Project NCN SONATA
Elucidating Non-Radical Pathways in Photocatalytic Ozonation through Controlled Engineering of Oxygen Vacancies in Eutectic Photocatalytic Materials
Project Leader: Prof. Marta Gmurek ( Lodz University of Technology )
Partner: Dr. Jarosław Sar ( Ensemble3 )
Project budget: 3.898.160,00 PLN
Contract No.: 2025/58/E/ST8/00196
Start date: October 2026
End date: September 2031
Project Description:
Water is one of the most valuable natural resources, yet its availability for direct human use is severely limited. Increasing climate change, frequent droughts, and the growing presence of contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) are intensifying the global scarcity of clean water, including in Europe. In response, the new EU wastewater directive (2024/3019) enforces stricter requirements for the removal of a wide spectrum of micropollutants from municipal wastewater, mandating advanced treatment technologies to safeguard water resources and enable their safe reuse. Advanced oxidation processes (AOPs), especially heterogeneous photocatalytic oxidation (HPCOx) and photocatalytic ozonation (HPCOz), represent promising mild-condition methods for degrading persistent organic pollutants in water. These processes utilize visible-light-activated catalysts to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) that enhance pollutant breakdown while minimizing harmful byproducts. Although HPCOz improves conventional ozonation by integrating photocatalytic effects, challenges such as low ozone solubility and the formation of unwanted byproducts remain.
Addressing these challenges, this project focuses on the development of innovative photocatalysts based on eutectic composites with precisely engineered oxygen vacancies—defects in the crystal structure that shift oxidation mechanisms from conventional radical-driven pathways toward selective nonradical pathways. These mechanisms involve highly reactive surface-bound atomic oxygen (*Oads), singlet oxygen (¹O₂), and direct electron transfer (DET), enabling more efficient and controlled degradation of micropollutants with reduced formation of secondary pollutants and greater resistance to complex wastewater matrices. Key strategies include the targeted manipulation of oxygen vacancies within metal oxide eutectic composites to promote ozone adsorption and its dissociation into reactive atomic oxygen species (*Oads), which drive selective nonradical oxidation. The project further explores the generation of catalytically active Magnéli phases through controlled thermal annealing, enhancing charge transport and catalytic activity. Plasma treatments are employed to improve surface wettability, thereby optimizing gas-liquid-solid interactions critical for high catalytic efficiency in aqueous environments.
Systematic synthesis, advanced microscopic and spectroscopic characterization, and comprehensive electrochemical testing will elucidate the relationships between oxygen vacancy concentration, charge carrier dynamics, surface chemistry, and catalytic performance. Efforts will focus on identifying photostable eutectic composites with surfaces engineered to favor nonradical oxidation, optimizing operational parameters, and quantitatively assessing the synergistic effects between ozone and defect-rich surfaces. Mechanistic studies will involve detailed analyses of active sites, reactive oxygen species generation, reaction kinetics, and hydrodynamic and mass transfer phenomena to fully understand and optimize pollutant removal processes.
This interdisciplinary research is conducted in collaboration with ENSEMBLE3 LLC, a global leader in advanced eutectic composite materials. This project focuses on the development of defect-engineered photocatalytic eutectic materials with high selectivity and energy efficiency for wastewater purification. Beyond their practical application, the project seeks to advance fundamental understanding by investigating the role of defects in photocatalytic ozonation mechanisms. By combining knowledge-driven materials design with potential real-world applications, the work aims to contribute both to basic science and to sustainable water treatment technologies that support emerging regulations and circular economy principles.
FNP PRIME Project
Eutectic Electrodes for Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting and Hydrogen Generation
Scientific Leader: Dr. Eng. Jarosław Sar, Ensemble3
Business Leader: Marcin Zimny, Ensemble3
Technology Transfer Officer: Dr. Wojciech Wegner, Ensemble3
Project budget: 313,904.00 PLN
Contract No.: Prime 02.06-0109/25
The PRIME Project – Supporting the Commercialisation of Science is implemented by the Foundation for Polish Science (FNP) with funding from the European Funds for a Modern Economy (FENG) programme.
Start date: June 1, 2025
End date: November 30, 2026
Project Description:
The project aims to strengthen the competencies of the project team, conduct an in-depth market validation, and develop a product development plan and commercialization strategy. It focuses on identifying potential customers for innovative eutectic electrodes used for photoelectrochemical water splitting and hydrogen production.
By combining advanced research with market analysis, the project bridges the gap between innovation and practical application, supporting the sustainable production of hydrogen.
FNP PRIME Project
Microspheres for Energy Applications
Scientific Leader: Dr. Katarzyna Sadecka, Ensemble3
Business Leader: Marcin Zimny, Ensemble3
Technology Transfer Officer: Dr. Wojciech Wegner, Ensemble3
Project budget: 313,904.00 PLN
Contract No.: PRIME 02.06-0089/25
The PRIME Project – Supporting the Commercialisation of Science is implemented by the Foundation for Polish Science (FNP) with funding from the European Funds for a Modern Economy (FENG) programme.
Start date: June 1, 2025
End date: November 30, 2026
Project Description:
The grant aims to enhance the competencies of the project team, validate the market potential of the technology, and develop a commercialization strategy for the product – eutectic microspheres as energy converters. Owing to their unique optical and material properties, the microspheres can be applied in energy-related technologies.
The project includes collaboration with companies manufacturing photovoltaic cells, solar panels, and developing light-to-energy conversion technologies.
Project under the 12th Polish–Taiwanese Joint Research Call
Comprehensive Investigation of Thermal Expansion and Thermally Induced Stress in Cu/SiO₂ Hybrid Structures for 3D Integrated Circuit Packaging – Synergy of Modeling and Experiment
Project Leader: Professor Andriy Gusak, Ensemble3
Project budget: 256,638.01 PLN
Contract No.: DWM/POLTAJ12/159/2025
Start date: March 1, 2025
End date: December 31, 2026
Project Description:
The rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) is driving the demand for greater computing power. However, physical limitations make further scaling down of transistors increasingly difficult. To extend Moore's law, 3D integrated circuit (3D IC) packaging has emerged as a viable solution.
Cu/SiO₂ hybrid bonding is a key technology enabling the vertical stacking of chips in 3D IC packaging. Within this project, the Taiwanese team will carry out experimental studies on the fabrication of patterned Cu/SiO₂ structures with different copper microstructures and dimensions. Subsequently, the thermal expansion of copper, thermal stresses, and the bonding performance of Cu/SiO₂ hybrid structures will be investigated. The Polish team will perform theoretical modeling of the thermal expansion and stresses in various patterned Cu/SiO₂ structures.
Tasks:
1. Modeling of the thermal expansion, deformation, and stress of coarse-grained copper.
2. Investigation of the thermal expansion of Cu/SiO₂ hybrid structures using in situ AFM heating – size and surface effects.
3. Theory and modeling of thermal expansion, thermal stress, creep, and grain evolution in nanocrystalline copper.
4. Investigation of the thermal expansion of Cu/SiO₂ hybrid structures using in situ AFM heating – microstructural effects.
Project under the 3rd Call for Joint Polish–Chinese Research Projects (2022)
Development of Key Technologies for Hard Carbon Composite Anode Materials and Their Application in Sodium-Ion Batteries (KEYTECH)
Project Leader: Dr. Oleksandr Malyi, Ensemble3
Project budget: 2,338,125.00 PLN
Contract No.: WPC3/2022/50/KEYTECH/2024
Start date: July 1, 2024
End date: June 30, 2027
Project Description:
Growing energy consumption, climate change, and the depletion of oil resources require the urgent development of sustainable energy technologies. Renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, and hydropower, reduce CO₂ emissions; however, their effectiveness depends on energy storage technologies. Lithium-ion batteries have limitations due to the scarcity of lithium resources, making it necessary to develop alternative technologies, such as sodium-ion batteries (SIBs).
The development of sodium-ion batteries is challenging, particularly with regard to the design of anode materials. We aim to develop cost-effective, high-performance hard carbon-based electrode materials for sodium-ion batteries. Our specific objective is to overcome the technical bottlenecks limiting the industrial application of hard carbon-based materials, such as low specific capacity, low Coulombic efficiency, and the high preparation temperature. We will also investigate the stability of the electrode/electrolyte interface and other relevant aspects. The research will begin with a fundamental understanding and the identification of material design strategies, followed by the experimental synthesis and characterization of the most promising anode materials and electrolytes.
Collaboration with Qingyuan Innovation Laboratory and Jiangsu Zoolnasm Technology Co., Ltd. will enhance the practical application of the developed technologies and promote their future commercialization.
The project entitled “Centre of Excellence for Nanophotonics, Advanced Materials and Novel Crystal Growth-Based Technologies – ENSEMBLE3” aims to develop a strong, internationally competitive MAB unit. The project is co-funded by the European Union (European Funds, Republic of Poland, European Union).
ENSEMBLE3 focuses on achieving scientific excellence in technologies based on crystal growth and the development of advanced functional materials with unique electromagnetic properties, with applications in photonics, optoelectronics, telecommunications, energy, and medicine.
Within the project, advanced research and development activities are carried out, including the design, fabrication, and testing of innovative materials such as composites and single crystals, as well as the development of related technologies. The work is structured around three main application areas: LIGHT (materials for photonics, sensors, and detectors), COMMUNICATION (solutions for modern telecommunication systems and high-frequency technologies), and ENERGY (materials for energy conversion, including solar energy and hydrogen production). The project also includes the acquisition and use of advanced research infrastructure, development of prototype devices, and strong collaboration with scientific and industrial partners. An important component is the development of research teams through recruitment and international cooperation.
The project is addressed to both the scientific community and high-tech industry, including companies operating in photonics, optoelectronics, and energy sectors. Its implementation will lead to the development of new materials and technologies, strengthening of research and innovation capacity, and increased international competitiveness. The total financing from the EU Funding equals to the total value of the project, i.e. PLN 30,000,000.-.
Novel 2D materials (2D pnictogen and palladium chalcogenides): a new self-powered platform for optoelectronics and sensors
2022/47/P/ST3/03401, project leader dr Pradip Kumar Roy , Ensemble3
Project budget: 1,056,064.00 PLN.
Contract No. UMO-2022/47/P/ST3/03401
Start date: January 1, 2024
End date: December 31, 2025
Applied Casimir Theory: from Mesons to Environmental Effects
2022/47/P/ST3/01236, project leader dr Mathias Anders Boström , Ensemble3
Project budget: 1,072,295.00 PLN.
Contract No. UMO-2022/47/P/ST3/01236
Start date: January 1, 2024
End date: December 31, 2025
Self-organization approach towards photonic/optoelectronicsTEAM/2008-1/7
| 1 980 750 |
FNP
02.2009-04.2013
prof. Dorota A. Pawlak
| 2 930 000 |
NCN
04.2012-04.2017
prof. Dorota A. Pawlak
Development of manufacturing technology of a new typeof thermoelectric modules for conversion of low temperature
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Development of manufacturing technology of a new typeof thermoelectric modules for conversion of low temperatur
Centre of ExcelleNce for nanophotonicS, advancEdMaterials and novel crystal growth-Based technoLogiEsGrant Agreement No. 763798 ENSEMBLE3
NOE: NOvel metamaterials and plasmonic materialsproperties enabled by directional eutectic solidification
Hybrid semiconducting materials for solar energy conversion
ENSEMBLE – ENgineered SElf-organised Multi-componentstructures with novel controllaBLe Electromagnetic functionalitiesContract No. NMP4-SL-2008-213669
prof. Dorota A.Pawlak
prof. Dorota A. Pawlak
prof. Dorota A. Pawlak
| prof. Dorota A.Pawlak |
| prof. Dorota A.Pawlak |
02.2016-07.2018
09.2017-08.2018
03.2014-02.2017
2011-2016
05.2008-04.2012
ERA-NETRUS PLUS
H2020-WIDESPREAD-04-2017-TeamingPhase1
AFOSR
Polish-SwissResearchProgramme
| EU FP7 |
UW: 198 661total: <1 000 000
ITME&UW:205 425Total: 400 000
| 256 322(~220 000 USD) |
| 1 148 000(~1 300 000 CHF) |
| ITME: 1 058 974Total: 3 899 550 |
| 468 000 |
Development of manufacturing technology of a new typeof thermoelectric modules for conversion of low temperaturewaste heat into electricity408569 – TERMOD
dr. Emil Tymicki
Novel photonic materials concepts, crystal growth,and beyond-the-state-of-the art optical characterizationat the crossroadsTEAM/2016-3/29
Na skrzyżowaniu eutektyków z metamateriałami
Eutectics and metamaterials at the crossroads
Badanie wpływu plazmonów powierzchniowych na zjawiskoemisji wymuszonej w nanokompozytach plazmonicznychdomieszkowanych jonami ziem rzadkich.
Eutektyczne cienkie warstwy do fotoelektrochemicznegorozkładu wody2016/23/D/ST5/02882
Development of High Gauge Factor Piezoresistive MEMSSensors for Harsh Environment via CombinedHigh-Throughput Simulations and Experiments408569 – TERMOD
prof. Dorota A. Pawlak
prof. Dorota A. Pawlak
| dr. Katarzyna Sadecka |
| dr. Jarosław Sar |
| dr. Emil Tymicki |
01.2019-12.2021
04.2018-03.2021
05.2015-03.2019
06.2016-06.2019
07.2017-07.2020
01.2018-12.2020
NCBR
ITME: 1 815 500total: 9 826 050
FNP
3 499 999
NCN
| 1 975 064 |
NCN
NCN
| 468 000 |
NCBR
| 415 000 |
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NATIONAL
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Functional Materials Technology Group
Optical Nanocharacterization Group
Inverse Materials Design Group
Next-Generation Energy Systems Group
Biophotonic Applications Group
Solar Energy Conversion Group
Oxide Single Crystals Group
A3B5 Compound Semiconductors Group
Functional Materials Laboratory
Oxide Single Crystals Laboratory
Materials Characterization Laboratory
III-V Compound Semiconductors Laboratory
Contact
Ensemble3 sp. z o.o.
01-919 Warsaw
133 Wólczyńska St.
NIP 1182211096
KRS 0000858669
The purpose of the International Research Agenda Programme (IRAP) in case of ENSEMBLE³ is to support the project realized under TEAMING competition with the common aim of creation of the new research centre, lead by renowned scientists to conduct research in order to solve a specific global scientific challenge by funding €10.8M till December 2023
The scientific and economic challenge of ENSEMBLE³ is to utilize crystal-growth techniques, as well as developing new methodologies for manufacturing novel advanced materials with unique optical/electromagnetic properties, which will find applications in such fields as photonics, optoelectronics, telecommunication, solar energy conversion and/or aerospace.
ENSEMBLE³ will address the fundamental needs of National and European society by developing a new range of materials and technologies for novel photonic devices which will certainly have wealth creation potential for National and European industries and the potential to improve the every-day lives of National and European consumers in terms of their advanced technological, optoelectronic, telecommunication and other applications.
ENSEMBLE³ will trigger long-lasting contributions to both the regional high-tech economy and national and European sustainable socio-economic development through closer cooperation with industry while engaging decision-makers and other stakeholder groups in supporting and fostering innovative research at the Łukasiewicz - Institute of Electronic Materials Technology, and the University of Warsaw.
Project NCN OPUS
Heterostructures for Ultrafast Scintillation Detectors
2022/47/B/ST5/02288, project leader Professor Dr. Hab. Eng. Oleg Sidletskiy, E3 consortium - lead, and Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań - partner, project budget: 1,986,470.00 PLN (E3 - 1,154,760, UAM - 831,710).
Contract No. UMO-2022/47/B/ST5/02288
Start date: September 1, 2023
End date: August 31, 2026
Project NCN SONATA
Crystalline Organic Porous Polymers Converting Light Energy Upward
2022/47/D/ST5/01375, project leader Dr. Jakub Ostapko, E3 consortium - lead, and Institute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences (ICHF PAN) - partner, project budget: 1,899,101.00 PLN (E3 - 1,271,411, ICHF - 627,690).
Contract No. UMO-2022/47/D/ST5/01375
Start date: August 4, 2023
End date: August 3, 2026
TEAMING is one of the activities under the Horizon 2020 EU Framework Programme that invests in Europe’s research and innovation potential through supporting the creation of new Centres of Excellence on the basis of partnerships with internationally leading institutions.
The grand objective of this project is to create the Centre of Excellence ENSEMBLE³, which focusses on research excellence and innovation performance in the area of crystal growth-based technologies, novel functional materials with innovative electromagnetic properties, and applications in photonics, optoelectronics, and medicine.
The Centre has already secured €15M of funding from the European Union and €5M of funding from the national authorities till September 2026. The ENSEMBLE³ Centre of Excellence has been created jointly by the following renowned institutions from Poland, Germany, Italy, and Spain: the Łukasiewicz - Institute of Electronic Materials Technology, and the University of Warsaw, the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, the Sapienza University of Rome and the Nanoscience Research Center nanoGUNE.
The GOAL of this project is to create an autonomous Centre of Excellence ENSEMBLE³ and will be reached by pursuing the following OBJECTIVES:
- European and world-recognizable scientific and innovation potential in the areas of nanophotonics, advanced materials and novel crystal growth-based technologies.
- Excellence in terms of research and innovation culture enabled by substantial and intensive interactions between the Polish and the advanced partners, along with the real engagement of the advisory bodies.
- Growth potential where the innovative ideas, technologies and materials will help the Mazovian region and Poland to attain a competitive position in the global value chain.
- Long term self-sustainability and sustained excellence provided by stable long-term agreements with the advanced partners, developed international research agenda and financial stability plan based on industry, government, research projects, and individual funds.