Research

Redox reactions are ubiquitous in the energy and chemical industries and can be carried out using either thermochemical or electrochemical driving forces. We are intrigued by the mechanistic similarities and differences of thermochemical and electrochemical reactions, and by catalysts that can perform both.

Representative Publications

• J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2022, 144, 922–927

• J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2023, 145, 26222–26237

• Chem. Rev. 2023, 123, 6233–6256

Chemical interactions beyond the primary binding sites of catalysts can be critical for steering their reactivity and selectivity. We are working to understand, describe, and control these interactions that comprise the catalytic microenvironment.

Representative Publications

• Chem. Sci. 2020, 11, 7102–7122

• J. Catal. 2018, 365, 213–226

• Chem. Sci. 2021, 12, 4699–4708

• ACS Catal. 2020, 10, 9476­–9495

Defining the active centers of heterogeneous catalysts with molecular precision offers opportunities to expand the scope of their reactivity. We are using our expertise in zeolite and doped-carbon synthesis to explore how heterogeneous catalysts can parallel the reactivity of molecular catalysts.

Representative Publications

• J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2022, 144, 18797–18802

• ACS Catal. 2019, 9, 6146–6168

• Chem. Rev. 2023, 123, 6233–6256

Mitigating the disastrous effects of climate change requires the sustained reduction of global carbon emissions, which motivates chemical engineers and chemists to reimagine the ways that energy and chemicals are produced. The next generation of catalytic processes to meet the grand challenge of decarbonization will include technologies that use renewable energy inputs, different feedstocks from petroleum, and spatially distributed production modalities. We are working to advance the fundamental science to develop catalytic technologies for decarbonization.