Loris Sallaku and Ilaria Rosa, recently graduated in Materials Science and Nanotechnology at the Department of Materials Science of the University of Milan Bicocca, won an award for their theses recognized within the Thesis Program of Scientifica Venture Capital.
In the thesis “Acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene processing into crude oil and highly efficient electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction reaction” carried out at EBLAB (Electrocatalysis and Bioelectrocatalysis Laboratory) Loris Sallaku valorized ABS, a plastic that is not included in any recycling plan, and through thermal treatments (pyrolysis), characterized its liquid and solid fraction. The char was then functionalized to create platinum-free electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction that occurs at the cathode of fuel cells.
Ilaria Rosa’s thesis entitled “Synthesis and characterization of nanoporous materials for gas storage”, carried out at the Department of Materials Science, is focused on the synthesis of new microporous materials with very high surface area and pore capacity and on the determination of their selective capture and storage properties of industrially important gases with significant implications for the environment.
The Thesis Program
Thesis Program of Scientifica Venture Capital is an initiative aimed at rewarding and supporting the best theses in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) field discussed at Italian universities. The goal is to enhance quality scientific research and encourage young talents to undertake innovative paths. Scientifica Venture Capital created the Thesis program to promote the importance of investing in knowledge by rewarding theses that stand out for their scientific depth.
The authors of the selected theses receive a grant of 3,000 euros and access to a mentorship program on entrepreneurship and the world of start-ups. In addition, they can use the facilities of the Scientifica Lab Approved network for any needs related to their thesis work.
Scientifica Venture Capital is an investment holding that selects projects and start-ups with a high technological intensity. It invests in the sectors of advanced manufacturing, advanced materials, artificial intelligence and quantum technologies, in the pre-seed, seed and early-stage phases.