Meet the researchers: The Unite!Energy Doctoral Candidates
Olivia Isidro Illera
DC3 – Proton ceramic cells (PCC) stacks for ultra-pure hydrogen production
Host institution 1
Politecnico di Torino (PoliTO)
Supervisor: Professor Massimo Santarelli
My project
​Identification, development and testing of materials for the electrodes (new materials for the anode and
improvements in the microstructure at the cathode) and electrolyte (good chemical stability and good electronic and proton conductivity) for PCC. Focus on sealing materials and interconnectors.
About me
I am a chemist and chemical engineer. I studied a Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry at the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, where I had the opportunity to collaborate with two research centers. My Bachelor's thesis was developed at Funditec as part of a European project focused on the development of new polymeric materials. Afterwards, I joined the Institute of Materials Science of Madrid (ICMM-CSIC), where I worked on the synthesis of ceramic materials for lithium batteries.
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This last experience motivated me to focus my professional career on the field of renewable energy. I went on to study a Bachelor's Degree in Chemical Engineering, followed by a Master's Degree in Chemical Engineering jointly offered by Universidad Autónoma de Madrid and Universidad Rey Juan Carlos. During my Master's, I participated in a research project on anaerobic digestion for biogas production at UAM.
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After completing my studies, I spent three years working in the renewable energy sector in the private industry. I worked at companies such as Enagás and Gransolar, where I was involved in the development of international projects related to solar energy and battery storage systems, with a particular focus on countries like Italy.
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The Unite!Energy PhD project represents an exciting opportunity for me to return to the research world and reconnect with the chemistry side of renewable energy, particularly in the field of green hydrogen production.
Let’s connect
Credit: Katrin Binner/TU Darmstadt