Metal-free catalysis opens new possibilities for clean energy: Prof. Markus ANTONIETTI on novel applications of carbon nitride materials

On 8 October 2026, Prof. Markus ANTONIETTI of Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces in Germany delivered a PAIR Seminar titled “New Modifications of Carbon Nitrides and Their Use in Artificial Photosynthesis and Photoelectrochemistry”.  The event attracted over 130 onsite participants and about 14,000 online viewers across social media platforms.

Drawing on the photochemical vision of Giacomo Luigi Ciamician, the father of photochemistry, and the philosophical imagery of Goethe’s Faust, Prof. Antonietti explored the transformative potential of advanced carbon nitrides in clean energy technologies.  He explained how precise control of material structures can raise the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) energy level of these materials to +2.5 V, enabling powerful oxidation capabilities across chemo-, electro-, and photocatalysis.  He also underscored that advances in organic catalysts have demonstrated that highly efficient catalysis can be achieved with little or no reliance on precious metals.

Highlighting a series of research breakthroughs, Prof. Antonietti showcased artificial photosynthetic systems achieving an apparent quantum efficiency (AQE) exceeding 0.6.  He also explored frontier areas, including photopumping and osmotic power generation, revealing a paradigm in which water acts not merely as a passive medium but as an active component in semiconductor systems and energy-conversion processes.

Concluding the seminar, Prof. Antonietti emphasised the importance of applying sophisticated analytical techniques to model systems and gain deeper insight into complex reaction mechanisms.  The findings not only offer a roadmap for the future of green photoelectrochemistry, but also demonstrate the potential of metal-free polymeric semiconductors as core materials for next-generation solar-driven technologies and their prospects for large-scale application.

The seminar concluded with an engaging Q&A session moderated by Prof. WANG Lianzhou, Chair Professor of Energy Materials at PolyU, during which participants engaged in lively and insightful discussions with Prof. Antonietti.