The role of solar energy and the need for clean fuels (such as hydrogen) is essential in achieving a net zero future. A sustainable way of green hydrogen generation is photoelectrochemical water splitting, which uses only solar energy and water to produce green hydrogen and concomitantly oxygen. This technology, however, with the currently demonstrated efficiencies is not cost-competitive. A less explored application of photoelectrochemical devices is the generation of a value-added oxidation product from abundant polymeric waste materials (e.g., biomass, plastics), instead of the low market value oxygen. Such a device can lead to a reduced energy consumption (compared to water splitting), as well as high market value anodic product. Excitingly, in this approach green hydrogen is generated as a by-product (virtually free) on the cathode. The SolarHyValue project proposes the use of perovskite and organic photoactive layers with a protective sheet to fabricate stable photoelectrodes for simultaneous solar hydrogen and value-added product generation. Efficient bias-free operation of waste valorisation with photoelectrochemical device was only demonstrated with expensive precious metal catalysts (platinum, palladium). The proposed large bandgap caesium lead halide perovskite layer has the potential to enable bias-free, and at the same time efficient photocurrent generation even with the use of solely earth-abundant materials. This will be allowed by the novel device design and the development of a transition metal dichalcogenide (MoS2) catalyst doped at its basal plane with non-precious metal heteroatoms, resulting in excellent catalytic activity. Through increased scientific understanding the SolarHyValue project will lead to the first ever demonstration of a photoelectrochemical device that allows simultaneous, bias-free production of solar hydrogen and value-added product relying solely on inexpensive materials.

Among the myriad of toxics that contribute to water toxicity, heavy metals derived from mining have a huge impact in our environment even at very low doses. In parallel, mines play a pivotal role in the industrial/technical development of our societies. Usually, mining acid drainages or polluted waters are accompanied by critical raw elements (CRE). Today passive disperse alkaline Dispersed Alkaline Substrate (DAS) reactors is one of the technologies (TRL-9) that blocks the scape of these toxic elements from mines. For instance, heavy metals and valuable metals (CRE) are concentrated at different levels of DAS reactors during operation. So, envisioning a technology able to develop a circular economy for mining water by coupling its remediation to the recovery of valuable resources concentrated in DAS is highly appealing from environmental end economic point of views. SELFAQUASENS project brings key academic and non-academic actors within and beyond EU to develop a modular self-sensing filter and membrane technology able to: (I) remediate heavy metals and salinity pollutions in mining water, (II) couple the remediation to the recovery of CRE and (II) sense the concentration of specific elements or groups of elements during the process. SELFAQUASENS joints varied interdisciplinary and intersectoral expertise in an International research and training network formed by 5 universities, 2 large scale research facilities, 2 research centers and 2 SMEs. As a result, the R&I system of Europe will be strengthened by an ambitious exchange and training program that covers all the research disciplines, sectors and international actors needed to achieve the objectives of the action. The project will have significant impacts in the short to long terms into the EU society, economy and environment by: (I) pursuing the mission for toxic-free rivers and oceans, creating new sources of CRE for the EU economy, and improving the health and quality of the EU citizens.

NetEuratom is the Network of Euratom National Contact Points with an overall concept to establish a united learning network of NCPs, undertaking transnational activities for a more consistent level of NCP services, resulting in higher quality of submitted proposals from applicants. More specifically, the project aims to provide improved and professionalised services to all Euratom NCPs simplifying access to Euratom calls in nuclear research and trainings and lowering entry barriers for newcomers, through knowledge sharing and skills development (particularly for newcomers and less experienced NCPs), trainings and mentoring activities. Regarding Euratom programme applicants and other relevant stakeholders, the project will provide information and training material needed in order to raise the average quality of proposals submitted as well as matchmaking activities with the scope to link up potential participants with emerging consortia in nuclear research. NetEuratom seeks to establish close collaboration with other Horizon Europe NCP and EU networks through joint organisation of matchmaking and training activities aiming to complement support services to applicants. All project activities and outcomes will be promoted to all Euratom NCPs and the wider public. NetEuratom will be implemented by a consortium of eight officially nominated NCP organisations from eight EU Member States. The project is a Coordination and Support Action with a 60 month duration.