Antoni Forner Cuenca becomes Full Professor in Electrochemical Materials and Systems
Recently promoted CE&C scientists in the spotlight. They talk about their research line, impact and personal drive.
Recently 5 young scientist from our department have been promoted to the next level on the scientific ladder. Antoni Forner Cuenca has become Full Professor. Ghislaine Vantomme, Fernanda Neiro D鈥橝ngelo, Frank Peters and Nikolay Kosinov have been promoted to Associate Professor. Part of a research transition program in the department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, is encouraging the scientific development of its staff. In a series of portraits we highlight their current research line and their personal drive to contribute to the department鈥檚 vision 鈥楥hemistry for a better world鈥�.
Antoni Forner Cuenca is the first scientist we spoke to. He leads the Electrochemical Materials and Systems group and, at present, works with a team of around 24 researchers, including PhD students, postdoctoral fellows, and master鈥檚 students. Each of them contributing unique expertise. In the space of just over 6 years Antoni developed his research line in electrochemistry, a new area in the department, and put together this extensive team.
Antoni, what are you working on in your research line?
鈥淚n our research group, our overarching aim is to advance the fundamental understanding of electrochemical technologies that are essential for the future energy economy. By leveraging principles from (electro)chemical engineering, materials science, and physical chemistry, our team designs, models, and makes innovative materials and systems. Key applications include large-scale energy storage with flow batteries, energy conversion via hydrogen fuel cells and electrolyzers, and decarbonization of the chemical industry through efficient molecular synthesis and separation processes.
I am very proud of the diverse and impactful projects being pursued by all our group members. For example, we are developing next-generation battery systems that rely solely on earth-abundant and low-cost materials. We are also working on electrochemical processes to convert carbon dioxide emissions into valuable products such as ethylene and alcohols. In addition, our group focuses on improving the efficiency and sustainability of hydrogen production and fuel cell technologies by replacing environmentally hazardous materials.鈥�
Why did you get into your particular research field?
鈥淚鈥檝e always been fascinated by how chemical and electrical energy can be converted into one another. Electrochemistry provides incredible tools to make those transformations efficient, and that鈥檚 key for advancing clean energy, transportation, and sustainable manufacturing.鈥�
What experience or connection outside 黑料福利网 has proven to be the most valuable for your growth?
鈥淪cientific progress knows no borders. In our group, we collaborate with numerous international and national research teams to tackle complex problems that require diverse expertise and methodologies that no single group could develop alone.
My own international training 鈥� having lived and worked in Spain, Switzerland, the United States, and the Netherlands 鈥� has greatly shaped my perspective. It has helped me develop a broader, more empathetic view of both science and people. This experience has also proven invaluable at 黑料福利网, where I work with an exceptionally international community of young scientists and students. Having this global outlook helps me mentor and connect with colleagues from a wide range of cultural and academic backgrounds.鈥�
Antoni Forner Cuenca received Princesa de Girona Research Award 2025
In May of this year Antoni received the Princesa de Girona Research award, which recognizes the trajectory of young scientists and researchers with outstanding research experiences or projects in their discipline and who possess an entrepreneurial and innovative spirit with a high potential for future development.
The award organization compiled a video portraying his work at the department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry.
What impact for society do you hope to create with your research?
鈥淚 hope that our research will lead to tangible contributions to society 鈥� for instance, seeing one of our electrode concepts integrated into a real electrochemical system and used at scale would be incredibly rewarding. While we aim for practical applications, our primary focus remains on advancing the fundamental understanding that underpins these technologies, as this knowledge is essential to accelerating the development of clean energy solutions.
At the same time, I believe that one of the most direct and lasting impacts of our work lies in the people we train. Every PhD graduate, MSc/BSc student, and postdoctoral fellow who passes through our group carries forward the expertise and mindset developed here, applying it in academia, industry, or policy to help advance clean energy and sustainable technologies.鈥�
In what role do you see yourself 10 years from now?
鈥�In ten years, I hope to be leading a research team that produces impactful science and technology, and to see my group members and students thriving in their own careers while contributing to society.鈥�