Current position
Full Professor of Physical Chemistry at Bologna University, Dept. of Chemistry "Giacomo Ciamician"
Education
1991 PhD in Chemical Science (Pavia University) "Physical -chemical properties of electronic and ionic conductive polymers for rechargeable batteries“
1987 Degree in Chemistry (Bologna University) "Electron conductive polymers: active cathode materials for advanced batteries" (110/110).
Work experience
2014-2022: Associate professor of Physical Chemistry at Bologna University, Dept. of Chemistry "Giacomo Ciamician"
2001-2014: Assistant professor and since 2005 aggregate professor at Bologna University
1991-2001 Technical position at Bologna University, Dept. of Chemistry "G. Ciamician"
1987-1989 Ente Nazionale Idrocarburi (ENI) Fellowship at Bologna University, Dept. of Chemistry "G. Ciamician"
Main research interests
Since the degree thesis on conducting polymers, my research activity has been focused on materials for energetics, in particular on polymeric (electronic conducting polymers and ionic conducting polymers), inorganic (metal oxides and alloys) and carbonaceous materials for fuel cells, lithium-ion batteries and supercapacitors. The studies have included the synthesis and the physical-chemical characterization of the materials as well as the electrochemical characterization of materials and whole devices, in the frame of national and European Projects, in which I have been involved since 1988. The most recent activities are focused on sustainability, specifically on the role of bio-based polymer binders in high-potential cathodes with aqueous formulations and separators. The properties and reactivity of electrode and electrolyte interface are also investigated, with particular focus on redox flow cells and on Li metal. Projects are now ongoing on carbonaceous materials for Li/sulphur cells and on Li metal interphase with polymer solid electrolytes.
I am the Scientific Head of the Laboratory of Electrochemical Materials for Energetics (LEME) at the Department of Chemistry "Giacomo Ciamician" (UNIBO) since 2014. The group has 30 years of experience in the field of materials for energy storage / conversion systems electrochemistry, in particular for lithium batteries, supercapacitors and fuel cells, and I have participated in numerous national and international projects which also involved industrial partners. The research group has specific skills in the preparation of materials and electrolytes, inorganic, carbonaceous and polymeric electrodes and in their electrochemical characterization in view of their application in final devices.
Coauthor of more than 150 peer-review papers, 9 book chapters, 7 Special issues, 1 encyclopedia entry and 3 patents. I attended to more than 150 national and international Conferences, mainly with oral contributions, many of which on invitation.
Research Projects in progress 2011-:
2026: Submitted PRIN2025 as Coordinator (Under review)
2025-2027: Scientific Responsible for the activity "Development of sulfur/carbon composites for Li/S batteries" in the MASE-CSEA Project G2G (Gas to Graphite)
01/01/25-31/12/27: Scientific Responsible for the activity "Synthesis and Characterization of membranes and solid electrolyte, and interface studies" Program Agreement between MASE and ENEA in the frame of Electric System Research PAR2025-2027
2023-2025: PI of UNIBO Partner in INSTM of the Project ORANGEES ORgANics for Green Electrochemical Energy Storage
2023-2025: Vice-Coordinator (and Coordinator for the last 6 months) of the PRIN2022 Project BIONIC (BInders with high iONIc Conductivity for fully sustainable Li-ion cells)
2022-2025: UNIBO Reference person of Spoke 6 Energy Storage in PE2-NEST (PNRR)
2022-2025: UNIBO Responsible of Deliverable 2.2.4 of Ecosister (PNRR). D2.2.4: Spoke 2 Clean energy production, storage and saving, WP2, Task 4 Technologies and systems for energy transport, distribution and storage. Smart sector integration: flexible, integrated, resilient and digitalised energy networks (HPC), Task 4 Testing and Performance evaluation.
01/01/22-31/12/24: Scientific Responsible for the activity Program Agreement between the Italian Ministry for Economic Development and ENEA in the frame of Electric System Research PAR2022-2024
2022-2023: PI of UNIBO Partner of the Project EIT Raw materials KAVA 8 CO2CARBON (Project no. 21081) Upscaling carbon nanomaterial production from CO2 emissions
2020-2024: PI of UNIBO Partner of the LC-BAT-4-2019 Project CUBER (Copper-Based Flow Batteries for energy storage renewables integration)
01/01/19-31/12/21: Scientific Responsible for the activity "Development of stable electrolytes in sodium-ion batteries and characterization of the lithium interphase" - Program Agreement between the Italian Ministry for Economic Development and ENEA in the frame of Electric System Research PAR2019-2021
2018-2023: Co-PI of UNIBO Partner of the FETOPEN-01-2016-2017 Project MAGNIFY (From nano to macro: a groundbreaking actuation technology for robotic systems)
2018-2019: Supervisor of a research contract in the Project “Materiali Funzionali per uno sviluppo sostenibile” cofunded by Regione Emilia Romagna in the framework of the “Piano triennale integrato Fondo Sociale Europeo (FSE), Fondo Europeo di Sviluppo Regionale (FESR) e Fondo Europeo Agricolo per lo Sviluppo Rurale (FEASR) - Alte Competenze per la ricerca, il trasferimento tecnologico e l'imprenditorialità”
01/10/18-31/12/18: Scientific Responsible for the activity “Improved electrode interface of cathodes in Na-ion batteries” - Program Agreement between the Italian Ministry for Economic Development and ENEA in the frame of Electric System Research PAR2018
20/05/16 - 19/05/18: Scientific Responsible for MIUR-DAAD Joint Mobility Program "Interface properties of electrode materials"
01/09/17-30/09/18: Scientific Responsible for the activity “Thin polymer films for a stable interface in Li/S batteries”- Program Agreement between the Italian Ministry for Economic Development and ENEA in the frame of Electric System Research PAR2017
01/10/16 - 30/09/17: Scientific Responsible for the activity “Selection and characterization of electrolytes for sulphur-based batteries”- Program Agreement between the Italian Ministry for Economic Development and ENEA in the frame of Electric System Research 2015-2017
01/10/15 - 30/09/16: Scientific Responsible for the activity “Selection and characterization of electrolytes for sulphur-based batteries”- Program Agreement between the Italian Ministry for Economic Development and ENEA in the frame of Electric System Research 2015-2017
01/10/12 - 30/09/15: Scientific Responsible for the activity “Cathodic Materials for high voltage lithium-ion batteries” - Program Agreement between the Italian Ministry for Economic Development and ENEA in the frame of Electric System Research 2012-2014;
01/11/11 - 30/09/12: Scientific Responsible for the activity “Cathodic Materials for lithium-ion batteries, operating in commercial organic electrolytes, with higher energy than the batteries on the market, and their characterization in lab cells” Program Agreement between the Italian Ministry for Economic Development and ENEA in the frame of Electric System Research 2009-2011
Since 2011, tutor of more than 39 research grants in the framework of European and national Projects
Teaching and didactic activity at Bologna University
From AY 2015/2016 - present: Electrochemical Energy Storage Systems at the PhD Courses of Chemistry, Industrial Chemistry and Nanoscience for Health and Environment.
From AY 2026-2027 to present: Electrochemical storage/conversion Systems of the Second cycle International degree program (LM) in Photochemistry and molecular materials
From AY 2020-2021 to present: Electrochemical systems for energy storage and conversion of the Second cycle International degree program (LM) in Photochemistry and molecular materials
From AY 2014-15 - AA2019-2020: Electrochemical systems for energy storage and conversion of the Second cycle degree program (LM) in Photochemistry and molecular materials
From AY 2018-2019 to present: Electrochemistry First cycle degree program (L) in Chemical and Biochemical Engineering.
From AY 2017-2018 to AY 2022-2023: Physical Chemistry of Devices for the Environment and Energy of First cycle degree program (L) in Chemistry and Materials Chemistry
From AY 2019-2020 to AY 2025-2026: Biosensors of the Second cycle International degree program (LM) in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology
From AY 2011-2012 to 2018-19: Electrochemical and Piezoelectric Biosensors of the Second cycle degree program (LM) in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology
From AY 2009-2010 to AY 2022-2023: Physical Chemistry for Environment of the First cycle degree program (L) in Applied Pharmaceutical Sciences
From AY 2012-2013 to 2016-17: Physical Chemistry modulus in the course General Inorganic Chemistry, Physical Chemistry in the First cycle degree programmes (L) in Quality control of health products - Campus of Rimini
From AY 2010-2011: Physical-Chemical Basis of Pharmaceutical Systems of the Second cycle degree programmes (LS) in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology
From AY 2004-2005 to 2008-09: Physical Chemistry of Molecular Interactions of the Second cycle degree programmes (LS) in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology
From AY 2003-04: teaching of Physical Chemistry I of the Integrated Course of Chemistry V of the one-long cycle 2° Degree Course in Biotechnology (Pharmaceutical curriculum)
From AY 2001-02 to AY 2012-13 (12 years): Supplementary didactic activity for Physical Chemistry and Member of the Examination Commissions of the Physical Chemistry Course and General and Inorganic Chemistry at Pharmacy Faculty
From AY 1991-92 to AY 2000-01 (10 years): support teaching activity for Physical Chemistry Laboratory courses and Member of the Examination Commissions for Physical Chemistry Courses as teaching assistant at Science Faculty
Bachelor Theses (2017 to present): 72 theses as Supervisor (22 sperimental thesis)
Master Theses (2003 to present): 37 theses (2014-today: 25 as Supervisor, 2003-2014: 12 as co-supervisor)
PhD theses (2013 to present): 13 theses: 11 as Supervisor, 2 as co-supervisor.
Academic responsibilities
2026- : Delegate of UNIBO at BEPA (Battery European Partnership Association)
2026- : Deputy Director of Institute of Advanced Studies of UNIBO
2024- : Scientific Director of ECells Lab (UNIBO-Ferrari_NXP Joint Lab)
2024- : Participation at EERA (European Energy Research Alliance) Joint Program SP1 ElectrochemicalEnergy Storage as Member (UNIBO is a Partner).
2024-2027: Member (representative of Chemical Sciences Area 03) in the Scientific Board of Institute of Advanced Studies of UNIBO
2022-2027: Member of GTA Climate Energy and Mobility of UNIBO
2022-2025 Partecipation at BEPA WG 1, WG2 e WG3 as an expert and as deputy Delegate of UNIBO
2022- : Member of Collegio Docenti of PhD in Chemistry
2021 to present: Delegate to Internationalization of the Detp. of Chemistry "Giacomo Ciamician"
2025-2026: Deputy Coordinator of the 2nd Level Degree Course in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology
2019-2025: Member of the Quality Assurance Board and Secretary of the 2° Level Degree Course in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology
2018-2023: Member of "Giunta" of Department
2016-2021: Member of the Quality Assurance Board and Teaching Committee of the 2° Level Degree Course in Photochemistry and Molecular Materials
2017 to present: Member of Interdepartimental Center of Industrial Research (CIRI) Fonti Rinnovabili Ambiente Mare Energia
2017 to present: Member of Interdepartimental Center of Industrial Research (CIRI) Meccanica Avanzata e dei Materiali
2017-2021, 2025 to present: Member of the Teaching Committee of the Department
2013-2025: Member of the Quality Assurance Board of the 2° Level Degree Course in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology
2012 to 2018: Secretary of the Board of the 2° Level Degree Course in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology
2008-2011: Researcher Representative in Faculty of Pharmacy Council
2004-2009: Secretary of the Board of the 2° Level Degree Course in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology
2004-2007: member of the Chemical Science Committee of Bologna University for the distribution of MIUR funds for Fundamental Oriented Research (RFO)
1992-1998 Technician Representative in the Council of the Department of Chemistry "G. Ciamician"
Extra-academic responsibilities - Editorial Activity
2020 to present: Founder member of Gruppo Italiano Sistemi di Accumulo Elettrochimico (GISEL) and Scientific responsible of the group “New Chemistries” http://www.giselnetwork.it
2020 to present: Referent of the UdR of the Dept. of Chemistry “Giacomo Ciamician” (UNIBO), at National Reference Center for the Electrochemical Systems of Energy Storage (GISEL) (Reference Center INSTM)
2020-2024: Coopted Member of the Electrochemical Division Board of the Italian Chemical Society
2019-2024: Regional Representative for Italy at International Society of Electrochemistry
2019-2022: WG1 (New and emerging battery technologies) of Batteries Europe (https://ec.europa.eu/energy/topics/technology-and-innovation/batteries-europe_en) as an expert, taking part to the activities towrite the documents to define the European Roadmap on Batteries. Member of the Feedback Group forwriting WG1 Roadmap.
2019-2022: WG2 (Raw materials and recycling) di Batteries Europe
2019-2022: WG3 (Advanced materials) di Batteries Europe
2018: DG Connect (10/1/18, Bruxelles): I was invited to contribute as an expert to the workshop FutureEmerging Technologies (FET) for energy storage. Towards a large scale EU R&D initiative in future batterytechnologies for transportation".
2018 to present: Editorial Board of La Chimica e L'industria
2017 to present: Editor of Journal of Power Sources
2016-2017 : Associate Editor of Journal of Power Sources
2015 to present: Academic Editor of Batteries (MPDI)
2014 to present: Editorial Board of Advances in Energy Research, An International Journal (Techno Press)
2012-2015: Delegate of EnerCHEM (Chemistry for Renewable Energy) Group , an interdivisional group of the Italian Chemical Society, in the specific sector of batteries, fuel cells and supercapacitors.
2008-2010: Secretary-Treasurer of the Electrochemical Division Board of the Italian Chemical Society
2005-2007: Councilor of the Electrochemical Division Board of the Italian Chemical Society
1996 to present: INSTM, Interuniversitary Consortium for Science and Technology of Materials
Member of Società Chimica Italiana, Electrochemical Society, International Society of Electrochemistry, Gruppo Italiano Sistemi di Accumulo Elettrochimico (GISEL).
Organizing and Scientific Committee of several national and international Conferences
Referee in several Electrochemistry and Physical Chemistry journals (mainly Elsevier, Springer and Wiley)
Reviewer of national and international research Projects
Distinctions and honors
1995: "Mario Lazzari" award of the Electrochemistry Division of the Italian Chemical Society for the best PhD thesis in Electrochemistry
