The funded project “SO₂-to-S” aims to systematically investigate the direct catalytic reduction of sulfur dioxide (SO₂) to elemental sulfur through the design and development of advanced nickel phosphide (Ni₂P)-based nanocatalysts. Sulfur dioxide is among the most significant atmospheric pollutants emitted from industrial activities such as fossil fuel combustion, petroleum refining, and metallurgical processes, contributing substantially to acid rain, environmental degradation, and air pollution. Its efficient conversion into elemental sulfur is therefore of major environmental and industrial importance, as it simultaneously enables pollutant abatement and recovery of a valuable chemical commodity.

A central objective of the project is the synthesis of nickel phosphide nanoparticles with controlled size, morphology, and hexagonal crystal structure (Ni₂P). Precise control over these physicochemical characteristics is essential, as they strongly influence catalytic activity, selectivity, and long-term stability. To achieve this, the project focuses on the development of reliable and reproducible synthetic methodologies for the preparation of highly homogeneous nanostructured materials tailored for heterogeneous catalytic applications.

Finally, the catalytic performance of the synthesized materials is being systematically evaluated for the hydrogen-assisted reduction of SO₂ to elemental sulfur. The study focuses on catalyst activity, selectivity, and stability under relevant reaction conditions, while also investigating the influence of nanoparticle size, support architecture, and surface acidity on catalytic behavior. Overall, the project seeks to advance the fundamental understanding of sulfur-related catalytic processes and contribute to the development of efficient nanocatalytic systems for environmental remediation and sustainable sulfur recovery technologies.