(4ci) In Situ Characterization Guided Electrocatalyst Design Toward Green Chemical Synthesis

Understanding the structure-performance relationship is critical to the rational design of catalysts with high efficiency and long-term stability, paving the way for broader application and commercialization of electrocatalysis. My vision is to understand and manipulate surface chemistry of catalysts toward green and sustainable routes to chemical synthesis by integrating my unique backgrounds in two research forefronts—precision synthesis of catalysts and operando characterization based on cutting-edge electron microscopy. These toolkits will enable the investigation of the underexplored nano- and even atomic-level reaction mechanisms in catalytical processes and uncover the effects of surface structure and its evolution on the reaction kinetics and product selection. The new understanding will be further translated into systematic designs of catalysts and reaction pathways toward carbon capturing and conversion, biomass valorization, and electrochemical synthesis of complex organic molecules.

Specifically, my research group will be dedicated to three major directions: (i) Unveiling catalyst structure-performance relationship through operando imaging and real-time production detection. With liquid-phase electron microscopy, we will track the shape, structural, and compositional evolution of catalysts during reactions with nano- to atomic resolution. The imaging will be correlated to real-time intermediate and product detection via spectroscopy and analytical electrochemistry, uncovering the real active sites and assessing their stability in response to local environments. An in situ experimental database will be established to guide rational catalyst design for enhanced stability and product selectivity. (ii) Realizing selective and sequential reactions with hybrid materials. We aim to decompose complex reactions into elementary steps and combine the corresponding catalytic materials to achieve one-pot sequential reactions. The surface structure and composition of the hybrid materials will be precisely controlled and optimized based on the insights from our in situ database. The synergistic effect between different components will be further evaluated and investigated. (iii) Efficient mass production of high-value organic molecules via electrocatalysis. Combining hybrid materials with flow reactors, we will explore the potential of electrochemical synthesis and mass production of complex, high-value organic molecules from carbon sequestration or biomass conversion with the assistance of cascade reactions. We will seek to develop novel synthetic routes, reduce reaction steps, and maximize energy efficiency in each step to realize green and sustainable synthesis of fuels, fertilizers, and other industrially significant chemicals. In all these efforts, we will strive to advance the field of electrocatalysis and contribute to the development of sustainable and efficient chemical synthesis.

Teaching Interests

As a teacher and mentor, I will emphasize three key aspects in my teaching strategy and to my students: interest, independence, and inclusion. Interest is the best driving force for students, fueling their enthusiasm in understanding and changing the world. Independence catalyzes learning by encouraging students to think critically and solve problems with available resources. Inclusion promotes collision of different minds, allowing students to learn from each other and build a sense of belonging. I will incorporate these “3Is” into my classroom, my group, and my community, fostering scientific interest among young minds and creating an inclusive, supportive, and enjoyable research and teaching environment.

With my unique background in chemistry and material science, combined with extensive research experience in energy and catalysis, I can fit into a broad range of topics and courses related to fundamental and applied chemistry (e.g., kinetics and thermodynamics), materials manufacturing and characterization (e.g., nanoscience, microscopy and spectroscopy), energy and catalysis (e.g., electrochemical processes, carbon capture) at both undergraduate and graduate levels. I am also interested in developing new courses bridging material science and chemical engineering, including surface science and characterization, nanomaterials fabrication and application, as well as more specific topics such as electron microscopy. These courses can not only broaden students’ horizons, but also better prepare them for versatile research.