Simone Pokrant

Simone Pokrant serves as a University Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Physics of Materials at Paris Lodron University Salzburg (PLUS), leading cutting-edge research in advanced materials for energy applications. Her work spans battery technology, photoelectrochemistry, and nanoscale characterization, with significant contributions to silicon-based anodes, renewable energy materials, and transmission electron microscopy techniques.

Her research focuses on materials science for sustainable energy solutions, particularly in developing next-generation battery systems and photoelectrochemical devices. Key areas include silicon-based lithium-ion battery anodes with nanoporous silica scaffolds, degradation mechanisms in energy conversion devices, and plasmonic nanostructures for advanced imaging. She has pioneered cryo-TEM methodologies for biological and solid-state materials analysis, significantly enhancing nanoscale imaging capabilities through the BioMat-TEM facility.

Analysis of her 85 publications reveals strong emphasis on practical energy storage solutions and advanced characterization techniques. Recent work (2023-2025) shows increasing focus on hybrid battery systems, plastic waste electrochemical reforming, and precise morphological control of photocatalytic materials. Her publications predominantly appear in high-impact journals like ACS Omega and ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering, demonstrating consistent contributions to materials chemistry and electrochemical engineering.

Professor Pokrant actively engages in science communication through media appearances including ORF's Mittagsjournal and public lectures on Salzburg's energy transition. She participates in Scientists4Future Salzburg initiatives, connecting research with societal impact in environmental and energy policy domains.

Her current leadership includes five major research projects: ReBi (additive manufacturing, 2022-2027), Degradation processes in photoelectrochemical devices (2021-2025), BioMat-TEM microscopy facility (2021-2025), and Silano battery research (2020-2024). These projects demonstrate sustained research momentum with €2 million invested in the BioMat-TEM facility and cross-border collaborations with Bavarian institutions.

She directs the newly implemented cryo-TEM facility at PLUS, enabling atomic-scale imaging of both biological and solid-state materials. Her TEM Workshop series demonstrates commitment to advancing microscopy capabilities within the university community, while her role in Scientists4Future Salzburg connects fundamental research with societal energy transition challenges.