Popular Science Summary
Modern chemistry faces the challenge of developing more sustainable and energy-efficient methods for producing chemical compounds. The ELECTRIFY-IT project addresses these needs by advancing innovative synthetic methodologies that use electricity instead of traditional chemical reagents. This approach makes it possible to reduce waste generation, minimize the use of hazardous substances, and more efficiently utilize energy from renewable sources.
The project focuses on organic electrochemistry, one of the fastest-growing areas of modern synthetic chemistry, which is finding increasing applications in both academic research and the chemical and pharmaceutical industries. Implemented under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Networks programme, ELECTRIFY-IT combines high-quality scientific research with the training of a new generation of researchers. The project also contributes to the objectives of the European Green Deal by promoting chemical processes that reduce resource consumption and waste generation.
Project Objectives
The main objective of ELECTRIFY-IT is to establish a European research and training platform in organic electrochemistry and to develop new sustainable synthetic methodologies based on electrochemical and photoelectrochemical processes. The project will train eight doctoral candidates conducting research at eight leading European universities, including Lodz University of Technology. Their work will focus on developing novel electrochemical reactions, integrating electrochemistry with photocatalysis, and creating innovative tools and materials for organic synthesis.
Project Partners
The project is coordinated by Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (Spain). The consortium brings together eight European academic institutions: Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (Spain), Max Planck Institute for Chemical Energy Conversion / Max Planck Society (Germany), Georg-August-Universität Göttingen (Germany), Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1 (France), University of Strathclyde (United Kingdom), University of Greenwich (United Kingdom), KTH Royal Institute of Technology (Sweden), Lodz University of Technology (Poland).
The project also involves industrial partners, Synthelia Organics (Spain) and ESy-Labs (Germany), which support doctoral training and facilitate the transfer of research outcomes to industry.
Role of Lodz University of Technology in the Project
Lodz University of Technology is a full consortium partner and is responsible for research activities in the field of asymmetric electro-organocatalysis. The research team led by Dr. hab. Anna Albrecht, Associate Professor, is developing new electrochemically driven methods for the selective synthesis of organic compounds with potential applications in the pharmaceutical, materials, and chemical industries.
Within the framework of the project, Lodz University of Technology:
- supports the development of a doctoral candidate carrying out an innovative individual research project;
- participates in an international programme of scientific training and research exchanges;
- organizes a specialized course dedicated to research ethics, gender equality, and collaborative scientific skills.
Participation in the project strengthens the internationalization of the University's research activities and enhances its position within the European Research Area.
Expected Impact
ELECTRIFY-IT is expected to contribute to the development of greener technologies for the production of substances used in pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, materials science, and the specialty chemicals industry. Replacing traditional chemical reagents with electricity can significantly reduce chemical waste, improve process safety, and decrease the environmental footprint of chemical manufacturing.
An important outcome of the project will also be the training of a new generation of highly qualified experts equipped with both academic and industrial competencies. Through intensive international collaboration and the active involvement of industrial partners, the project will promote knowledge transfer between academia and industry, strengthen Europe’s innovation capacity, and contribute to the achievement of sustainable development goals and the green transformation of European industry.
Project Funding
ELECTRIFY-IT (Grant Agreement No. 101226468) is funded by the European Union under the Horizon Europe programme, Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Doctoral Networks, and will be carried out between 2026 and 2029.
Total project budget: EUR 2,450,658.96
Budget allocated to Lodz University of Technology: EUR 251,150.76
The funding supports scientific research, doctoral training, specialized courses, international mobility, and activities aimed at promoting knowledge transfer between the academic and industrial sectors.