PhD in Photocatalysis/Artificial Photosynthesis

Current position: Postdoctoral Researcher at the Leibniz Institute for Catalysis at the University of Rostock (LIKAT), Germany

Research focus: photocatalysis, artificial photosynthesis, solar fuels, synthesis of advanced nanomaterials

In his research, Nikolaos tries to understand the underlying mechanism of this conversion and strategically design efficient nanomaterials to carry out this process. With his academic approach, he contributes to solving the energy crisis and tackling the greenhouse effect.

2015  Second place in the Falling Walls Lab Competition, Greece
2014 Winner of the 2014 Famelab Greece National Science Communication Competition and representative of Greece in the International Famelab Competition 2014 in Cheltenham, United Kingdom

CV as submitted for the Green Talents award (2014):

National Centre of Scientific Research Demokritos, Greece

Research focus: artificial photosynthesis, solar fuels, the conversion of CO₂ to hydrocarbon chains and photocatalysis

Modifying Titanium Dioxide nanoparticles to make them a more efficient photocatalyst for the conversion of CO₂ into fuel, PhD student Nikolaos Moustakas is contributing to an important area of energy research.

Nikolaos’ PhD research project aims to achieve the conversion of CO₂ into hydrocarbon chains using modified Titanium Dioxide (TiO₂) nanoparticles as a photocatalyst in a process called artificial photosynthesis. “In the same way that plants exploit solar energy, water and CO₂ in order to cover their energy needs, or glucose”, says Nikolaos, “we are trying to use light irradiation and water to convert CO₂ into long hydrocarbon chains that can be used as fuels”. So far the process of artificial photosynthesis to produce so-called solar fuels has been achieved under UV light, which covers only about 4% of the total solar spectrum. Nikolaos is attempting to modify the process so that it could be carried out under the visible part of the solar spectrum, which would be a huge step forward in the efficiency of the approach.  As Nikolaos says, “if research manages to find a material and a device that can (in an inexpensive and environmentally safe way) efficiently convert CO₂ into fuel – we could greatly contribute in solving the energy crisis and tackling the greenhouse effect”.

Describing the importance of artificial photosynthesis for sustainable development, Nikolaos highlights its potential as a two-tiered solution. “Artificial photosynthesis is a ‘green’ procedure, as it uses CO₂ – a greenhouse gas – that would otherwise be released into the environment and transforms it into something useful that can be used as fuel. It is an ideal concept that simultaneously combats the greenhouse effect and the energy crisis”. He particularly enjoys working in such an interdisciplinary field, which connects physics, chemistry, material science and chemical engineering. Nikolaos is also conducting other photocatalytic experiments such as using micro-filtration to purify water.

The jury lauded Nikolaos’ innovative approach to this important area of research. His experiment is making a real contribution to its progress and the impact of perfecting artificial photosynthesis could be enormous.