The research group has been working since a long time on innovative catalytic systems for the abatement of the automotive exhausts, using nanostructured CeO₂-ZrO₂ mixed oxides as oxygen storage promoters in the automotive three-way catalysts.
The research has been performed in co-operation with leading industries such as Magneti Marelli (FIAT Holding) and MEL Chemicals.
Our interest in the Environmental catalysis has been focussed in the last years on the problems concerning the abatement of the emissions from ships: the group is a part of the ECOMOS project supported by Fincantieri S.p.A., whereas co-operation with CETENA S.p.A. and Wartsila Italia S.p.A. have been carried out.

In addition to the Environmental catalysis, the research has been focused on Aerogel-like materials as highly efficient thermal insulation materials.
The results of this research led to novel materials and in 2007 a business plan denominated NANOXER, based on the industrialisation of the aerogel-like materials, has won the first prize in the PNI competition (Premio Nazionale Innovazione - National Innovation Award).
In 2008 the academic spin-off Nanoxer s.r.l. has been established it is working on the industrialisation of the aerogel-like insulation materials.