Objective
SPOTLIGHT proposes a paradigm shift in catalysis by exploiting spin-polarized electrons generated through chirality-induced spin selectivity (CISS) in chiral metal halide semiconductors. The project will create the first generation of photoelectrochemical devices where spin polarization is actively induced, preserved, and exploited to control chemical reactivity. At its core, SPOTLIGHT will develop multilayer chiral metal halide devices capable of inducing, preserving, and controlling electron spin polarization across interfaces — a feature that has remained out of reach in current photocatalytic systems. The project’s conceptual leap is to exploit the chirality-induced spin selectivity (CISS) effect in solid-state architectures designed for light-driven chemical synthesis. By encoding chirality directly into the photoactive material, SPOTLIGHT can generate spin-polarized charge carriers without magnetic fields, and—crucially—preserve this spin polarization during charge transfer to the catalytic site thanks to an unprecedented device architecture made of tunnelling and chiral coherent conducting layers and by rigorous interface engineering. By devising spin-selective pathways, SPOTLIGHT aims to unlock new mechanisms for N2 activation, enhancing selectivity and efficiency while suppressing competitive reactions. This will be achieved through four integrated objectives: (1) synthesizing novel chiral metal halides with robust spin-polarizing capabilities; (2) building spin-enabled photoelectrochemical devices with layered, spin-conserving architecture; (3) demonstrating spin-mediated catalytic enhancement in nitrogen reduction; and (4) establishing the mechanistic basis of CISS-driven catalysis through combined operando spectroscopy and modeling. SPOTLIGHT will open a new frontier in catalysis—where the spin state of charge carriers becomes a functional variable—paving the way for disruptive technologies in sustainable chemical manufacturing.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- natural sciences physical sciences electromagnetism and electronics semiconductivity
- natural sciences chemical sciences catalysis
You need to log in or register to use this function
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
-
HORIZON.1.1 - European Research Council (ERC)
MAIN PROGRAMME
See all projects funded under this programme
Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-ERC - HORIZON ERC Grants
See all projects funded under this funding scheme
Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) ERC-2025-ADG
See all projects funded under this callHost institution
Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
27100 Pavia
Italy
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.