What projects are you working on in the ELCAT group?

I am a postdoctoral research engineer in the ELCAT group, working at the Electrification Institute located at BlueApp, the open innovation hub of University of Antwerp. My expertise lies in scaling up electrochemical processes, with a particular focus on CO₂ reduction for the production of valuable gases at high Technology Readiness Levels (TRL 6). 

Currently, I am responsible and working for two projects: Threading-CO₂ and ELECTRA.

• Threading-CO₂, funded by the European Union's Horizon Europe programme, aims to scale and demonstrate an industrial process that converts CO₂ waste streams into commercially viable, sustainable polyethylene glycol (PEG). This PEG will be further transformed into polyethylene terephthalate (PET) textile products. The project targets a Technology Readiness Level of 7, and our team is specifically responsible for developing a CO₂ electrolysis system capable of high CO productivity.
• ELECTRA, part of the Moonshot initiative, focuses on developing a CO₂ electrolysis plant at TRL 6. The goal of the first phase is to reinforce the electrochemical process for CO₂ reduction, ensuring it operates effectively under industrially relevant conditions.

How did you become a postdoctoral researcher in Antwerp? 

After earning a joint Ph.D. in Industrial Chemistry from the University of Bologna and the University of Lyon through the ERASMUS+ cotutelle doctoral program in 2017, I have accumulated over eight years of experience in heterogeneous catalysis and chemical process development. I am eager to apply this expertise to the field of electrochemistry—particularly in scale-up projects with the potential to evolve into viable business models.

Driven by a strong commitment to advancing the sustainable energy transition, I relocated to pursue my current role as a postdoctoral research engineer at the ELCAT group. 

How do you see the future of electrochemistry and upcoming technologies? 

Electrochemistry is becoming the engine of the clean energy transition. But beside science and technology development, we also need to expand educational outreach to attract and inspire more young talent to enter the field.

What motivates you to do the research? 

Motivated by curiosity and a strong commitment to continuous learning and innovation, I’m also passionate about bridging the gap between academia and industry—transforming research into impactful business models.

How do you unwind in your free time? 

Swimming and birds observation, these activities help me both help relax and sharpen my focus.

What book would you recommend to our readers? 

The novel The Three-Body Problem has been a source of inspiration for me, sparking mind-bending ideas in science and physics, as well as exploration on humanity and morality.

What would you recommend to our readers to visit in your country of origin? 

Guangzhou is one of China's most dynamic cities— great for experiencing urban life, business culture, and modern infrastructure. For a slower pace and to enjoy nature, Yangshuo (accessible via Guilin) has typical iconic karst mountain landscapes, great for relaxation and outdoor exploration. Also the food in China is good pretty much everywhere.

Interested in ELCAT’s innovations? To find out more about their research at the University of Antwerp, click here.