LNCE addresses energy and sustaibility challenges by addressing the fundamental key questions behind them. We use the tunability of well-defined nanocrystals to establish design principle of efficient and stable materials which store electricity and light into chemicals via conversion of low value molecules. We are particularly interested in the conversion of small molecules, especially CO2 and CO, expanding to fine chemicals. The goal is to create a more sustaiable chemical production.
Research topics
1
Colloidal chemistry
2
Electrocatalysis
3
Photocatalysis
Our key projects
Tulip
We develop a new class of nanoparticles for the conversion of small molecules based on liquid metals. The idea of using liquid metals instead of conventional solid metals is that they will not deactivate and offer industry stable catalysts for chemical conversion. This grant is an ERC Consolidator.
Design strategies for stable catalysts in CO2 electroreduction
We develop strategies to create efficient and stable catalysts for converting CO2 into chemicals. These catalysts are based on copper instead of conventional precious metals.
Quantum dots for light-driven fine chemicals production
We develop light absorbing quantum dot materials to facilitate the production of fine chemicals using light.
This project is part of the big Swiss consortium NCCR Catalysis
European Chemical Society Lecture Award (2019), Swiss Chemical Society Werner Price (2021), Eastman Lecture in Catalysis at UC Berkeley (2023), Russel Lecture, Queen’s University, Canada (2023), American Chemical Society Inorganic Nanoscience Award (2024)
3
Tulip is an ERC Consolidator Grant
Team & talents
Lab team size
15
Skills developed by the scientific team
Sills learned include project management, decision making, public speaching, research writing, Q&A, how to be innovative and creative, use of data and electronic labnotebooks. These skills will be helful for any job afterwards.
Regional and social impacts
1
Contributing to a sustanaible society drives our activities. We are also strongly committed to education of students at all levels, which is crucial for society.
Perspectives and challenges
Priority 1
Advancing scientific fundamental knowledge which contributes to more sustainable society
We advance materials discovery by uniting molecular simulation, data science, and AI. Through rigorous modeling, high-quality data, and holistic digital platforms, we accelerate breakthroughs in reticular chemistry and carbon capture, creating tools with real-world impact.
Research topics
1
We use advanced computer simulations to understand how new materials work at the atomic level. This helps us predict important properties—such as how they hold heat, absorb gases, or move water—before we make them in the lab.
2
We combine large datasets with modern AI methods to identify which materials are most promising for a given job. Instead of testing thousands of materials experimentally, we let AI narrow the search to the most useful ones.
3
We synthesize and characterize new materials—such as bright, tunable luminescent compounds—to explore their properties experimentally and connect them to our simulations and AI models.
Our key projects
A unified platform linking material properties, process design, TEA and LCA to identify optimal CO₂-capture sorbents for real source–sink pairs.Used across >60 global case studies for system-level decisions.
Heriot-Watt University, ETHZ, UC Berkeley, ENS Paris
Using data-driven MOF screening, we identified robust CO₂-binding “adsorbaphores” resistant to humidity. Led to synthesis of Al-PMOF and Al-PyrMOF, which outperform commercial sorbents under wet conditions.
Heriot-Watt University, UC Berkeley
Fine-tuning large language models enables accurate prediction of materials properties and even inverse design with minimal data. Demonstrated across molecules, alloys and MOFs; surprisingly outperforms specialized ML in low-data regimes.
Our results and highlights
1
2 articles in Nature
2
Highly Cited Researcher in the field of Cross-Field – 2025
Developing next-generation separation technologies that use less energy and are more sustainable, particularly for gas and liquid purification for application in energy and environment.
Research topics
1
Energy-efficient CO₂ capture: We develop innovative membranes that can selectively capture carbon dioxide using much less energy than conventional methods.
2
Nanomaterials for clean separations: Our team designs atom-thin nanoporous materials that enable precise separation of gases and liquids at the molecular scale.
3
Scalable and sustainable membrane technologies: We work to translate our discoveries into practical, industrial-scale solutions that support cleaner and more sustainable chemical processes.
Our key projects
Graphene CO₂ Capture
CO₂ Capture with Atom-thin graphene MembranesDeveloping graphene (a Nobel prize winning material) based membranes that can selectively capture carbon dioxide with minimal energy use, supporting efforts to mitigate climate change.
GAZNAT, Shell, Academic collaborators at EPFL and other Universities
Ultrathin MOF Membranes
Ultrathin Crystalline Nanoporous Materials (MOFs) for Gas SeparationDesigning innovative thin films of MOFs (a Nobel prize winning material) that can distinguish between gas molecules at the atomic scale, offering breakthroughs for hydrogen purification and clean energy.
Academic collaborators at EPFL and other Universities
Scalable Membrane Fabrication
Translating lab discoveries into industrial prototypes. A highlight is capture of CO2 from Enevi waste incineration plant at the rate of 1 ton CO2 per day by scaling porous graphene membrane, under a CCUS project funded by EPFL (Solutions4Sustainability, funding of 9 million CHF). Website: https://s4s-ccus.epfl.ch
GAZNAT, Enevi, Divea, Academic collaborators at EPFL and other Universities
Our results and highlights
1
The lab achieved major advances in creating ultrathin membranes — only a few atoms thick — that can efficiently separate gases such as CO₂ and hydrogen.
2
Prof. Agrawal received several international distinctions, including an ERC Starting Grant, NAMS Young membrane Scientist Award (2018), the AIChE FRI/John G. Kunesh Award (2021), recognizing his pioneering work in separation science.
3
LAS participates in national and European collaborations focused on sustainable energy and carbon-capture technologies, including partnerships with the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) and ERC projects.
4
The laboratory spinoff Divea (incorporated in 2024) is active in commercializing the low-cost carbon capture membranes. Laboratory has filed 10 patent application. Several are granted. 7 of these have been licensed by Divea.
5
LAS’s work has led to high-impact publications, global collaborations, and growing recognition for advancing clean-technology solutions that can reduce emissions and energy costs. Divea is carrying field trials of graphene membranes. The research group has developed pilot-plant demonstrators in collaboration with Valais, SFOE, and GAZNAT.
Team & talents
Lab team size
The LAS currently brings together around 20 researchers, including PhD students, postdocs, and engineers from more than ten countries.
Introducing a specific team member
We would like to highlight Dr. Jian Hao, a senior scientist at LAS, who plays a key role in developing next-generation membranes for CO₂ capture and gas separation. His expertise in nanomaterials and thin-film fabrication is central to transforming laboratory discoveries into scalable technologies.
Skills developed by the scientific team
Team members gain expertise in advanced materials synthesis, nanofabrication, and energy-efficient separation technologies, as well as project management and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Other
The lab strongly promotes diversity, mentoring, and an inclusive working culture that encourages creativity and innovation.
Regional and social impacts
1
Our research supports the global transition to low-carbon technologies by making CO₂ capture and purification processes more energy-efficient and affordable.
2
Based in Sion, the LAS strengthens the local innovation ecosystem, attracts international talent, and contributes to positioning Valais as a hub for clean-technology research.
3
By developing scalable and cost-effective separation technologies, the lab helps industries reduce energy use and emissions while improving their competitiveness and sustainability.
Perspectives and challenges
Main opportunities
LAS aims to expand the application of its advanced membrane technologies to large-scale CO₂ capture and clean hydrogen production. There are strong opportunities to strengthen links with industry and contribute to Switzerland’s transition to a low-carbon economy.
Main challenges
The main challenge is to scale up these materials from lab prototypes to industrial systems while keeping production cost-effective and environmentally friendly. Bridging the gap between research and real-world implementation remains a key focus.
Future Partnerships
The lab seeks to collaborate with energy and manufacturing companies, as well as public institutions, to accelerate technology transfer and demonstrate the impact of advanced separations in sustainable industrial processes.
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