Behind the WASTE2H2 Project #1 | Jian Xian Lian (CIC energiGUNE)
Through this interview series, we aim to explore the personal insights of the researchers involved in WASTE2H2, their multidisciplinary contributions, and how their work is shaping the future of sustainable hydrogen production from waste.
Could you describe your specific role within the WASTE2H2 project? How does your work contribute to achieving the broader objectives of the consortium?
Our team focuses on developing advanced computer models to identify which ionic liquids (ILs) are most effective interacting with plastic polymers. This modelling acts as a "magnifying lens" that reveals molecular interactions, enabling us to screen ILs virtually before physical testing. This accelerates the project’s progress toward converting plastic waste into valuable products like hydrogen by reducing the number of costly lab experiments.
How does your expertise as researcher contribute to the overall goals of the consortium?
As computational scientists, we provide molecular-level insight into how polymers break down in ILs. Our work complements experimental efforts by offering theoretical explanations behind observed behaviours. This helps optimize the plastic deconstruction process and supports the development of efficient recycling methods.
Can you share your experience collaborating with experts from various disciplines and cultural backgrounds? In what ways has this diversity shaped or enhanced your approach to the challenges encountered in the project?
Multidisciplinary collaboration is central to WASTE2H2. Our close interaction with experimental chemists helps us prioritize relevant ILs, while our simulations offer molecular insights that experiments cannot capture. This reciprocal exchange improves model accuracy and fosters innovative solutions through a shared problem-solving approach across cultures and scientific fields.
How do you interact and collaborate with other project partners or work packages? What mechanisms do you use to coordinate your efforts and ensure alignment with the project´s interdisciplinary goals?
We maintain regular communication through bi-weekly consortium meetings and more frequent interactions with directly related partners. Internally, we hold dedicated team meetings led by CICe to ensure our tasks align with broader project goals. This structured, multi-tiered communication ensures consistent progress and interdisciplinary collaboration.
As the project advances, how has your role been evolving? What have been the key lessons or skills you have gained from the responsibilities you have taken on so far?
My role has evolved from purely model development to applying those models to real-world problems and interpreting results for experimental teams. We have deepened our technical skills and developed stronger communication abilities to convey complex data in a clear, actionable way, enhancing collaboration and decision-making across the project.
What are the main challenges you currently face in your role within WASTE2H2, and how are you working to overcome them?
We face two main challenges:
Scale limitations – Our simulations can only model smaller polymer systems compared to those used in experiments. We address this by focusing on scalable molecular trends and maintaining close collaboration with experimentalists.
Increased IL complexity – Some ILs, especially those involving metals, demand more advanced computational techniques. We are continuously developing and refining our methods to tackle these complex systems effectively and keep our modelling approach at the cutting edge.