The CPLAS team has been presenting its research at the Royal Society Summer Science Exhibition with NanoGlow, an interactive exhibit that delves into how plasmo-catalysis could help shape a more sustainable future for chemistry.
The exhibit has attracted thousands of visitors, including a special visit from Lord Vallance, Minister of State for Science, who stopped by the Nanoglow stand to learn more about the CPLAS programme. During his visit, he was welcomed by CPLAS co-investigator Dr Wayne Dickson, postdoctoral researchers Dr Igor Kowalec and Dr Anastasiia Zaleska, and CPLAS Research Project Manager Megan Grace-Hughes. Together, they introduced the Minister to the research and public engagement efforts behind the stand.
The Nanoglow exhibit is part of the CPLAS Programme Grant titled “New perspectives in photocatalysis and near-surface chemistry: catalysis meets plasmonics.” A six-year, £10 million EPSRC-funded interdisciplinary collaboration involves industrial partners investigating how light can drive and control chemical reactions at the nanoscale, with wide-reaching potential across carbon capture, pollutant degradation, and sustainable manufacturing.
The team explained that CPLAS materials enable catalytic reactions under milder, more sustainable conditions as they are driven by light. The CPLAS team is exploring how to harness these effects in real-world applications that span clean energy, environmental remediation, and green chemical production.
The Summer Science Exhibition will be open until Sunday, July 6, and is a fantastic chance for the public, school groups, industry and policy members to learn about the real-world impact of our collaborative UK-led research.
