IMG 5017

Francesca Risplendi

WG4 Vice Leader

Researcher, Politecnico di Torino

Politecnico di Torino
Flag of Italy Italy
Research/Professional Focus: My research focuses on ab initio modelling of materials and interfaces for applications in electrocatalysis, photoelectrocatalysis, and sustainable energy technologies. I use Density Functional Theory, Molecular Dynamics, and multiscale simulation techniques to investigate how electronic structure, surface chemistry, defects, and interfacial phenomena govern the behaviour of functional materials. A major line of research concerns electrochemical and photoelectrochemical conversion processes, including CO2 reduction, oxygen reduction, and hydrogen evolution reactions, where I study reaction mechanisms, charge-transfer processes, and catalyst activity and selectivity. In parallel, I explore nanostructured and two-dimensional materials for sensing, optoelectronics, and water treatment applications. My research aims to connect atomic-scale understanding with experimentally relevant observables, providing insights into reaction mechanisms, interfacial phenomena, and materials performance to support the development of next-generation energy technologies.
Interests/Keywords: Ab initio simulations, Density Functional Theory (DFT), Molecular Dynamics (MD), Electrocatalysis, Photoelectrocatalysis, Electrified Interfaces, Solid–Liquid Interfaces, Energy Materials, Surface Science, Nanostructured Materials, Two-Dimensional Materials, Defect Engineering, Water Desalination Membranes, Machine Learning for Materials Science, Sustainable Energy Technologies
Collaboration Areas: I am interested in collaborations addressing fundamental and applied challenges in electrocatalysis, photoelectrocatalysis, and sustainable energy materials, where atomistic simulations can provide insights into reaction mechanisms, interfacial phenomena, and structure–property relationships. I welcome opportunities to work with researchers investigating electrified and solid–liquid interfaces, charge-transfer processes, catalyst design, and advanced materials for energy conversion and environmental applications. I particularly value close interactions between theory and experiment, combining computational modelling with operando characterization and advanced measurements to achieve a deeper understanding of complex physicochemical processes and accelerate materials discovery. Beyond research activities, I am keen to contribute to interdisciplinary initiatives that promote knowledge exchange, scientific dissemination, training, and capacity building across academia, research infrastructures, and industry.
Highlights: • 15+ years of experience in ab initio simulations and atomistic modelling. • Expertise in DFT, Molecular Dynamics, and multiscale modelling of materials and interfaces. • Research experience at Politecnico di Torino and MIT. • 30+ peer-reviewed publications, patented technology, and leadership of competitive research projects. • Strong track record in scientific communication, dissemination, capacity building, and theory–experiment collaborations.
Feel free to connect or reach out to discuss research ideas, collaborative opportunities, and emerging challenges in materials modelling, energy conversion, and sustainable technologies. I welcome interactions with researchers from academia, research infrastructures, and industry, and I am always interested in building new collaborations, sharing expertise, and contributing to interdisciplinary initiatives that advance both scientific understanding and real-world impact.