Synergy - SCOPE

THE SCOPE project is a true example of a synergetic project that derived its impact from this capability. It is a success story, not only in terms of research results and other lasting activities, but in its ability to open new research directions and to transfer ideas into innovation. The scientific impact is demonstrated by more than 200 publications and more than 270 plenary/keynote/invited lectures.

Thanks to the SCOPE project, the area of plasma catalysis and beyond (e.g., using renewable energy sources to drive the chemical conversion of small molecules) is now a consolidated frontier, with the project pushing research into novel directions and applications, new approaches to mechanistic understanding, and innovations. Remarkably, three Proof of Concept (PoC) projects and four spinoff companies emerged from the project, as did many national/international projects. Additionally, the four PIs received numerous awards. A book co-edited by the four PIs on plasma processes for N2 fixation, various journal special issues, and conferences organized by the four PIs within SCOPE activities are further lasting activities. Last but not least, many researchers and young scientists were trained.

This relevant impact stems from the ability to exchange ideas, foster innovation, realize a shared vision, and synergistically complement expertise. While still maintaining and advancing their specific activities and fields, the four PIs realize synergies beyond common aspects, including joint working arrangements, the mobility of postdocs and students, shared activities, and the exchange of methodologies. The true synergy is realized when a trusted intellectual environment is created that stimulates new directions, thanks to the possibility of discussing them openly. This has led to emerging/transformative research and cross-fertilization between scientific fields, as well as to the specific competencies of each PI, beyond the mere production of joint publications or other conventional outputs, such as common activities.

Some more specific examples:

The PIs published 2 invited opinion/review papers together: i) Challenges in unconventional catalysis, Cat. Today, 420, 114180 (2023). ii) Perspectives and emerging trends in plasma catalysis: Facing the challenge of chemical production electrification. ChemCatChem, 17, e202401938 (2025). These are examples of new directions that stimulate (in particular, young researchers) the exploration of unconventional ways and approaches beyond the conventional ones. A new paper on the role of industrial bulk-chemical separation in advancing the economics of plasma chemistry was submitted to Chem. Eng J.

They also co-edited a book titled Plasma-Assisted Nitrogen Fixation for Sustainable Process Industries (John Wiley & Sons, 2026). ISBN:9781394283019. It provides an overview of the new possibilities of the emerging and relevant field of N2 fixation using plasma methods.

In addition, several joint papers were highly cited. Between cPI and P1:  (i) Plasma technology for CO2 conversion: a personal perspective on prospects and gaps, Frontiers Energy Research, 8, 111 (2020). ii) The 2020 plasma catalysis roadmap, J. Phys. D: Appl. Phys., 53, 443001 (2020). Between PI1 and I3: Plasma power-to-X (PP2X): Status and Opportunities, Journal of Physics D: Applied Physics, 57, 50 (2024), 503002. Between PI2 and I3: ‘Green’ ethylene production: a critical review, Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 189 (2024) 114044

The four PIs also co-edited a themed collection titled "Introduction to understanding and new approaches to create synergy between catalysis and plasma." A. Bogaerts, G. Centi, and J. C. Hicks, EES Catalysis, 3, 592-594 (2025).

They also collaborated on plasma photocatalysis: The role of plasma-emitted photons in plasma-catalytic CO2 splitting over TiO2 nanotube-based electrodes. Catalysts, 16, 137 (2026).

PI1 and PI2 published 2 papers on machine learning of plasma catalysis: i)  Machine learning-based prediction and optimization of plasma-catalytic dry reforming of methane in a DBD reactor. Chem. Eng. J., 507, 159897 (2025). ii) Machine learning-based prediction and optimization of plasma-based conversion of CO2 and CH4 in an atmospheric pressure glow discharge plasma. Green Chem., 27, 3916-3931 (2025).

PI1 and I3 published 4 joint papers on techno-economic and life-cycle assessments (TEA/LCA) of plasma-based NH3 synthesis, CO2 splitting, and different plasma-based methane reforming technologies (and more joint papers are in the pipeline).