Engineering Solid Catalysts at the pre-FEZA 2026 School and FEZA 2026 Conference
FEZA 2026 brought together 364 participants from 34 countries, creating a truly international forum for researchers and industrial partners working on zeolites and other ordered porous materials. Under the theme “Zeolites and porous materials for sustainability strategies,” the conference covered advances in material synthesis, post-synthetic modification, characterization and modelling, as well as applications in carbon management, energy conversion and storage, adsorption, separation and environmental remediation.
The conference was preceded by the FEZA School, which introduced young researchers to the fundamentals, characterization and applications of zeolites and related porous solids. Mariya was invited to join an international team of lecturers at the School, where she presented “Exploring the Hidden Life of Zeolites through the Lens of Infrared Light.” Her lecture demonstrated how infrared spectroscopy can reveal the structure, properties and behaviour of zeolites that remain hidden to many other characterization techniques.
Our group also made a significant contribution to the scientific programme of the main conference. Maksym delivered the keynote lecture “Ge in Zeolite Chemistry: Friend or Foe?”, discussing the opportunities and challenges associated with germanium in zeolite synthesis, transformation and practical application.
Mariya gave the presentation entitled “Infrared Spectroscopy Guides Zeolite Design for Sustainable Carbon Management,” highlighting how in situ infrared spectroscopy can reveal the structure and behaviour of active sites in zeolites and support the rational design of catalysts for more sustainable carbon capture, conversion, and utilization.
Emad presented “Deciphering the Fates of UWY Zeolites through Post-Treatment: Stabilisation, Functionalization, and Transformation,” showing how post-synthetic strategies can direct the evolution of hydrolytically sensitive germanosilicate zeolites.
Jan highlighted how alkali cations can tune the strength of Zr Lewis acid sites in zeolites in his talk “Alkali Cations Modify Zr-Beta Lewis Acid Site Strength.”
Yuqi completed the group’s contribution with the poster “Understanding Active Sites in Sn-Zeolite Catalysts Synthesized via the ADOR Strategy,” presenting new insights into the nature of catalytically active Sn sites.
Beyond the lectures, talks and posters, FEZA 2026 offered many opportunities to exchange ideas, discuss new collaborations and reconnect with colleagues and friends. Informal conversations, shared evenings and the lively atmosphere of Naples made the week both scientifically rewarding and truly memorable.
