About Kolen'ko Group
Our group focuses on unconventional nanomaterials free of critical raw materials and toxic components. Synthesis is a cornerstone of our research program. We develop novel chemical strategies for synthesizing materials with unconventional shape, structure, and composition. Nanostructuring approaches, e.g., core-shell architectures, porous supports, functionalization, and self-assembly, are emphasized to derive new properties and enhance material performance. We prioritize sustainability, circularity, and scalability of the syntheses to align with industrial needs.
Our Mission
We harness nanochemistry to create bold, innovative solutions for today’s sustainability challenges, driving a cleaner and more resilient future.
Our History
2016
First Steps in European Research: CritCat
We partnered in our first EU project within the Horizon 2020 Framework Programme. CritCat focused on developing alternatives to critical catalyst materials through controlled nanoparticle design.
Learn more2017
Welcoming Our First PhD Student
Our team grew with the addition of our first PhD researcher funded by COMPETE 2020 & FCT, working on innovative printing methods for sustainable photovoltaic devices.
2019
Expanding Through Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions: CO2COFs
Participation in our first MSCA-IF project marked an exciting phase of growth. CO₂COFs aimed at creating novel electrocatalysts based on covalent organic frameworks.
Learn more2021
Leading Our First European Project: SpinCat
We coordinated our first Horizon 2020 project, FET-Open SpinCat, focused on spin-polarized magnetic catalysts to improve energy efficiency in water electrolysis.
Learn more2024
MemCat
As coordinators of the MemCat project, we began work on new catalytic strategies for membrane-assisted ethylene production—an ambitious step toward cleaner chemical processes.
Learn more2026
Growing Together
The group has grown to around 30 members, including core staff and collaborators, reflecting our expanding research activities and partnerships.