysis, and photothermal catalysis.
- Advanced (in situ/in operando) characterization
- Advancements in water splitting, CO2 reduction, ammonia synthesis, biomass conversion, and organic transformation reactions
- Catalysis-based strategies for environmental remediation
- Study of catalytic mechanisms.
As we continue to achieve unprecedented control over material design, capturing dynamic behavior across multiple length and timescales has become essential for understanding fundamental structure-function relationships. From slow self-assembly and molecular diffusion to ultrafast electronic and structural processes, these dynamics govern the functionality and performance of emerging materials in biological sciences, energy conversion, quantum technologies, and next-generation electronics. Advanced transient microscopy techniques— spanning purely optical methods (e.g., scattering, absorption, photoluminescence), electron-based approaches (e.g., 4D TEM and SEM), and scanning probe techniques (e.g., AFM, STM)—are offering new ways to study material properties with high spatial and temporal resolution.
This #NanoDyn symposium will bring together a diverse group of scientists to investigate how a wide range of novel materials can be probed with these cutting-edge experimental techniques and how emerging data-driven analysis methods may be used to explore previously inaccessible regimes of nanoscale functionality. Whether you are already using these approaches or are considering how they might advance your research, #NanoDyn aims to connect with experts, share insights, and foster collaboration across diverse fields.
- Fast and ultrafast nanoscale probing of structural, electronic and magnetic dynamics.
- Exciton, charge and phonon transport and propagation in novel materials.
- In-situ / in-operando optical and electronic probes studying material synthesis, transformations and reactions.
- Multimodal techniques with high spatial and temporal resolution.
- Emerging machine learning approaches for advancing imaging techniques and data analysis.
The global demand for batteries for complete electrification is growing at an exponential rate, requiring urgent technological developments that can adapt to market diversification and its varied applications. The Solid-State Batteries (SSBs) are called to be this breakthrough, as they make possible energy dense bipolar architectures, enable the use of lithium metal, anodeless approaches or post Li-ion battery technologies (Na, K, Mg, Zn based batteries), provide fast charging and high-power output capabilities, and reduce the generation of dendrites and the associated safety issues.
To make SSBs a reality, still many obstacles must be overcome. In response to this need, this symposium aims to bring together researchers, engineers and industry working in the development of SSBs to exchange knowledge on last developments. Contributions may comprise research in topics like design of new electrolytes involving hybrid and solid electrolytes and electrodes, development of novel and disruptive processing techniques, strategies for electrode/electrolyte interface optimization, and deep understanding through novel in-situ/operando or other advanced characterization techniques.
- Design of new materials for solid electrodes and electrolytes
- New electrolytes: hybrid solid electrolytes, ionic liquids, polymer electrolytes…
- Novel processing and manufacturing techniques of solid-state batteries components, including additive manufacturing, cold sintering process, thin-film fabrication, and wet chemistry approaches
- Optimization of electrode/electrolyte interface performance and stability
- Advanced characterization techniques, including in-situ/operando…
- Li metal anodes
- Anodeless batteries
- Strategies for mitigating lithium dendrite formation
- Recovery and Reuse Strategies for Lithium and Solid-State Battery Materials
orcid: 0000-0001-7246-2149