Periodic Reporting for period 2 - PhotoReAct (Photocatalysis as a tool for synthetic organic chemistry)
Periodo di rendicontazione: 2023-01-01 al 2025-06-30
The chemicals industry consumes over 20% of global resources and contributes more than 20% of CO2 emissions. The Chemistry 4.0 and Industry 4.0 initiatives aim to improve efficiency through disruptive technologies and process intensification.
PhotoReAct envisions reducing fossil fuel dependence and overall energy use by harnessing alternative energy sources. Specifically, it uses light energy as a reactant to produce fine chemicals, pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and other specialty chemicals; making the European chemicals industry more efficient, sustainable, and technologically advanced. PhotoReAct brings together leading European academic groups and industry partners in an interdisciplinary network. By training 15 highly skilled ESRs (Early-Stage Researchers) and fostering innovation, it supports SMEs and established companies in addressing these challenges.
PhotoReAct set out to replace precious-metal photocatalysts with sustainable alternatives and turn them into reliable, scalable tools for synthesis. Across the action we delivered (i) new catalyst families (MR-TADF organophotocatalysts, Cu-CMA and related donor–acceptor systems) with mapped photophysics and proven PET/EnT utility; (ii) new photocatalytic transformations with defined scope, selectivity and mechanisms; (iii) enabling technologies for discovery and scale—automated flow, HTE/ML-guided optimization, solar-compatible setups, and continuous-flow scale-up (grams to kg-day-ready platforms); and (iv) industrial implementation, including automated library build, DEL-relevant chemistry, IP and external adoption. The consortium trained ESRs who produced peer-reviewed publications and continued into industry/academia. Collectively, the objectives were met: we established sustainable photocatalysis from molecule design to factory-ready operation, and created a practical pathway for future deployment beyond the project.
PhotoReAct envisions reducing fossil fuel dependence and overall energy use by harnessing alternative energy sources. Specifically, it uses light energy as a reactant to produce fine chemicals, pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and other specialty chemicals; making the European chemicals industry more efficient, sustainable, and technologically advanced. PhotoReAct brings together leading European academic groups and industry partners in an interdisciplinary network. By training 15 highly skilled ESRs (Early-Stage Researchers) and fostering innovation, it supports SMEs and established companies in addressing these challenges.
PhotoReAct set out to replace precious-metal photocatalysts with sustainable alternatives and turn them into reliable, scalable tools for synthesis. Across the action we delivered (i) new catalyst families (MR-TADF organophotocatalysts, Cu-CMA and related donor–acceptor systems) with mapped photophysics and proven PET/EnT utility; (ii) new photocatalytic transformations with defined scope, selectivity and mechanisms; (iii) enabling technologies for discovery and scale—automated flow, HTE/ML-guided optimization, solar-compatible setups, and continuous-flow scale-up (grams to kg-day-ready platforms); and (iv) industrial implementation, including automated library build, DEL-relevant chemistry, IP and external adoption. The consortium trained ESRs who produced peer-reviewed publications and continued into industry/academia. Collectively, the objectives were met: we established sustainable photocatalysis from molecule design to factory-ready operation, and created a practical pathway for future deployment beyond the project.
The PhotoReAct project set out to transform the energy and resource demands of the chemicals industry by harnessing light as a sustainable and efficient energy source for chemical transformations. Over the course of the project, we have successfully implemented this vision through a structured program of cutting-edge research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and comprehensive training.
From the start of the project, our consortium, comprising leading academic institutions, SMEs, and industrial partners, focused on leveraging photochemical processes to produce fine chemicals, pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and specialty chemicals with greater energy efficiency and reduced reliance on fossil fuels. We have achieved substantial progress in process intensification using photoredox catalysis, continuous-flow photochemistry, and the application of digital tools such as machine learning and Bayesian Optimization to optimize reaction conditions. In many cases, these approaches delivered results that outperformed benchmarks from the existing literature in terms of both yield and selectivity.
Key outcomes of the project include:
• The development of novel photochemical methodologies and reactor technologies suitable for scale-up;
• The integration of automation and machine learning into photochemical workflows, enabling faster and more efficient reaction development;
• Significant progress in sustainability, including reduced energy consumption and minimized environmental impact of selected chemical processes;
• A strong portfolio of publications, with several still under preparation or review;
• The establishment of long-term collaborations across academic and industrial partners, extending beyond the project duration.
Crucially, the project trained 15 Early Stage Researchers (ESRs), equipping them with a rare combination of scientific, technical, and transferable skills. Many of them have transitioned into impactful roles in academia and industry, carrying forward the project’s innovations into the next phase of development and application.
Exploitation and Dissemination:
Exploitation efforts have focused on embedding developed photochemical processes and workflows into partner organizations, particularly SMEs, and supporting their potential commercialization. Several tools, protocols, and reactor designs have been adopted by industry partners, and ongoing collaboration networks ensure sustained innovation beyond the project. Dissemination was carried out through peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, public engagement activities, and training events. The PhotoReAct website and communication materials served to amplify project visibility and ensure open access to relevant outcomes where appropriate.
In conclusion, PhotoReAct has delivered on its ambitious objectives, demonstrating how photochemistry and digital tools can drive greener, more efficient chemical manufacturing, while also laying the groundwork for ongoing impact through trained researchers, technological outputs, and industrial partnerships.
From the start of the project, our consortium, comprising leading academic institutions, SMEs, and industrial partners, focused on leveraging photochemical processes to produce fine chemicals, pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and specialty chemicals with greater energy efficiency and reduced reliance on fossil fuels. We have achieved substantial progress in process intensification using photoredox catalysis, continuous-flow photochemistry, and the application of digital tools such as machine learning and Bayesian Optimization to optimize reaction conditions. In many cases, these approaches delivered results that outperformed benchmarks from the existing literature in terms of both yield and selectivity.
Key outcomes of the project include:
• The development of novel photochemical methodologies and reactor technologies suitable for scale-up;
• The integration of automation and machine learning into photochemical workflows, enabling faster and more efficient reaction development;
• Significant progress in sustainability, including reduced energy consumption and minimized environmental impact of selected chemical processes;
• A strong portfolio of publications, with several still under preparation or review;
• The establishment of long-term collaborations across academic and industrial partners, extending beyond the project duration.
Crucially, the project trained 15 Early Stage Researchers (ESRs), equipping them with a rare combination of scientific, technical, and transferable skills. Many of them have transitioned into impactful roles in academia and industry, carrying forward the project’s innovations into the next phase of development and application.
Exploitation and Dissemination:
Exploitation efforts have focused on embedding developed photochemical processes and workflows into partner organizations, particularly SMEs, and supporting their potential commercialization. Several tools, protocols, and reactor designs have been adopted by industry partners, and ongoing collaboration networks ensure sustained innovation beyond the project. Dissemination was carried out through peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, public engagement activities, and training events. The PhotoReAct website and communication materials served to amplify project visibility and ensure open access to relevant outcomes where appropriate.
In conclusion, PhotoReAct has delivered on its ambitious objectives, demonstrating how photochemistry and digital tools can drive greener, more efficient chemical manufacturing, while also laying the groundwork for ongoing impact through trained researchers, technological outputs, and industrial partnerships.
1. Progress beyond the state of the art:
PhotoReAct has made significant advancements in the field of photocatalysis by developing novel light-driven methodologies and integrating machine learning tools, such as Bayesian Optimization, to accelerate and improve reaction discovery. These approaches enabled faster optimization with reduced resource use, often surpassing the performance of established literature protocols. In parallel, the development of scalable, modular photochemical reactors has brought photochemistry closer to industrial implementation. The project fostered close collaboration between academia and industry, leading to joint publications, technology transfer, and new workflows that represent a meaningful step beyond current practices in sustainable chemical manufacturing.
2. Training, expected results, and long-term impact:
PhotoReAct is foremost a dedicated training programme, addressing the growing industrial demand for expertise in photocatalytic processes. The project successfully recruited and trained 15 Early Stage Researchers (ESRs), several of whom have already defended their PhDs and moved into roles in academia or industry. The international and inter-sectoral training model was reinforced through secondments across partner institutions, allowing ESRs to gain experience in both academic and industrial settings. These exchanges led to tangible outcomes, including joint scientific publications and cross-sector technology development. Several publications remain in progress and are expected to be finalized post-project, ensuring continued dissemination of the project's scientific output.
3. Socio-economic and wider societal implications:
PhotoReAct contributes to the broader transition towards a greener and more resilient European chemicals sector by reducing reliance on fossil fuels, improving energy efficiency, and promoting digital innovation in chemical synthesis. The project's results support EU priorities such as the Green Deal and the digital transformation of industry. In addition to scientific dissemination through peer-reviewed, open-access publications, PhotoReAct maintained active outreach through its website and social media channels, ensuring accessibility for a wide range of stakeholders, including scientists, industrial partners, and policy makers. The ESRs, now entering leadership roles, will further amplify the societal and economic impact of PhotoReAct through their continued work in sustainable innovation.
PhotoReAct has made significant advancements in the field of photocatalysis by developing novel light-driven methodologies and integrating machine learning tools, such as Bayesian Optimization, to accelerate and improve reaction discovery. These approaches enabled faster optimization with reduced resource use, often surpassing the performance of established literature protocols. In parallel, the development of scalable, modular photochemical reactors has brought photochemistry closer to industrial implementation. The project fostered close collaboration between academia and industry, leading to joint publications, technology transfer, and new workflows that represent a meaningful step beyond current practices in sustainable chemical manufacturing.
2. Training, expected results, and long-term impact:
PhotoReAct is foremost a dedicated training programme, addressing the growing industrial demand for expertise in photocatalytic processes. The project successfully recruited and trained 15 Early Stage Researchers (ESRs), several of whom have already defended their PhDs and moved into roles in academia or industry. The international and inter-sectoral training model was reinforced through secondments across partner institutions, allowing ESRs to gain experience in both academic and industrial settings. These exchanges led to tangible outcomes, including joint scientific publications and cross-sector technology development. Several publications remain in progress and are expected to be finalized post-project, ensuring continued dissemination of the project's scientific output.
3. Socio-economic and wider societal implications:
PhotoReAct contributes to the broader transition towards a greener and more resilient European chemicals sector by reducing reliance on fossil fuels, improving energy efficiency, and promoting digital innovation in chemical synthesis. The project's results support EU priorities such as the Green Deal and the digital transformation of industry. In addition to scientific dissemination through peer-reviewed, open-access publications, PhotoReAct maintained active outreach through its website and social media channels, ensuring accessibility for a wide range of stakeholders, including scientists, industrial partners, and policy makers. The ESRs, now entering leadership roles, will further amplify the societal and economic impact of PhotoReAct through their continued work in sustainable innovation.