Nanomaterials for Plasmonics and Nanocatalysis

Enabling a next-generation of sustainable transformations with designer nanoparticles

Our team aims to bring the dream of a sustainable world closer to reality. We envision replacing fossil fuels with sunlight as a sustainable energy input to drive, accelerate and control molecular transformations important for generating green hydrogen, mitigating climate change, providing a cleaner environment, and manufacturing medicines, chemicals, and biofuels

Our research focuses on developing designer nanoparticles that combine catalytic and optical properties, enabling the next generation of molecular transformations driven by visible light under mild conditions. We employ sophisticated solution-phase strategies for synthesizing nanomaterials with precisely controlled physicochemical features such as size, shape, structure, and composition. By mastering these parameters, we aim to maximize and optimize the performance of nanomaterials, paving the way for nanomaterials by design.

Our work is supported by prestigious funding from the Academy of Finland, the Jane and Aatos Erkko Foundation, the University of Helsinki, and EU Horizon 2020. As part of HELSUS (Helsinki Institute of Sustainability Science), we collaborate with leading experts globally in synthesis, catalysis, characterization, and modeling to push the boundaries of sustainable science and technology.