Shining light on a more sustainable future

Final workshop of the PRIN2022 GREEN UP project, showcasing advances in TTA-UC and sustainable (photo)catalysis.

The GREEN UP project (PRIN2022 – GREEner Nanomaterials for Upconversion in Photocatalytic applications) focuses on the development of sustainable nanomaterials for photon upconversion and their integration into photocatalytic processes.

This final workshop presents the main scientific outcomes of the project, with particular emphasis on triplet–triplet annihilation upconversion (TTA-UC), green photocatalysis, and applications ranging from environmental remediation to advanced photoresponsive systems. Alongside project results, the event features invited talks by international experts covering state-of-the-art topics in photocatalytic materials, organic sensitizers, non-covalent interactions, and green chemistry.

The workshop is intended as a forum for discussion and knowledge exchange among researchers working in photocatalysis, photophysics, and sustainable materials, highlighting future perspectives toward more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly photochemical technologies.

The agenda will be progressively updated in this overview. The Zoom link will be added to this site the day before the workshop.

Format: hybrid (in person at Aula Denina, POLITO – limited seats, please check availabity contacting prof. Bonelli – and online)
Time zone: Paris / Rome
Duration: 10:00–14:00

Organizing and scientific committee: Barbara Bonelli (Politecnico di Torino, Italy), Francesco Delogu(University of Cagliari, Italy), Francesca S. Freyria (Politecnico di Torino, Italy), Jenny G. Vitillo (University of Insubria, Italy).

Agenda (Paris / Rome time)

10:00–10:20 — Barbara Bonelli (Politecnico di Torino, Italy)
An overview on the GREEN UP project

10:20–10:50 — Tanveer Ahmed Gadhi (USPCAS-W Mehran University of Engineering and Technology, Pakistan)
Photocatalytic Materials for Water Remediation

10:50–11:10 — Marta Carta (University of Cagliari, Italy)
Surface functionalization of anatase nanopowders with stearic acid by ball milling

11:10–11:30 — Francesca S. Freyria (Politecnico di Torino, Italy)
The Catcher in the Sunlight: Engineering Materials for Sustainability

11:30–11:50 — Coffee break

11:50–12:10 — Jenny G. Vitillo (University of Insubria, Italy)
Designing Next-Generation Organic Sensitizers for Telecom-Band Upconversion Beyond 1250 nm

12:10–12:40 — Francesco Pellegrino (Università di Torino, Italy)
Dynamic Catalysis for Controlling Surface Reactions in Hydrogen Evolution Reaction

12:40–13:10 — Marco Saccone (Università del Piemonte Orientale, Italy)
Photoresponsive liquid crystals formed by specific non-covalent interactions

13:10–13:40 — Debmalya Ray (Monmouth University, NY)
Unusual Electronic Properties of Pyrite (FeS2)

13:40–14:00 — Marta Gallo (Politecnico di Torino, Italy)
SiO2-TiO2 aerogel: a possible support/receiver for up-conversion systems

14:00–14:10 — Barbara Bonelli (Politecnico di Torino, Italy)
Closing remarks

This workshop is carried out within the « GREEN UP: GREENER NANOMATERIALS FOR UPCONVERSION IN PHOTOCATALYTIC APPLICATIONS» project –funded by the Ministero dell’Università e della Ricerca – within the PRIN 2022 program (D.D.104 -02/02/2022) funded by the European Union - Next Generation EU.