SAN4Fuel was not a one-off project, but the start of a long-term research alliance
The international twinning project SAN4Fuel has come to an end and is now concluding its final reporting. Three years ago, it brought together scientists from CATRIN at Palacký University, VSB–TUO, Friedrich–Alexander University Erlangen–Nuremberg in Germany, and the University of Trieste in Italy. Štěpán Kment from CATRIN, the project’s principal investigator, spoke about its goals, achievements, and long-term impact.
How would you define the main mission of the SAN4Fuel project?
The main objective of SAN4Fuel was to build a strong foundation for solar fuel research at Palacký University and VSB–TUO and to connect our teams with leading European research centres at the universities in Trieste and Erlangen. We aimed to deepen our understanding of how hydrogen and synthetic fuels can be produced directly from solar energy, and how waste carbon dioxide can be effectively utilised and converted into high-value-added hydrocarbons or other energy carriers using advanced photocatalytic materials. The project enabled us not only to achieve excellent scientific results but also to strengthen infrastructure, support the development of young researchers, and acquire know-how that has brought Czech research significantly closer to the European elite.
Why is SAN4Fuel so important for the research on sustainable fuels?
Research on sustainable fuels is absolutely essential and represents one of the greatest challenges facing society today. The ever-growing global population and the recent rapid development of artificial intelligence technologies are merely two examples of trends that are dramatically increasing global energy consumption. Closely linked to this is the rise in carbon dioxide emissions and their negative climate impacts. The current geopolitical situation certainly does not contribute to stability either. All of this makes it necessary to seek new energy sources and to develop materials and technologies that can reduce overall energy demand while providing at least partial energy independence. Sustainable fuels — such as green hydrogen, synthetic hydrocarbons, and high-value-added chemicals including hydrogen peroxide and ammonia — will play a key role in the decarbonisation of industry and transport. SAN4Fuel has brought forward new materials and technological processes that can substantially improve these pathways. At the same time, it has contributed to the training of experts who will advance this field over the long term.
What was crucial for the successful international cooperation and what have you learnt from it?
The key to success was openness, mutual trust, and a willingness to share knowledge without barriers. Our partners from Germany and Italy have many years of experience in cutting-edge materials research, and their support was invaluable. The twinning project taught us how to work effectively in a truly international environment, manage large multidisciplinary subprojects, use advanced experimental methods, and think about science with a strategic and long-term vision. We also gained experience in organising scientific conferences and workshops, as well as preparing new EU grant proposals in collaboration with international administrative teams.
What do you see as the biggest breakthrough and why?
I consider the development of photocatalysts with stable co-catalysts anchored in the form of individual atoms, subsequent advances in plasmonic and photothermal technologies, and new insights gained through operando spectroscopy to be the most revolutionary. These results allow us to monitor reaction mechanisms in real time and pave the way for much more efficient use of solar energy in producing fuels and chemicals. They have real potential to shape the future of the entire field. The scientific impact is demonstrated by a number of publications we have produced in highly prestigious journals, including two papers in Science, as well as articles in Chemical Reviews, JACS, Advanced Materials, and other leading titles
How do you assess the decision to bet on atomic engineering?
From today’s perspective, it was an exceptionally good decision. Atomic engineering allowed us to design catalysts with atomic precision, which resulted in significantly increased efficiency and selectivity, as well as a dramatic reduction in the consumption of precious metals. This strategy positioned us at the very forefront of current research and opened up new avenues that many laboratories around the world are now adopting.
The project emphasised mobility and internships. How did these contribute to the growth of competencies?
Internships and exchange programmes were among the greatest benefits of the project and accounted for the majority of its total budget. Young scientists had the opportunity to work directly in leading European laboratories, learn state-of-the-art experimental techniques, and establish long-term professional relationships. Experienced researchers, in turn, strengthened international collaborations and brought back know-how that had previously been missing in the Czech Republic. As a result, teams in Olomouc and Ostrava now possess a significantly higher level of expertise, professionalism, and technical proficiency. The project also included several international conferences, summer and winter science schools, and specialised workshops. These events deepened the knowledge of students and young scientists in atomic-scale materials engineering and in understanding mechanistic aspects of photocatalysis and plasmonics. Equally important were activities aimed at strengthening competencies among administrative staff, both in preparing and in managing international scientific projects. This has significantly increased the ability of Czech institutions to participate in major European initiatives.
What are the consortium’s plans after SAN4Fuel ends?
The end of the project certainly does not mean the end of the partnership within the consortium, nor is it just the beginning. At this point, it is a fully operational and dynamic scientific ecosystem in which we are still working on several scientific topics. SAN4Fuel was never perceived as a one-off project, but as the start of a long-term research alliance. This is how we approach all our projects, and this strategy has paid off for us in the long term. We are planning joint Horizon Europe projects, continuing student internships, joint doctoral programs, and further development of the Central European Centre for Solar Fuel Research. Cooperation with our partners is very strong and will undoubtedly continue in the years to come.