Our Chief Scientist MSc Bela Bhuskute will defend her doctoral dissertation in the field of physics titled ”TiO2-based Photocatalysts for Solar Fuel Production”, where she elaborates how titanium oxide based artificial photosynthesis boosts solar fuel efficiency and sustainability. Artificial photosynthesis is a technology that mimics how plants use sunlight to make energy, but instead, it splits water to produce clean hydrogen fuel. TiO2 photocatalysts help this process by using light to trigger chemical reactions.
Her thesis will be publicly examined at the Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences at Tampere University on Wednesday 28th of May 2025. The opponent will be Associate Professor Maria Vittoria Dozzi from the University of Milan in Italy and the custos will be Professor Mika Valden from Tampere University.
Bela says, What excites me most about working on scientific problems is the challenge of connecting the dots between fundamental research and real-world solutions. There’s something deeply rewarding in taking complex ideas — such as charge transfer in photocatalysis — and transforming them into technologies that address global challenges like sustainable energy. My research on TiO2 as a photocatalyst for solar fuel production has allowed me to explore the fascinating world of nanomaterials, all while keeping sight of the broader mission: contributing to the energy transition. I’m especially grateful to Tampere University, which has provided a strong foundation for my work — an environment where scientific curiosity and societal impact go hand in hand.”
When asked about the most rewarding moments in the making of the dissertation, Bela mentions the excitement of witnessing how TiO2-based photocatalysts could be tailored to address real-world challenges—particularly in solar fuel production. She recalls the satisfaction of seeing lab-scale experiments translate into promising results, offering possible potential applications not only in clean energy like solar energy conversion, but it could be also used in areas like water purification, antimicrobial coatings, CO2 reduction, and environmental remediation.
She further said, If I could trade some moments, it would be the times after working late in the lab when I woke up at 2 AM double-checking in my mind that I had closed the gas bottles/cylinders and turned off the big machines properly — just the kind of careful attention researchers naturally have. I’d happily trade those nights for a more restful sleep!”
Bela’s research drives the development of efficient and stable solar fuel sources by leveraging the potential of TiO2 nanoparticles and atomic layer deposited thin film photocatalysts. These technologies enable more effective solar energy capture by deploying a broader wavelength range of the solar spectrum and employing advanced nanomaterials that enhance light absorption, charge separation, and overall conversion efficiency. This aligns with Nordic Nano’s business of applying nanomaterials based solar solutions for hydrogen production, where cutting-edge photovoltaic technologies boost solar energy utilisation and conversion, contributing to sustainable energy solutions. This research opens also exciting possibilities in other applications at Nordic Nano, all including significant CO2 reduction.
Besides Tampere University, Bela’s dissertation work has enjoyed support from EDUFI, Finnish Foundation for Technology Promotion, Fortum and Neste Foundation, Jane & Aatos Erkko Foundation (part of the Academy of Finland Flagship Programme and Photonics Research and Innovation), Jenny and Antti Wihuri Foundation, and Nordic Nano. Also Walter Ahlström Foundation and the Emil Aaltonen Foundation provided incentive grants.
The defend will be conducted in English, and you are welcome to attend at the following time and location:
Wed May 28,2025 at 12:00-16:00 EET (UTC+3)
Tampere University, Korkeakoulunkatu 1, Tampere
Hervanta Campus, Tietotalo, Auditorium TB104
OR join online via this link.
More information and a link to the doctoral dissertation: Tampere University News