Rice University: Halas, Nordlander honored in Rome

Rice University professors Naomi Halas (second from right) and Peter Nordlander (right) were presented the prestigious 2022 Eni Energy Transition Award in an Oct. 3 ceremony at Rome’s historic Quirinal Palace. The event was hosted by Italian President Sergio Mattarella (second from left) and sponsored by Eni, a global energy company headquartered in Rome and represented by Board of Directors Chair Lucia Calvosa (left) and Chief Executive Officer Claudio Descalzi (center). Eni Awards honor scientific research in energy and the environment. Halas and Nordlander were recognized for their groundbreaking development of light-powered “antenna-reactor” catalysts that can substantially lower temperatures for industrial-scale hydrogen production.