Camargo Team
Our Mission
We develop designer photocatalysts that convert sunlight into chemical energy with high efficiency. By uniting plasmonics, catalysis, and nanochemistry, we accelerate molecular transformations at the core of green fuels, clean water, and sustainable manufacturing.
Research Themes
01
Plasmon Enhanced Catalysis
We exploit localized surface plasmon resonances (LSPR) to boost catalytic activity using visible light. Our work combines synthesis, characterization, and modeling to create efficient plasmonic platforms.
02
Solar-to-Chemical Energy Conversion
Our catalysts enable light-driven electrochemical and photocatalytic processes for water splitting, hydrogen evolution, and CO₂ valorization, turning sunlight into chemical fuels.
03
Nanomaterials by Design
We synthesize metal, oxide, and hybrid nanostructures with atomic-level control over defects, facets, and composition, optimizing performance and durability for real-world applications.
Prof. Pedro explains our research
178 Peer-Reviewed Publications
4 Patents Filed
3.9 €M in Funding since 2019
Latest Publications
This includes peer-reviewed articles, invited reviews, book chapters, book reviews, and conference proceedings across catalysis, nanomaterials, and sustainability science.
Edited book: Plasmonic Catalysis
From Fundamentals to Applications. Pedro H.C. Camargo (Editor), Emiliano Cortés (Editor)
Team
Pedro Camargo, Principal Investigator
Mohammad Alzeer, University Lecturer
Hugo dos Santos, Postodoctoral Researcher
Shiqi Wang (Rafa), Postdoctoral Researcher
Tuomas Mennola, Commercial Champion
Sana Frindy, Postdoctoral Researcher
Flavia da Silva, PhD Sudent
Florian Rathmann, PHD student
Ibrahim Abdelsalam, PhD student
Md Mofakkharulhashan, phd student
Asad Mehmood, Researcher
Edesa Behaj, MSC student
Pedro Cantarero, Visiting PHD student
Florent Valembois, visiting MSC Student
Mikko Heikkilä, Laboratory Engineer
Prof. Pedro H. C. Camargo
Principal Investigator
I grew up in Brazil, where sunlight is abundant — and so is the need for sustainable solutions. That’s where my obsession began: with the idea that light itself could power chemical transformations and reshape how we produce energy, fuels, and materials.Today, I’m a professor of chemistry at the University of Helsinki, where I lead an international team working at the intersection of catalysis, nanotechnology, and sunlight. We design precision-made nanoparticles that do more with less — less metal, less energy, less waste — and enable next-generation green hydrogen and CO₂ conversion technologies.As a leader, I believe in mentorship through trust, autonomy, and collaboration. I’ve worked across countries and disciplines, and I know that real breakthroughs happen when we bring diverse minds together to solve big problems — and give them the freedom to think boldly.I'm also the scientific lead of ReLIGHT, a pre-spin-out company created to translate our discoveries into impact. Because for me, science isn’t just about publishing papers, it’s about creating a fossil-free future, one molecule at a time.
Join US
Ready to illuminate sustainable catalysis?
We’re always looking for talented, curious minds—MSc students, PhD researchers, and postdoc fellows—who want to push the frontiers of light-driven chemistry. Diversity makes better science; come as you are.
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