Objective
Electrochemical interfaces are three-dimensional nanoscale landscapes where the arrangement of atoms, molecules, and ions dictates the efficiency and selectivity of energy conversion and storage reactions. In fuel cells, electrolyzers, and batteries, however, this nanoscale complexity remains largely hidden. Conventional methods average over large areas, masking critical variations in surface structure, solvent organization, and active site chemistry. Understanding this interfacial complexity is essential for the rational design of next-generation energy technologies and for enabling the transition to a sustainable, low-carbon energy economy.
NanoELECTRA will develop a transformative method that can directly “see” chemical and structural details at the nanoscale: three-dimensional electrochemical tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (3D EC-TERS) integrated within a combined electrochemical scanning probe microscopy platform. This volumetric approach will map surface structure, solvent and ion organization, and chemical composition under realistic operating conditions, providing capabilities that surpass the current state-of-the-art. Ultimately, the project will reach (sub)-nanometer resolution, establishing a direct link between nanoscale heterogeneities and macroscopic electrochemical performance.
Using well-defined model electrocatalytic systems, the project will correlate structural and chemical features with catalytic activity to derive transferable, spatially resolved interfacial descriptors that serve as universal guidelines for rational catalyst design. By revealing the hidden 3D complexity of electrified interfaces, NanoELECTRA addresses a central open question in interfacial science and delivers knowledge-driven insights with direct societal impact, supporting the development of sustainable energy 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 energy and fuels renewable energy
- natural sciences physical sciences optics microscopy
- natural sciences chemical sciences catalysis
- engineering and technology environmental engineering energy and fuels energy conversion
- natural sciences physical sciences optics spectroscopy
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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-2026-STG
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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.
6020 Innsbruck
Austria
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.