Objective
Wastewater increasingly carries complex mixtures of persistent micropollutants (PFAS, pharmaceuticals) that defeat passive media, causing incomplete removal. The missing science is not another adsorbent, but modules that actively “decide” when and how to act, based on materials that couple molecular recognition to on-demand activation. I propose that logic-gated, multi-stimuli-responsive polymer-oxide hybrids, embedded in 4D-printed architectures, autonomously sense-capture-destroy-regenerate in realistic matrices, achieving complete removal at ng/L while improving energy efficiency and long‑cycle stability. These multi-responsive materials “sense” pollutants and reconfigure their surface chemistry and structure to selectively capture and degrade them. We will elucidate the synergy between polymers and high-entropy oxides in response to internal (the pollutant itself) and external (e.g. light, pH) stimuli, how time-dependent architectural changes influence pollutant capture, mass transfer, and degradation, STELLAR integrates three synergistic advances: (i) a machine learning/density functional theory (ML/DFT) discovery loop to rationally design and link electronic structure and architecture to adaptive functionality; (ii) decision making materials that switch between adsorption and photocatalysis in response to environmental cues and (iii) reconfigurable 4D-printed morphing modules that enhance performance and enable regeneration through multi-stimuli-induced conformational changes. Validation of these concepts in realistic wastewater matrices will demonstrate selective removal, regeneration, and sustained process adaptability, while fundamental relationships between stimuli, structure and the system function will be uncovered via mechanistic studies. Beyond water treatment STELLAR will open entirely new avenues in catalysis, sensing, and intensified processes. STELLAR will thus lay the scientific foundations for a new generation of environmental technologies.
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.
- engineering and technology environmental engineering water treatment processes wastewater treatment processes
- natural sciences chemical sciences catalysis photocatalysis
- engineering and technology environmental engineering ecosystem-based management climatic change mitigation
- medical and health sciences basic medicine pharmacology and pharmacy pharmaceutical drugs
- natural sciences chemical sciences polymer sciences
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Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
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.
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HORIZON.1.1 - European Research Council (ERC)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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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
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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
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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.
3000 Leuven
Belgium
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.