Final Report Summary - IDECAT (Integrated design of catalytic nanomaterials for a sustainable production)
The IDECAT project was dedicated to catalysis and designed to strengthen scientific and technological excellence on this research topic through the durable integration of the research capacities of its participants. More specifically, its objective was to enhance European research in this area by gathering, in a Network of excellence (NoE), the critical mass of resources and the necessary expertise to provide European leadership, while spreading excellence beyond its participants and breaking down traditional scientific barriers. Thus, the conditions for development of a self sustaining Durable integration structure (DIS), operating at the European level, would be created.
Overcoming fragmentation in the area of catalysis was critical due to the existence of separate scientific communities, dedicated to heterogeneous, homogeneous and bio-catalysis. The research actions of IDECAT were focussed on the synthesis and mastering of nano-objects and on the integrated design of catalytic nanomaterials to achieve their non evolutionary and knowledge based development.
A set of joint programmes were undertaken and organised in five major areas to accomplish the project objectives, namely:
1. integration (JPI);
2. research (JPR);
3. spreading of excellence (JPS);
4. science and technology transfer (JPT); and
5. management and administration transfer (JPMA).
Firstly, a juridical structure and an electronic project platform were established. A list of best practice, technique and expertise was collected and continuously upgraded. Moreover, major activities over the duration of the NoE were devoted to encourage exchange of personnel within IDECAT and improve research effectiveness by transferring the knowledge across partners through mobility. Twenty five research initiatives were established during IDECAT, corresponding to nanoporous materials as tailored reaction space, nanofibrous materials as catalysts and supports and chemically nanostructured and functionalised materials. New multifunctional molecular, enzymatic and supported catalysts were also designed, through lasting collaborations that involved all the participants in bilateral and multilateral efforts that helped to bridge the gap between different multi-disciplinary approaches. Sustainability in energy exploitation and resources' utilisation for production was sought via a series of activities that spanned over a wide range of subjects.
The acquired knowledge was disseminated to both companies and the scientific community. Moreover, several PhD students benefited from IDECAT's findings. Among the most important NoE activities was the strong involvement of its members in ongoing and continuing events for the promotion of science. Finally, the involvement of several Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in IDECAT resulted in the formulation of joint research proposals that critically contributed to the innovative capacity of the European chemical industry and assisted in generating and valorising knowledge as a strategic means for a competitive Europe.
Overcoming fragmentation in the area of catalysis was critical due to the existence of separate scientific communities, dedicated to heterogeneous, homogeneous and bio-catalysis. The research actions of IDECAT were focussed on the synthesis and mastering of nano-objects and on the integrated design of catalytic nanomaterials to achieve their non evolutionary and knowledge based development.
A set of joint programmes were undertaken and organised in five major areas to accomplish the project objectives, namely:
1. integration (JPI);
2. research (JPR);
3. spreading of excellence (JPS);
4. science and technology transfer (JPT); and
5. management and administration transfer (JPMA).
Firstly, a juridical structure and an electronic project platform were established. A list of best practice, technique and expertise was collected and continuously upgraded. Moreover, major activities over the duration of the NoE were devoted to encourage exchange of personnel within IDECAT and improve research effectiveness by transferring the knowledge across partners through mobility. Twenty five research initiatives were established during IDECAT, corresponding to nanoporous materials as tailored reaction space, nanofibrous materials as catalysts and supports and chemically nanostructured and functionalised materials. New multifunctional molecular, enzymatic and supported catalysts were also designed, through lasting collaborations that involved all the participants in bilateral and multilateral efforts that helped to bridge the gap between different multi-disciplinary approaches. Sustainability in energy exploitation and resources' utilisation for production was sought via a series of activities that spanned over a wide range of subjects.
The acquired knowledge was disseminated to both companies and the scientific community. Moreover, several PhD students benefited from IDECAT's findings. Among the most important NoE activities was the strong involvement of its members in ongoing and continuing events for the promotion of science. Finally, the involvement of several Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in IDECAT resulted in the formulation of joint research proposals that critically contributed to the innovative capacity of the European chemical industry and assisted in generating and valorising knowledge as a strategic means for a competitive Europe.
