News

CO2 Reduction in Structured Ni/Mayenite Catalytic System: A Methanation Test by Means of a Pre-Industrial Scaled Chemical Pilot Plant (May 2026)

A new article published in Catalysts presents the development and testing of a structured nickel catalyst supported on Mayenite for CO₂ methanation. 

The study was carried out using an in-house-designed pre-industrial pilot plant, allowing the catalytic system to be evaluated under conditions closer to industrial operation. 

The results highlight the promising performance of the Ni/Mayenite catalyst, with high CO₂ conversion, strong selectivity toward methane, and potential relevance for CO₂ recycling and synthetic fuel production.

Prof. Maria Dolores Galindo Riaño at the University of Camerino

From April 27 to April 30, 2026, we had the pleasure of hosting Prof. Maria Dolores Galindo Riaño from the University of Cádiz (Spain).

As part of an Erasmus+ Staff Mobility for Training (STT) programme, Prof. Galindo Riaño visited our research group to strengthen scientific collaboration and exchange expertise in the field of Analytical Chemistry, with particular focus on marine geochemistry and environmental analysis within the RNM236 “Geoquímica Marina” research group.

During her visit, she also introduced the University of Cádiz to undergraduate and Master’s students in Chemistry, presenting the opportunities available for Erasmus mobility and traineeships. In particular, she highlighted the possibility of carrying out thesis work in various areas of chemistry, including analytical, organic, inorganic, electrochemistry and related fields.

Students were encouraged to explore these opportunities and to visit the official website of the University of Cádiz to learn more about potential placements. Spending a period abroad in Cádiz represents not only a valuable academic experience but also the chance to live in one of the most beautiful cities in Andalusia (Spain). For further information or support, students are invited to contact Prof. Silvia Zamponi or Prof. Mario Berrettoni.

We warmly thank Prof. Galindo Riaño for her visit and for inspiring our students to consider international experiences, and we look forward to further strengthening our collaboration.

Congratulations to Martina Fattobene!

On April 27, 2026,  Martina Fattobene successfully defended her PhD thesis in Analytical Chemistry at the University of Camerino. Her dissertation, titled “Analytical Approaches for the Environmental Characterization and Risk Assessment of Marine Sediments” focused on the development and application of advanced analytical methodologies for assessing the environmental quality and potential risks associated with marine sediment contamination.

Her research contributes to a deeper understanding of heavy metals distribution, bioavailability, and ecological impact in marine environments, providing valuable tools for environmental monitoring and management.

The entire research group warmly congratulates Dr. Fattobene on this significant achievement and wishes her all the best for her future scientific career.

Solvent Emissions Prediction from Laboratory Fume Hoods: a preliminary study (January 2026)

A new study presents a chemometric approach for predicting solvent emissions from laboratory fume hoods, focusing on the role of molecular and physicochemical descriptors. 

The work combines controlled experimental measurements with univariate and multivariate modeling (OLS and PLS) to accurately predict solvent leakage under perturbed containment conditions. 

The study was developed through a collaboration between academia and industry, involving the University of Camerino and Stargate Innovation Srl, highlighting the value of industry–academia partnerships in advancing chemical risk assessment and laboratory safety strategies

Exploring Environmental Element Monitoring Data Using Chemometric Techniques A Practical Case Study from the Tremiti Islands (Italy) (January 2026)

This study explores environmental element monitoring data from the Tremiti Islands using advanced chemometric techniques, developed in collaboration with the Universidad de Burgos, Prof. Ana Herrero.

By combining univariate analysis, multivariate methods (PCA and PLS-DA), multi-way modeling (PARAFAC), and low-level data fusion of elemental and BVOC data, the work reveals spatial and temporal patterns that are not detectable with conventional approaches. 

The results highlight the power of chemometrics for improving the interpretation of complex environmental datasets and supporting more effective monitoring strategies

Assessment of the Geochemical Availability and Ecological Risk of Trace Elements in Marine Sediments of the Tremiti Islands (October 2025)

A new study has been published on the geochemical availability and ecological risk of trace elements in marine sediments from the Tremiti Islands, a sensitive Marine Protected Area, developed in collaboration with the Universidad de Cádiz , Prof. María Dolores Galindo-Riaño.

The work combines granulometric and mineralogical analyses, BCR sequential extraction, and contamination and ecological risk indices to evaluate metal mobility, bioavailability, and potential environmental impacts.

The results highlight that site-specific anthropogenic pressures can significantly influence sediment quality even within protected marine environments

Efficient and Sustainable: Direct Electrochemical Recovery of Lithium from Spent LiFePO4 Batteries  (August 2025)

This study presents an efficient and sustainable direct electrochemical method for lithium recovery from spent LiFePO₄ batteries, combining chemometric optimization with selective lithium leaching and precipitation.

The approach achieves high lithium recovery efficiency and product purity, offering a greener alternative to conventional recycling routes and contributing to the development of more sustainable strategies for end-of-life lithium-ion batteries

Design of Experiments Approach for Efficient Heavy Metals Stabilization Using Metakaolin-Based Geopolymers (August 2025)

A new study presents a Design of Experiments (DoE) approach to the efficient stabilization of chromium and nickel using metakaolin-based geopolymers.

By systematically investigating key formulation parameters (Na/Al ratio, metal concentration, anion type, and activating solution aging time), the work provides new insights into immobilization mechanisms and demonstrates very high stabilization efficiencies (>98.8%) for both metals. 

These results highlight the potential of geopolymer materials as effective and sustainable solutions for heavy metal–contaminated waste treatment 

Prof. Mario Berrettoni and Dr. Silvia Zamponi visit Zhengzhou University of Light Industry, China 

From May 30 to June 8, 2025, Prof. Mario Berrettoni and Prof. Silvia Zamponi visited Prof. Hongzhong Zhang and his team at the Zhengzhou University of Light Industry, China.

This scientific exchange was focused on strengthening research collaboration between the two institutions and exploring new opportunities in the field of analytical chemistry and materials science. The visit also aimed at fostering academic agreements between Italy and China for future joint research projects and student exchange programs.

The entire research group is proud of this important international outreach activity and looks forward to the upcoming developments resulting from this collaboration.

Martina Fattobene presents at CEMEPE 2025

PhD student Martina Fattobene has been selected to give an oral presentation at the 11th International Conference on Environmental Management, Engineering, Planning and Economics (CEMEPE 2025), which will take place on May 26, 2025, in Mykonos, Greece.

Her talk, titled "Assessment of the Geochemical Availability and Ecological Risk of Trace Metals in Marine Sediments of the Tremiti Islands", presents the results of a collaborative research project conducted with " Laboratorio del MA.RE.", University of Cádiz—where she carried out part of her research abroad—and the University of Camerino.

The entire group congratulates Martina on this achievement and wishes her the best for her presentation.

Congratulations to Raffaele E. Russo!

On May 15, 2025, Raffaele Russo successfully defended his PhD thesis in Analytical Chemistry at the University of Camerino. His dissertation, titled "Development of Hydrometallurgical Processes for the Recovery of Critical and Precious Metals from Industrial Waste", focused on the application of chemometric techniques, with particular emphasis on Design of Experiments (DoE).

The entire research group congratulates Dr. Russo on this important milestone and wishes him continued success in his scientific career.

Prof. Ana Herrero Gutiérrez guest lecturer at the University of Camerino

During the week of May 12–17, 2025, we had the pleasure of hosting Prof. Ana Herrero Gutiérrez from the Chemometrics and Qualimetrics Group of the University of Burgos (Spain).

As part of Erasmus+ Staff Mobility for Teaching (STA), Prof. Herrero delivered a series of specialized lectures to first-year Analytical Chemistry students, covering key topics such as univariate regression analysis and experimental design. In addition, she held an advanced seminar for the research group, focusing on the practical application of chemometric techniques for chemical data analysis with particular emphasis on the treatment of N-way data matrices.

The visit contributed to improving the scientific collaboration between our institutions and offered students and researchers valuable insights into innovative analytical methodologies.