Global warming, driven by humanity's disregard for nature, poses a severe environmental threat—manifesting in extreme weather, rising seas, and biodiversity loss—and demands global cooperation, carbon neutrality commitments, and investment in green energy to secure a sustainable future.
Artificial photosynthesis is a groundbreaking process that mimics natural photosynthesis. This innovative process uses solar energy to split water (H2O) into hydrogen (H2) and oxygen (O2) through a process known as solar water splitting. By utilizing advance photocatalysts, the solar water splitting process can be made more efficient, leading to the production of H2 as a clean and sustainable fuel. This innovative process can also be integrated with fuel cells, where fuels like H2 and O2 are converted into electricity and heat.
“If humans could replicate the way plants produce their own energy, it is possible that global energy demands could be addressed. Generating hydrogen from renewable resources is seen as the ultimate solution to our energy and environmental concerns. In the near future, we might see cars powered by hydrogen produced through the on-board artificial leaf process. Such a system would not only need to be efficient but also be constructed from inexpensive materials. Additionally, it should be stable and capable of functioning for many years,” says Bela Bhuskute.
These processes, while showing promising results, often face challenges with efficiency, stability, and charge transfer due to the inadequate solar light absorption by the photocatalyst material. Advancing this technology necessitates a thorough understanding of the factors, optimizing crystallization processes and identifying the material properties that make certain photocatalysts effective and contribute to system efficiency.
In her research, Bhuskute explored the potential of titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles and atomic layer deposited thin film photocatalysts to harness solar energy efficiently by utilizing a broader wavelength range of the solar spectrum. By conducting this research, she intends to better comprehend artificial photosynthesis and contribute to the future development of efficient and stable solar fuel sources. Additionally, the versatility of TiO2-based photocatalysts opens possibilities for other applications such as carbon dioxide (CO2) reduction, solar cells, antimicrobial coatings, environmental remediation, water purification, and more.
Bela Bhuskute’s doctoral dissertation is an important step in addressing various sustainability challenges and advancing renewable energy. The knowledge gained from her research and cutting-edge technology will help create more efficient systems and ultimately contribute to a sustainable energy future.
Bela Bhuskute, born in India, completed her Master's degree at the Pune University, India. After graduation, she worked at CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory, India, before starting her doctoral studies at Tampere University, Finland, in January 2018. During her doctoral studies, she co-founded a startup company Plasmonics Oy where she served as the Chief Technology Officer (CTO), which was a brainchild of her doctoral research. She now holds the position of a Chief Scientist at Nordic Nano Oy, where she continues to innovate and drive progress in her field.
Public defence on Wednesday 28 May
The doctoral dissertation of MSc Bela Bhuskute in the field of Physics titled TiO₂-based Photocatalysts for Solar Fuel Production will be publicly examined at the Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences at Tampere University on Wednesday 28th of May 2025 at 12 noon at Hervanta campus, in Tietotalo, auditorium TB104 (Korkeakoulunkatu 1, Tampere).
The Opponent will be Associate Prof. Maria Vittoria Dozzi from the University of Milan, Italy. The Custos will be Prof. Mika Valden from Tampere University, Finland.