In a world grappling with environmental challenges, one chemist's groundbreaking work on solar energy and green chemistry is paving the way for a sustainable future.
Research Papers
of Scientists Worldwide
In the dynamic landscape of modern chemistry, few researchers have managed to bridge the gap between scientific innovation and educational reform as effectively as Mario Pagliaro, a Research Director at Italy's National Research Council in Palermo. His pioneering work spans nanochemistry, solar energy, green chemistry, and the emerging bioeconomy—fields crucial to addressing our planet's most pressing environmental challenges.
Pagliaro's significance extends beyond his laboratory discoveries. In recognition of his "significant contributions to the chemical sciences," he was elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry in 2014 and as an ordinary member of the Academia Europaea in 2021 due to "outstanding achievements as a researcher" 2 .
Ranked among the top 2% of scientists worldwide across all fields of science, he stands at 927th place among 111,388 organic chemists globally 4 . But perhaps most notably, Pagliaro has dedicated his career to reshaping how we produce chemicals and energy while simultaneously transforming how we educate the next generation of scientists.
Pagliaro's research group operates at the intersection of several critical disciplines, consistently producing work that bridges fundamental science with practical applications.
Developing novel functional materials with tailored properties
Advancing photovoltaic technology and solar fuel production
Creating sustainable chemical processes that minimize environmental impact
Transforming biological resources into value-added products
This interdisciplinary approach, developed in cooperation with leading researchers from more than 20 countries, has resulted in over 380 frequently cited research papers and 22 books that have become reference works in their respective fields 2 .
Throughout his career, Pagliaro has introduced numerous groundbreaking concepts and technologies that have advanced their fields:
In 2008, when photovoltaic technology was still considered a marginal energy source, Pagliaro introduced this term in his book "Flexible Solar Cells" to describe the economic framework of the emerging solar economy 2 .
His laboratory has developed an array of novel materials with distinctive names that reflect their origins and functions, including IntegroPectin, SiliOrange, CuproGraf, NiGraf, and AquaSun 2 .
Pagliaro's work led to the development of the 'SiliaCat TEMPO' catalyst, which has been commercialized and represents a successful translation of laboratory research to industrial application .
Among Pagliaro's most significant contributions is his work on hybrid sol-gel catalysts for synthesizing fine chemicals and pharmaceutical ingredients. This methodology represents a crucial advancement in making chemical production more sustainable and efficient.
The experimental approach involves creating hybrid organic-inorganic materials through a sol-gel process, which entraps catalytic species within a porous silica matrix. These materials are then employed in continuous-flow reactors rather than traditional batch processes, offering numerous advantages including enhanced safety, better control over reaction conditions, and easier scalability 3 .
The implementation of hybrid sol-gel catalysts in continuous-flow systems has demonstrated remarkable improvements in chemical synthesis:
This approach has proven particularly valuable for the synthesis of active pharmaceutical ingredients and other high-value chemicals where purity, efficiency, and environmental impact are critical concerns 3 .
| Material Name | Composition/Type | Primary Function |
|---|---|---|
| IntegroPectin | Citrus pectin | Bioactive polymer with enhanced biological activity |
| SiliaCat TEMPO | TEMPO immobilized on silica | Recyclable oxidation catalyst |
| CuproGraf | Copper-based material | Electrocatalyst for water splitting |
| NiGraf | Nickel-based compound | Alkaline water electrolysis catalyst |
| AquaSun | Photocatalytic coating | Water purification via solar energy |
| SiliOrange | Silica from orange waste | Sustainable adsorbent and support material |
| HyTan | Hybrid tannin-based material | Sustainable material for various applications |
Derived from citrus waste, this enhanced pectin demonstrates remarkable bioactivity and represents a sustainable approach to valorizing agricultural byproducts.
A commercially successful immobilized catalyst that enables efficient and recyclable oxidation processes in green chemistry applications.
Photocatalytic materials designed for solar-powered water purification, addressing critical challenges in clean water access.
Pagliaro has identified a critical "talent shortage" in the chemical industry, particularly in the uptake of green chemistry and nanocatalysis technologies. He argues that expanding and reshaping chemistry education is essential to supplying industry with the young professionals needed to drive sustainable innovation 3 .
His educational philosophy centers on using recent research outcomes to illustrate chemical principles, making learning more relevant and engaging for students. By teaching chemistry's unique methodology using digital visualization and connectivity tools, he believes we can better prepare students for the challenges of modern chemical research and development 5 .
Pagliaro contends that chemistry education must prioritize fostering creativity among students, particularly in the digital era. He advocates for:
Incorporating recent research discoveries directly into the curriculum to maintain relevance and inspire innovation.
Utilizing digital tools to enhance understanding of molecular phenomena and complex chemical processes.
Emphasizing chemistry's problem-solving potential in addressing global challenges like climate change and sustainability.
Rewarding teaching excellence alongside research achievements in academic advancement 5 .
This approach, he argues, is key to tackling chemistry's "image problem" and increasing the number of students pursuing careers in the field, thereby unleashing chemistry's full potential to address global energy and environmental crises 5 .
Invited Lectures
"Scientific advances alone are insufficient—we must also cultivate the next generation of talented, creative chemists who can continue the work of building a more sustainable civilization."
Pagliaro's influence extends far beyond his laboratory in Palermo. His work has been recognized internationally through various channels and platforms.
100+
Presentations at international conferences
50+
Countries represented at organized events
Multiple
Prestigious journal boards
Significant
Contributions to legislation
Pagliaro's research has informed policy discussions and contributed to practical applications:
Mario Pagliaro's career exemplifies how scientific excellence and educational innovation can work in concert to address global challenges. His pioneering work in nanochemistry, solar energy, and green chemistry has produced not only new materials and processes but also a new way of thinking about chemical production and sustainability.
Perhaps most importantly, Pagliaro recognizes that scientific advances alone are insufficient—we must also cultivate the next generation of talented, creative chemists who can continue the work of building a more sustainable civilization. Through his research, teaching, and public engagement, he has created a legacy that extends far beyond the laboratory, influencing how we produce chemicals, harness energy, and educate future scientists.
As the world continues its transition toward a solar-based bioeconomy, the integrated approach Pagliaro champions—combining cutting-edge research with educational reform—will be essential to achieving a sustainable future where economic growth coexists with environmental protection and human wellbeing.