This project aims at gaining scientific insight on how fundamental electronic processes at the microcosmos of metal/metal-oxide nanostructures are influencing the catalytic properties of nanoparticle-based catalysts in the model catalytic oxidation of CO and VOCs. The growth and synthesis parameters of the nanoparticles control their structural and optical characteristics. They will be grown using the method of citric acid complexation in possible combination with hydrothermal treatment. Laser-surface nanostructuring and laser ablation in liquid environments will also be employed as an alternative nanoparticle growth/fabrication route. The growth parameters are in turn expected to strongly influence the ultrafast electronic interactions of the resulting nanostructures. These will be studied by employing time-resolved ultrafast laser spectroscopy. This method is chosen due to its unique ability to investigate the very short timescales in which ultrafast electronic interactions take place, i.e. of the order of 10^-15 - 10^-12 s. Finally, the catalytic performance will be studied using the oxidation of and VOCs as probe reactions. Thus, we will employ complementary techniques in order to interrogate both the microscopic (ultrafast electron dynamics) and the macroscopic (catalytic performance) properties of the grown systems. In this way, we expect to acquire a deeper and spherical understanding of the physics leading to the catalytic properties of metal/metal-oxide nanostructures and explore the optimal conditions to control and enhance their catalytic properties.

The launch of the EU co-funded project Lasers4EU on October 1, 2024, marks a new era in laser research. By bringing together 29 leading laser research institutions across Europe, the project offers a central platform with unprecedented access to cutting-edge laser technologies and services for external scientists from academia and industry. Beyond transnational access, the successor of the Laserlab-Europe project provides comprehensive training opportunities, equipping users with both theoretical knowledge and practical expertise in laser technologies and applications. The project will receive 5M Euros from the European Union.

Lasers4EU integrates the expertise and resources of its diverse Access Providing Infrastructures (APIs), ensuring a coordinated offer for a wide-ranging user community. Whether seeking specialised laser facilities for groundbreaking research or looking to leverage cutting-edge laser technology for industrial innovation, Lasers4EU is the central hub for accessing Europe’s laser research infrastructures.

29 leading laser research institutions from 15 European countries joined forces in Lasers4EU to:

• Provide coordinated access to high-quality services based on a coherent and comprehensive consortium offering cutting-edge performances to users from academia as well as from industry. Researchers and industry professionals will be able to apply for access at https://lasers4.eu;
• Structure the European landscape of laser research infrastructures by enhancing geographical coverage, fostering new science diplomacy activities, increasing synergy with other European networks, and building stronger collaborations between facilities;
• Increase European human resources in the field of laser science by implementing comprehensive training activities designed to equip the next generation of scientists with the skills and knowledge needed to fully utilise Europe’s leading laser infrastructures. These programmes will particularly focus on researchers from emerging scientific domains and those from regions with developing laser research communities, ensuring a more inclusive and dynamic future for European laser science.