A Polish-Based Scientist Is Working on an “Artificial Leaf”. Could Quantum Materials Change the Future of Clean Energy?
Can sunlight be transformed directly into clean fuel, just like in nature? An international research project led by Dr. Priti Sharma at the Jerzy Haber Institute of Catalysis and Surface Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences aims to do exactly that. By combining quantum-engineered materials with plasmonic nanostructures, the project could redefine how hydrogen and solar fuels are produced—offering a potential breakthrough in the global energy transition.
The research is conducted under the prestigious POLONEZ BIS programme, co-financed by the National Science Centre (NCN) and the European Union’s Horizon framework within the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions.
Inspired by Nature, Designed at the Atomic Scale
As the vision of Dr. Sharma’s work lies the idea of an artificial leaf—a system that mimics photosynthesis by using sunlight to convert water and carbon dioxide into usable energy.
“Nature already solved the problem of solar energy conversion billions of years ago,” Dr. Sharma explains. “Our task is to translate those principles into engineered materials that work efficiently, sustainably, and at scale.”
To achieve this, her team designs plasmonic and quantum-confined materials capable of manipulating light and charge at the atomic level. These materials exploit phenomena that occur only at the atomic scale, where classical physics gives way to quantum effects.
When Light Becomes a Chemical Tool
One of the key mechanisms explored in the project is plasmonics—the collective oscillation of electrons triggered when light interacts with metallic nanostructures. This process generates so-called hot electrons, energetic charge carriers that can drive chemical reactions far more efficiently than conventional photocatalysts.
Dr. Sharma integrates these plasmonic effects with single-atom and bimetallic catalytic centres, anchored on advanced supports such as titanium nitride (TiN) and ultra-nanosheet C3N4.
By dispersing individual metal atoms with extreme precision, the team achieves quantum confinement, where electrons occupy discrete energy levels rather than continuous bands.
“We observe C₃N₄ and plasmonic TiN allow us to replicate how sunlight is distributed across the visible and infrared regions,” says Dr. Sharma. “TiN efficiently captures the infrared portion of the solar spectrum, while C₃N₄ supports quantum-confined charge states. Together, they extend light harvesting beyond the visible range and enable precise control over photochemical reactivity. This level of control allows us to tune reactivity in ways that were simply not possible before.”
From Fundamental Physics to Real-World Impact
The implications of this research go far beyond laboratory curiosity. Artificial photosynthesis systems could enable:
- clean hydrogen production,
- CO₂ conversion into fuels or chemicals,
- decentralized solar energy storage,
- and a reduction in dependence on fossil fuels.
Unlike traditional photovoltaics, which only generate electricity, artificial leaf systems aim to store solar energy directly in chemical bonds, making it easier to transport and use.
One of the major challenges, however, is translating delicate quantum effects into robust, scalable materials.
“Quantum phenomena are powerful, but fragile,” Dr. Sharma notes. “Our challenge is to integrate them into materials that function under real sunlight, real temperatures, and real operating conditions.”
Atomic Precision as a Game Changer
Among the most significant achievements of the project is the successful stabilization of around >110 single-atom catalytic sites on tailored supports—an unprecedented level of atomic dispersion.
This breakthrough demonstrates how atomic-scale engineering can dramatically enhance catalytic efficiency while minimizing material use—an important consideration for sustainability and cost.
The research also contributes to patent-oriented developments, targeting practical applications of plasmonic heterojunctions and atom-precise catalysts in clean energy technologies.
A European Vision for Sustainable Energy
Dr. Sharma’s work exemplifies the goals of the POLONEZ BIS programme: fostering scientific excellence, strengthening Poland’s role in European research, and addressing global societal challenges through fundamental science.
“This project brings together physics, chemistry, materials science, and engineering,” she says. “Only by crossing disciplinary boundaries can we develop technologies capable of reshaping our energy systems.”
Looking ahead, Dr. Sharma sees enormous potential in quantum-engineered photocatalysts, plasmonic energy conversion platforms, and integrated solar-to-fuel systems.
Her long-term vision is ambitious—but clear:
to create artificial leaf architectures that combine light harvesting, quantum charge control, and catalytic selectivity into a single Quantum based efficient system.
My long-term goal is to develop artificial leaf–inspired systems that combine plasmonic light harvesting, quantum charge control, and catalytic selectivity into a single, efficient architecture.
What advice would you give to early-career researchers?
Be fearless in crossing disciplinary boundaries. Some of the most impactful discoveries happen at the interface of fields. Perseverance is essential—especially when working on ambitious, high-risk ideas. And most importantly, always connect your fundamental research to a broader societal goal; it gives your work purpose and direction.
Short Bio (for CV / website)
Dr. Priti Sharma, PhD, MRSC
Dr. Priti Sharma is a materials scientist specializing in plasmonic, quantum, and photocatalytic materials for sustainable energy applications. She is currently an Assistant Professor at the Jerzy Haber Institute of Catalysis and Surface Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences. Her research focuses on single-atom catalysis, hot-electron engineering, hydrogen generation, and CO₂ transformation, with a long-term vision of developing artificial leaf systems for solar fuel production. She is a Member of the Royal Society of Chemistry (MRSC).