We have the pleasure of welcoming Prof. Praveen Bollini for an open-to-all lecture on Heterogeneous chemical kinetics, which will take place over two sessions in-person at ETH Zurich (Hönggerberg Campus) and via Zoom.

Chemical kinetic analysis represents a powerful tool in the chemical scientist’s arsenal, both for the comparative evaluation of catalyst performance and also for the detailed mechanistic interpretation of structure-catalytic property relationships. These lectures will discuss a subset of the most salient fundamental aspects of chemical kinetics on heterogeneous catalysts, with a specific focus on kinetic phenomena commonly encountered in chemistries of scientific and industrial significance.

15 April, 15:45-17:30, HCI J 3 or Zoom link: Part 1 - Measurement and Interpretation of Reaction Rates


Assessing heat and mass transfer limitations
Deconvoluting kinetic and thermodynamic contributions to measured rates
Addressing product inhibition
Dealing with complex reaction networks


22 April, 15:45-17:30, HCI J 6 or Zoom link: Part 2 - Advanced (but Simple) Concepts and Formalisms


Thermodynamic formulation of rates
Formalisms for evaluating rate-determining (or kinetically relevant) steps
Significance of stoichiometric numbers
Single-path and multi-path reaction sequences


Prof. Praveen Bollini is an Associate Professor of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at the University of Houston, where he leads a research group in catalysis and materials science. He received his B.S. from the Institute of Chemical Technology (2008), a Ph.D. from Georgia Institute of Technology (2013), and completed postdoctoral research at the University of Minnesota. His background includes experience in heterogeneous catalysis, including work with industry and advanced research labs. His research focuses on catalyst and adsorbent materials, especially understanding molecular-level diffusion, adsorption, and reactions in nanoporous systems. He is particularly known for work on carbon capture, CO2 conversion, and sustainable fuels, developing technologies that convert carbon dioxide and biomass into value-added chemicals.

PhD researchers from the team, from left to right: Adam (Yung-Tai) Chiang, Milica Ritopecki, Patrik Willi, and Katja Raue.
Three NCCR Catalysis groups, together with collaborators from ICIQ (Spain) and Empa, recently discovered a new catalytic architecture for green methanol synthesis that utilizes single-atom catalysis with a more efficient active site. In this Behind the Publication feature, Adam (Yung-Tai) Chiang (aCe lab, ETHZ), Milica Ritopecki (TheorHetCat Group, ICIQ), Patrik Willi (Functional Materials Laboratory, ETHZ), and Katja Raue (EPR Research Group, ETHZ) share the story behind the discovery and what it could mean for the future of sustainable methanol production.

Can you please tell us about yourselves and your role within this project?
Adam: Originally from Taiwan, I am currently in the third year of my PhD in the group of Prof. Javier Pérez-Ramírez. My research focuses on green methanol synthesis and single-atom catalysis, both of which contribute to advancing sustainable chemistry and the transition toward more environmentally responsible chemical processes. Within this project, I coordinate experimental efforts across different research groups and stages of the investigation, aligning objectives and consolidating results.
Milica: I am a second-year PhD student at the Institute of Chemical Research of Catalonia (ICIQ-CERCA) in Tarragona, Spain, in the group of Prof. Núria López. My research focuses on atomistic modelling of heterogeneous catalysts. In this project, I was responsible for the theoretical work, developing realistic models of atomically dispersed indium sites and using simulations to understand their structure and catalytic behaviour.
Patrik: I am currently in the final year of my PhD with Prof. Wendelin Stark. I was originally trained as an organic chemist, but for my PhD, I transitioned into chemical engineering to work on more application-driven problems. In this project, I used flame spray pyrolysis (FSP) to prepare some of the materials we studied. This powerful technique allows us to produce comparable materials quickly while ensuring reproducibility and scalability.
Katja: I am a second-year PhD student in Prof. Gunnar Jeschke’s group, where I use electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy to better understand different catalytic systems. In this study, I investigated how this superior catalyst differs from established systems (e.g., ZnZrOx and InZrOx), which we had previously measured by tracking paramagnetic intermediates throughout the reaction. Using EPR, we can focus on oxygen vacancies, which are usually difficult to detect with other techniques.



The breakthrough: indium single atoms on monoclinic hafnium oxide achieve unparalleled methanol productivity via CO2 hydrogenation.
Can you explain the significance of your discovery and how it differs from previous work on indium oxide catalysts?
Adam: Sustainable chemical transformations, such as CO2-based methanol synthesis, are a cornerstone of the decarbonization of the chemical industry. Over the past decade, indium oxide supported on monoclinic zirconia has ranked among the most stable and selective catalytic systems. Previously, zirconia was believed to be the only support capable of effectively promoting indium oxide. Here, however, we report a new class of catalytic materials: hafnia-supported indium single atoms. We demonstrate that hafnia provides a strong promotional effect for indium single atoms, even surpassing the performance of the established zirconia support. Through advanced experimental and theoretical analyses, we show that this enhanced catalytic performance arises from the synergistic coupling of atomically precise material engineering with high-κ dielectric oxides.

What are single-atom catalysts, and what is the motivation for this work?
Adam: Single-atom catalysts are a class of nanostructured materials in which catalytically active species are atomically dispersed on a support, enabling maximal atom efficiency. These systems feature low-nuclearity metal species whose catalytic performance is strongly governed by their interaction with the support, making structure-performance relationships highly sensitive to the physicochemical properties of the carrier. The motivation of this work is to elucidate the structure-performance relationship of indium-hafnium catalysts for CO2 hydrogenation by controlling the catalyst nanostructure via flame spray pyrolysis. In contrast to previous reports, where indium oxide clusters or patches were identified as the optimal active sites, we demonstrate that indium single atoms on hafnia exhibit the highest methanol productivity. These findings bridge single-atom catalysis and green methanol synthesis, providing new design principles for advanced reducible oxide catalysts.



Group photo of some of the researchers, from left to right: Dr. Mikhail Agrachev, Katja Raue, Adam (Yung-Tai) Chiang, and Patrik Willi.
Which was the main challenge? How did you address it?
Adam: The main challenge was understanding the synthesis-performance relationship of indium-hafnium oxide catalysts. Initially, we used a conventional impregnation approach to disperse indium oxide on monoclinic hafnia on isostructural supports, but even after extensive optimization, these catalysts were largely inactive. Through collaboration within the NCCR Catalysis network, we partnered with the Stark group to use flame spray pyrolysis to produce catalysts that were highly active and stable, outperforming zirconia-supported systems. Surface vibrational spectroscopy and adsorption studies showed that enhanced surface hydroxylation drives this unique synthesis-structure-performance relationship. Tackling this challenge required close interdisciplinary collaboration across synthesis, catalysis, and surface characterization.
Milica: The main computational challenge came from the large configurational space of indium single atoms on monoclinic supports. The flexible coordination of indium and the monoclinic surface create many possible structures, oxygen-vacancy arrangements, and surface hydroxylation states. To tackle this, we used a systematic modeling strategy combining density functional theory with ab initio thermodynamics to identify the most relevant configurations under reaction conditions. Continuous feedback from experiments guided the models, allowing meaningful comparisons between simulations and observed catalytic behavior.
Patrik: For a long time, I faced the challenge of obtaining sufficient high-purity Zr and Hf precursors. Discussing this issue with other members of our group led to alternative preparation routes - approaches I would not have considered on my own.
Katja: The results from my EPR measurements were highly unusual, especially compared to our previous experiments, as we observed no changes throughout the reaction. This puzzle could only be resolved by combining the EPR data with other techniques, such as XANES, highlighting the importance of scientific collaboration among experts from different fields.


Some of the researchers presenting the work at the Y5 Annual Review Meeting, from left to right: Abhinandan Nabera, Katja Raue, Patrik Willi, and Adam (Yung-Tai) Chiang.
As junior researchers, what did you learn from this collaboration?
Adam: My main takeaway from this collaboration is that while one can move fast alone, truly impactful science requires going far together. This project illustrates a catalysis problem that demands expertise across multiple disciplines, from experimental catalysis and materials synthesis to theoretical chemistry. In hindsight, several key challenges could not have been tackled by a single researcher or group. The collaborative framework of NCCR Catalysis was crucial in fostering open communication among PhD students and researchers from diverse backgrounds. This teamwork not only strengthened the scientific outcome but also reshaped how I approach problem-solving.
Milica: I gained a deeper understanding of experimental techniques and the insights they provide, which helped me design and interpret computational models more realistically. It was also my first time working in a large multidisciplinary team, where I learned to communicate across expertise areas and integrate complementary results into a coherent story. Developing resilience was another key learning. There were moments when results were inconclusive or hypotheses did not hold. Learning to adapt strategies and keep moving forward despite uncertainty was one of the most valuable outcomes of this project.
Katja: This project reminded me that understanding complex catalytic systems requires a team with complementary expertise. Working with a spectroscopy technique that is still underrepresented in catalysis, I was already aware of this in principle. However, witnessing such interdisciplinary collaboration in practice was truly empowering, and I am very grateful to have been part of it.

What makes this work particularly relevant for NCCR Catalysis and the research community?
Adam: This work highlights the strength of an interdisciplinary, collaborative research framework. The project brought together researchers with complementary expertise in materials synthesis, catalytic engineering, theory, and spectroscopy, and our frequent discussions often led to valuable insights and progress. Beyond the collaboration itself, the study shows how integrating experimental and theoretical approaches can significantly advance our understanding of heterogeneous catalysis. Importantly, the design principles emerging from this work suggest that oxide supports comparable to, or even surpassing, zirconia can be systematically identified.
Patrik: The work is another nice example of NCCR Catalysis bringing together complementary expertise within the network, combining different approaches to address complex questions. Only these types of highly interdisciplinary collaboration enable progress that would be difficult to achieve within a single group.
Katja: This project shows that research of this kind can only succeed through collaboration. In my experience, it is less common to have collaborations involving more than two groups. I think the research community can learn from this example and pursue more interdisciplinary projects alongside work within their own areas of expertise.

Publication details:
Single atoms of indium on hafnia enable superior CO2-based methanol synthesis. Y.T. Chiang, M. Ritopecki, P.O. Willi, K. Raue, J. Morales-Vidal, T. Zou, M. Agrachev, H. Eliasson, J. Wang, R. Erni, W.J. Stark, G. Jeschke, R.N. Grass, N. López, S. Mitchell, J. Pérez-Ramírez. Nat. Nanotechnol. 2026. DOI: 10.1038/s41565-026-02135-y.

We are pleased to announce the recipients of the second edition of the NCCR Catalysis Turbo Grants! This entrepreneurship program supports early-stage spin-offs working in the area of sustainable chemistry and catalysis, emerging from NCCR Catalysis labs. The grant enables researchers to take their first steps towards becoming an entrepreneur, transforming their research into a product.

The three recipients of the 2026 Turbo Grants are:


Roberto Valenza from the Haussener group at EPFL, working in electrocatalytic circular green hydrogen production with integrated CO2 capture.
Andrea Ruiz Ferrando from the Pérez-Ramírez group at ETH Zürich, working on single-atom catalysts for sustainable transformations.
Tom Nelis from the Luterbacher group at EPFL, working on sustainable bio-derived solvents.


Congratulations to the recipients, and we look forward to supporting you in your entrepreneurial journey!

Team portrait, from left to right: Nicolas Imstepf, Adriana Neves Vieira.
At the end of 2025, two researchers from ZHAW and ETH Zürich participated in a lab exchange, where they each spent time in the other's lab, working together on their joint project through the NCCR Catalysis Catalyzer Program. Meet Adriana Neves Vieira, a recipient of the 2025 Talent Program in Catalysis and Sustainable Chemistry, and Nicolas Impstef, a recipient of the 2022 NCCR Catalysis Young Talents Fellowship, as they describe their experience!

Hi Adriana and Nicolas, could you tell us about yourselves and your research within NCCR Catalysis?
Adriana: I come from Portugal and grew up in Neuchâtel. I then moved to Lausanne, where I completed my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Molecular and Biological Chemistry at EPFL. I continued my training by joining the Morandi group as a PhD student to develop new catalytic methods for organic synthesis. I have been collaborating with Nicolas and Prof. Buller to develop a cooperative chemoenzymatic system. In parallel, I also focus my research on developing new uses for phosphonium salts.
Nicolas: I grew up in a small village in the canton of Valais and started my career with an apprenticeship as a chemical laboratory technician at Lonza. I subsequently earned a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry and a Master’s degree in Computational Life Sciences from the ZHAW. Since 2023, I have been a PhD student in the Buller group, where I focus on engineering enzymes for next-generation industrial biocatalysis. In our collaborative chemoenzymatic project, Adriana leads the chemical aspects, while I contribute specialized expertise in biocatalysis and enzyme engineering.

How did the collaboration between the Morandi and Buller groups emerge?
Adriana & Nicolas: The collaboration began during the preparation of Phase II of the NCCR Catalysis, when Prof. Buller and Prof. Morandi jointly proposed the project's core idea. At the same time, Adriana began her PhD in the Morandi group and expressed interest in a collaborative project that aligned well with the Phase II timeline. This led to a joint brainstorming session involving all four researchers, during which the project took shape and evolved into its current form.


Adriana and Nicolas in the Morandi lab at ETHZ (left), and Adriana in the Buller lab at ZHAW (right).
You recently conducted a tandem lab exchange between ZHAW and ETH Zürich. How did the exchange benefit you as researchers and impact the project?
Adriana: It has been an amazing opportunity for me to practice interdisciplinary collaboration. This reflects what happens in industry, where I am heading, where most projects include members with very diverse backgrounds. I could develop my leadership and communication skills as well as my understanding of biochemical lab work.
Nicolas: The collaboration exposed me to a different academic culture and strengthened my critical thinking by encouraging me to approach problems from new perspectives. A decade after completing my apprenticeship, the exchange also served as a valuable refresher in organic chemistry and provided deeper insight into advanced experimental techniques.

Adriana & Nicolas: At the beginning of the collaboration, we faced natural challenges: the partner lab’s organization and workflows were unfamiliar, with different methods and corresponding problems. This lack of shared context made it difficult to contribute ideas that were both relevant and technically feasible. Without a clear understanding of how their research was conducted, even well-intentioned input risked being impractical or misaligned.
Through developing a deeper understanding of our partners’ work and maintaining open, continuous communication, we were able to anticipate challenges early, align expectations, and collaboratively develop effective solutions rather than simply merging results. Daily exchanges during these weeks enabled efficient idea sharing, faster progress, and a shared perspective on the project, ultimately strengthening both its direction and the quality of the research.



Adriana and Nicolas with NCCR Catalysis colleagues from the Buller and Benin groups at the photo booth at the NCCR Catalysis Annal Meeting 2025.
What advice would you give other early-career researchers on collaborations and exchanges between labs?
Adriana & Nicolas: Take the opportunity to visit other laboratories! You learn about a new field from passionate researchers, and you can share your own passion with someone eager to learn. In addition, you will also gain more insight into your own field, since your collaborator will ask questions about information that you took for granted.

What did you learn from hosting your colleague in your lab?
Adriana & Nicolas: It made us aware of different working styles. The colleague's arrival burst the scientific bubble we had been in, since we had quickly gotten used to our own laboratory's working habits. We got a different perspective that helped us realise what we had overlooked as good organizational features. It also made us aware of areas that could be improved, to make our PhD stay better and healthier.

What was surprising about your experience in the other lab?
Adriana: I had the misconception that enzymes are fragile at temperatures far from 37°C and in the presence of water as a solvent. I was surprised to learn that they can be used in so many different conditions and for many different substrates. I was impressed by the high-throughput methods used in biocatalysis and, as a consequence, by the amount of data that bioinformaticians need to handle.
Nicolas: One of the most surprising aspects of my experience in the Morandi lab was the versatility of the research areas and the level of independence given to researchers. PhD students were encouraged to choose and shape their own research projects, fostering a strong sense of ownership and motivation. This combination of diversity and independence made the lab environment both empowering and inspiring.


Nicolas, Adriana and Stefan in a Zoom call between the Buller, Morandi and Jorner groups.
What will be the next steps in your collaboration?
Adriana & Nicolas: To accelerate the identification of a functional system, we expanded our collaboration to include Stefan Schmid, another member of NCCR Catalysis (Jorner group), who brings expertise in computational chemistry. His work employs Bayesian optimization to guide reaction optimization and efficiently steer the system toward product formation. In parallel, we are extending the developed model system to more complex substrates such as hormones.

Thank you so much for sharing your experience! We wish you continued success in your project.

Learn more about Adriana's research here, and connect with her on LinkedIn. Learn more about Nicolas' research here, and connect with him on LinkedIn.

The organizers of DataXAS 2026, Maarten Nachtegaal, Aram Bugaev, Adam Clark and Tomas Aidukas, at the event.

DataXAS 2026, the Symposium on Data-Driven Approaches in X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy, was an inspiring way to kick off the new year! Organized by NCCR Catalysis members Adam Clark, Aram Bugaev, and Maarten Nachtegaal, together with their colleague Tomas Aidukas, the NCCR Catalysis-sponsored symposium took place at the snow-covered ETH Hönggerberg campus on 5-6 January 2026.

The symposium brought together researchers from across the world. It featured talks on data-driven decomposition and spectral extraction; machine learning for XAS prediction and analysis; advanced approaches to EXAFS analysis; and bridging simulations and experiments with machine learning.


Group photo at DataXAS at ETH Hönggerberg


In addition to international guest speakers, NCCR Catalysis PI Teodoro Laino delivered the opening keynote on the outlook for machine learning in spectroscopy and reproducible data.

Angelo Bellia, an NCCR Catalysis PhD student in the group of Christoph Müller, felt that “the symposium was very stimulating and provided a unique opportunity to interact with experts working to take XAS to the next level. It was exciting to see how this work is already shaping tools and approaches that will benefit the next generation of researchers!”

Andrea Ruiz Ferrando, an NCCR Catalysis postdoc in the group of Javier Pérez-Ramírez found that “the symposium reinforced the idea that data science is becoming a key lever for extracting deeper insight from XAS, beyond experimental advances alone. What made it particularly compelling was the strong collaborative spirit, with many open tools and shared workflows shaping how the community moves forward.”

With such stimulating presentations and scientific discussions, we couldn’t think of a better way to start 2026!

For our third Trailblazers feature, meet Vera Giulimondi! A recent graduate from Prof. Javier Pérez-Ramírez’ group at ETH Zurich, she won the EFCATS Best PhD Award, which was presented at EuropaCat 2025 in Trondheim! Fascinated by science and chemistry from a young age, she is a scientist at heart and was involved in multiple collaborations in academia and with industry.

Congratulations on the important recognition of your PhD work, Vera! Could you tell us about yourself and your research within NCCR Catalysis?
Within NCCR Catalysis, I was a PhD student in Prof. Javier Pérez-Ramírez’s group at ETH Zurich, working on tailoring heterogeneous catalysts with atomic precision to make chemical technologies more sustainable. Most recently, I studied platinum single-atom catalysts as replacements for toxic mercury-based catalysts in acetylene hydrochlorination, a key process in producing PVC plastic in China. My aim was to understand how platinum single-atom catalysts work and tune their structure to bring lab-developed materials closer to commercialization.



Vera setting up an automated catalyst synthesis procedure. © NCCR Catalysis


What made you consider a career in science, and what/who got you interested in science in the first place?
My career path was shaped by both my family and education. My parents always encouraged me to explore science as a child and gifted me a little alchemist set. I fell in love with it and spent days mixing things, watching colors swirl, or even making miniature explosions! But this childhood passion could only evolve into a career path thanks to dedicated teachers and professors who helped make chemistry and engineering accessible, understandable, and even more captivating.

Where are you from, and what is your background?
I’m from Italy and moved to Switzerland for my Master’s in Chemical Engineering at EPFL. I was attracted to the international environment in Swiss universities and the diverse offerings in chemistry, materials science, engineering, and sustainability. During my studies, I interned in the R&D department of a watch manufacturing company, where I saw firsthand how chemistry and materials science are applied in the industry. I also had the opportunity to conduct my Master’s thesis in the United States, focusing on electrocatalysis for CO2 reduction. This experience sparked a keen passion for catalytic technologies, which led me to join the aCe group of Prof. Javier Pérez-Ramírez at ETH Zurich.

What value has NCCR Catalysis brought to you as an early-career researcher?
NCCR Catalysis is a cradle of ideas! As a PhD student, exposure to various aspects of catalysis is an excellent stimulus for one’s research. I was able to collaborate with researchers of diverse expertise, from advanced spectroscopy to computational analyses and life-cycle assessments, respectively, with the groups of Prof. Gunnar Jeschke, Prof. Maarten Nachtegaal, Prof. Núria López and Prof. Gonzalo Guillén-Gosálbez. These interdisciplinary studies helped me gain insight into multiscale questions, from atomic-level phenomena to the economic and environmental impact of the catalytic technology we are developing.

From a personal perspective, but not of lesser importance, these collaborations have fostered lasting connections and friendships.



Vera at the NCCR Catalysis Annual Event 2022 (left) and the Annual Retreat 2023 (right). © NCCR Catalysis


What did you learn from working with industry during your PhD?
It provided valuable insights into translating fundamental science into practical solutions, considering scalability, cost-efficiency, and sustainability. A key focus of my work was highlighting the importance of toxicity analyses in early-stage catalyst development, which is essential for ensuring that the manufacturing of the new catalyst is benign to human health and the environment.

What have been your personal highlights of your time as a doctoral researcher?
A highlight of my PhD was conducting synchrotron experiments on single metal atom catalysts under reaction conditions. The challenge was bringing highly corrosive chemistry, involving halogens for vinyl chloride synthesis, to the synchrotron, requiring careful experiment design and safety assessments. Additionally, the experiments had to be completed within a tight timeframe. Overcoming these hurdles provided unique insights into catalyst behavior, making it a highly rewarding experience.

Furthermore, having the opportunity to present my results at conferences like EuropaCat 2023 in Prague, made possible by the SCNAT Chemistry Travel Award, further enriched my research through stimulating discussions and fresh perspectives.



Vera at the EuropaCat2023 conference with colleagues from the aCe research group (©). From left to right: Dr. Antonio Martín, Prof. Javier Pérez-Ramírez, Dr. Sharon Mitchell, Vera Giulimondi, and Ivan Surin.


What advice would you give other female early-career researchers in STEM?
My advice to women considering a PhD program in STEM is to choose a topic that sparks their interest and plan a clear roadmap with the help of mentors. Seek advisors who support you and challenge and stimulate your growth. Find a research environment that fosters your confidence, and consider international settings for diverse perspectives and less polarization. I also recommend joining associations and have found tremendous value in participating in events organized by women in science societies, which offer networking opportunities and inspiration from fellow female researchers.

You completed your PhD studies. What will be your next adventure?
I truly enjoy delving into fundamental research, but I am equally intrigued by the prospect of applying this knowledge to practical ends. From laboratory experimentation to commercialization, research is vital for driving innovation across different stages of development. Looking forward, I am eager to leverage the skills I have developed in my PhD studies and contribute to advancing chemical technologies for greater efficiency and sustainability.

Thank you so much for sharing your experience! Congratulations again, and we wish you the very best for your next steps.

Learn more about Vera’s research here and here, and connect with her on LinkedIn.

Abhinandan Nabera and Hidde Kolmeijer discussing the results of the team's methanol economy study.
In a recent publication, NCCR Catalysis researchers highlight methanol’s potential to transform the economy towards a cleaner, more sustainable future. Learn more about the work in this Behind The Publication feature!

What is the methanol economy, and what is the motivation of this work?
The methanol economy, first proposed by Nobel laureate George Olah, envisions using methanol as a clean and versatile alternative to fossil feedstocks such as gasoline, natural gas, and naphtha, which are used today to produce fuels and chemicals. Methanol can not only power vehicles, ships, and planes, but also serve as a key building block for producing a wide range of chemicals. Crucially, it can be synthesized from renewable sources such as biomass, biogas, or even captured CO2 from the air. This NCCR Catalysis study expands on Olah’s vision by providing the first quantitative assessment of a methanol‑based economy by 2050, identifying the most effective pathways to realize it. The goal is to clarify the true environmental and economic potential of methanol as a foundation for a sustainable society.

Overview of the proposed methanol economy. Methanol produced from fossil or renewable sources can be used across several sectors. It serves as a chemical feedstock and as a fuel for road transport and shipping, and can also be converted into jet fuel through the methanol-to-kerosene process for use in aviation.
Which was the main challenge? How did you address it?
The main challenge was to move beyond the community’s qualitative optimism about the methanol economy and develop a rigorous, quantitative assessment under realistic future conditions spanning entire sectors of the economy, such as fuels for transport and chemicals. Achieving this required several years of work, as we integrated previously developed partial models into a comprehensive 2050 framework that links methanol production and use pathways with prospective life-cycle assessment and techno‑economic analyses. This allowed us to evaluate numerous configurations, consider different renewable carbon sources, account for the limited availability of bio‑based feedstocks, and compare all options on a consistent basis.

What are the study’s main results and take-home messages?
The formal aspects of the analysis may be complex, but the results are clear. A methanol economy could significantly cut global greenhouse gas emissions while remaining broadly affordable by 2050. Specifically, producing methanol from biomass and biogas can reach net‑zero or even negative emissions, though these resources alone are insufficient to meet the projected methanol demand. By combining these bio‑based routes with CO2 hydrogenation technologies, a fully renewable pathway emerges; one capable of net‑zero emissions at an estimated cost of about US$ 32 per person per month. This is comparable to other 2°C scenarios under the Paris Agreement, or, put more simply, to the price of a subscription to a good-quality streaming service. We could also identify the order in which implementation would be more beneficial: rapid adoption in road transport and chemicals, followed by aviation and shipping. One key takeaway is the importance of continued investment in CO2 hydrogenation technologies to ensure they reach commercial maturity.

Key findings of the evaluated methanol economy scenarios. The analysis identifies two viable pathways, both reliant on biomass and biogas feedstocks due to their comparatively low costs and substantial CO2 emission reductions. In the bio + CO2 scenario, the methanol economy achieves net-zero emissions at an estimated cost of US$ 32 per capita per month. Alternatively, a fossil-based pathway remains feasible at approximately half the cost, albeit with higher residual emissions.

What makes this work particularly relevant for NCCR Catalysis and the research community?
The study demonstrates that CO2 hydrogenation to methanol is essential to overcoming the limited supply of sustainable biomass and biogas, enabling a fully renewable methanol economy with net‑zero greenhouse gas emissions. This directly aligns with the NCCR Catalysis vision of sustainable, carbon‑neutral value chains, in which the development of advanced catalytic systems for CO2 conversion is a central pillar. Our findings also show that the methanol economy is a practical pathway to meet global climate commitments. We hope these results will energize the scientific community and encourage dialogue among researchers, industrialists, and policymakers toward their real-world implementation.

Publication details:
A feasible methanol economy for a green future. H. Kolmeijer, A. Nabera, A.J. Martín, G. Guillén-Gosálbez, J. Pérez-Ramírez. Green Chem. 2025, 28, 174. DOI: 10.1039/d5gc04615g.

We’re excited to announce the five recipients of our 2025 Young Talents Fellowship, who will begin their Master’s theses within our member groups in 2026. Congratulations and welcome to our network, Hanna, Mark, Anna-Maria, Neel, and Laurine!


Hanna Barta, from Hungary, studies Chemistry at the FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany, and will join Prof. Jieping Zhu’s group at EPFL.
Mark Soesanto, from Indonesia, studies Chemistry at ETH Zurich, where he will join the group of Prof. Erick M. Carreira.
Anna-Maria Ceccucci, from Italy, studies Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology at EPFL, and will join the groups of Prof. Kathrin Fenner at the University of Zurich/Eawag and Prof. Jeremy Luterbacher at EPFL.
Sharma Neel Omprakash, from India, studies Chemistry at the S.V. National Institute of Technology, India, and will join Prof. Rebecca Buller’s group at the University of Bern.
Laurine Palluaud, from France, studies Chemistry and Chemical Engineering at the National Graduate School of Chemistry of Montpellier, France, and will join Prof. Jérôme Waser’s group at EPFL.



The Young Talents Fellowship supports students with an exceptional academic record and potential, and diverse backgrounds. It provides them with the opportunity to conduct a Master’s thesis project in one or several research groups associated with NCCR Catalysis, and to establish their connections and ideas in a multidisciplinary, cross-fertilizing environment of research excellence. The first edition of this initiative to promote fair representation in sustainable chemistry research was launched in 2022.