"Fundamental Chemistry at the Nanoscale for Sustainable Catalysis and CO₂-to-Solar Fuels"
We seek to understand how the structure of matter at the nanoscale governs catalytic reactions. By engineering morphology, defects, interfaces, and light–matter interactions, our laboratory develops next-generation catalysts for carbon-neutral chemical manufacturing, solar fuels, and sustainable energy technologies.
Our Scientific Vision
"Our laboratory seeks to uncover the fundamental chemistry governing catalytic reactions and translate these insights into the rational design of next-generation catalysts"
Catalytic reactions underpin nearly every process in the chemical industry, yet many of the fundamental principles governing catalytic activity remain poorly understood. Our research seeks to uncover how atomic structure, morphology, defects, interfaces, and light–matter interactions collectively control the activation of molecules, the movement of electrons, and the formation and breaking of chemical bonds at catalytic surfaces. By establishing these fundamental structure–property–function relationships, we aim to develop the scientific foundation for the rational design of next-generation catalysts.
"Understanding Catalysis Across Multiple Length and Time Scales"
One of the greatest challenges in heterogeneous catalysis is connecting catalyst structure with catalytic function across multiple spatial and temporal scales. Our laboratory integrates complementary experimental techniques to observe catalysts from the atomic scale to the reactor scale, both before and during chemical reactions. Our laboratory combines advanced nanomaterials synthesis with state-of-the-art operando characterization, including synchrotron-based spectroscopy, in situ electron microscopy, solid-state NMR, and theoretical modelling to directly observe catalysts under working conditions and reveal the molecular mechanisms that govern catalytic reactions.
"Catalysts should be observed while they are working to truly understand catalytic mechanisms and design the next generation of catalysts."
These fundamental insights guide the design of highly efficient catalysts for sustainable chemical transformations, with particular emphasis on CO₂ capture and conversion, solar fuel production, hydrogen generation, plastic upcycling, and carbon-neutral chemical manufacturing. Looking ahead, we are integrating artificial intelligence with experimental chemistry to establish a catalyst-by-design framework that accelerates the discovery of catalytic materials with unprecedented performance.
Scientific Questions We are Asking?
1. What governs catalytic activity at the atomic scale?
Catalytic performance ultimately originates from atomic-scale structure. We seek to understand how morphology, defects, interfaces, crystal facets, and electronic structure collectively determine catalytic activity, selectivity, stability, and reaction pathways. Establishing these fundamental structure–property–function relationships provides the foundation for the rational design of next-generation catalysts.
2. What are the true active sites under reaction conditions?
Catalysts are highly dynamic materials that continuously restructure during chemical reactions, making the identification of the true active site one of the greatest challenges in heterogeneous catalysis. Our research combines state-of-the-art operando synchrotron spectroscopy, including X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS), HERFD-XANES and complementary spectroscopic techniques such as operando DRIFTS, Raman spectroscopy and solid-state NMR to monitor catalysts in real time under working conditions. These approaches allow us to reveal changes in oxidation state, local coordination, surface intermediates and electronic structure as reactions proceed, providing direct insights into catalytic mechanisms.
3. How do catalysts evolve during chemical reactions?
Catalytic materials constantly undergo structural transformations that often dictate their activity and long-term stability. We employ advanced in situ and operando electron microscopy, including aberration-corrected TEM, STEM and electron energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS), to directly visualize catalyst evolution at atomic resolution. By observing nanoparticle restructuring, defect formation, alloying, atomic migration and metal–support interactions during reactions, we aim to uncover the dynamic processes that govern catalyst performance.
4. How do photons and electrons drive chemical reactions?
Can sunlight replace conventional thermal energy to power industrial chemical transformations? Our laboratory investigates how plasmonic excitation, hot-electron transfer and light–matter interactions modify reaction pathways and lower activation barriers. By integrating ultrafast spectroscopy with operando characterization and theoretical modelling, we seek to establish the fundamental principles governing solar-driven catalysis and artificial photosynthesis.
5. Can artificial intelligence transform catalyst discovery?
The enormous compositional space of multicomponent catalytic materials makes conventional trial-and-error approaches increasingly impractical. We envision a new paradigm in which experimental data generated from advanced synthesis, operando spectroscopy, in situ microscopy and computational modelling are integrated with artificial intelligence and machine learning to accelerate catalyst discovery. Our long-term goal is to establish a true catalyst-by-design framework capable of predicting materials with targeted catalytic functions before they are synthesized.
We seek to understand how the structure of matter at the nanoscale governs catalytic reactions. By engineering morphology, defects, interfaces, and light–matter interactions, our laboratory develops next-generation catalysts for carbon-neutral chemical manufacturing, solar fuels, and sustainable energy technologies.
Our Scientific Vision
"Our laboratory seeks to uncover the fundamental chemistry governing catalytic reactions and translate these insights into the rational design of next-generation catalysts"
Catalytic reactions underpin nearly every process in the chemical industry, yet many of the fundamental principles governing catalytic activity remain poorly understood. Our research seeks to uncover how atomic structure, morphology, defects, interfaces, and light–matter interactions collectively control the activation of molecules, the movement of electrons, and the formation and breaking of chemical bonds at catalytic surfaces. By establishing these fundamental structure–property–function relationships, we aim to develop the scientific foundation for the rational design of next-generation catalysts.
"Understanding Catalysis Across Multiple Length and Time Scales"
One of the greatest challenges in heterogeneous catalysis is connecting catalyst structure with catalytic function across multiple spatial and temporal scales. Our laboratory integrates complementary experimental techniques to observe catalysts from the atomic scale to the reactor scale, both before and during chemical reactions. Our laboratory combines advanced nanomaterials synthesis with state-of-the-art operando characterization, including synchrotron-based spectroscopy, in situ electron microscopy, solid-state NMR, and theoretical modelling to directly observe catalysts under working conditions and reveal the molecular mechanisms that govern catalytic reactions.
"Catalysts should be observed while they are working to truly understand catalytic mechanisms and design the next generation of catalysts."
These fundamental insights guide the design of highly efficient catalysts for sustainable chemical transformations, with particular emphasis on CO₂ capture and conversion, solar fuel production, hydrogen generation, plastic upcycling, and carbon-neutral chemical manufacturing. Looking ahead, we are integrating artificial intelligence with experimental chemistry to establish a catalyst-by-design framework that accelerates the discovery of catalytic materials with unprecedented performance.
Scientific Questions We are Asking?
1. What governs catalytic activity at the atomic scale?
Catalytic performance ultimately originates from atomic-scale structure. We seek to understand how morphology, defects, interfaces, crystal facets, and electronic structure collectively determine catalytic activity, selectivity, stability, and reaction pathways. Establishing these fundamental structure–property–function relationships provides the foundation for the rational design of next-generation catalysts.
2. What are the true active sites under reaction conditions?
Catalysts are highly dynamic materials that continuously restructure during chemical reactions, making the identification of the true active site one of the greatest challenges in heterogeneous catalysis. Our research combines state-of-the-art operando synchrotron spectroscopy, including X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS), HERFD-XANES and complementary spectroscopic techniques such as operando DRIFTS, Raman spectroscopy and solid-state NMR to monitor catalysts in real time under working conditions. These approaches allow us to reveal changes in oxidation state, local coordination, surface intermediates and electronic structure as reactions proceed, providing direct insights into catalytic mechanisms.
3. How do catalysts evolve during chemical reactions?
Catalytic materials constantly undergo structural transformations that often dictate their activity and long-term stability. We employ advanced in situ and operando electron microscopy, including aberration-corrected TEM, STEM and electron energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS), to directly visualize catalyst evolution at atomic resolution. By observing nanoparticle restructuring, defect formation, alloying, atomic migration and metal–support interactions during reactions, we aim to uncover the dynamic processes that govern catalyst performance.
4. How do photons and electrons drive chemical reactions?
Can sunlight replace conventional thermal energy to power industrial chemical transformations? Our laboratory investigates how plasmonic excitation, hot-electron transfer and light–matter interactions modify reaction pathways and lower activation barriers. By integrating ultrafast spectroscopy with operando characterization and theoretical modelling, we seek to establish the fundamental principles governing solar-driven catalysis and artificial photosynthesis.
5. Can artificial intelligence transform catalyst discovery?
The enormous compositional space of multicomponent catalytic materials makes conventional trial-and-error approaches increasingly impractical. We envision a new paradigm in which experimental data generated from advanced synthesis, operando spectroscopy, in situ microscopy and computational modelling are integrated with artificial intelligence and machine learning to accelerate catalyst discovery. Our long-term goal is to establish a true catalyst-by-design framework capable of predicting materials with targeted catalytic functions before they are synthesized.
Our Research Themes
1. Dendritic Fibrous Nanosilica (DFNS)
Inventing New Nanostructures for Catalysis
The architecture of a catalyst is often as important as its chemical composition. Our laboratory pioneered Dendritic Fibrous Nanosilica (DFNS), a fundamentally new class of silica nanomaterials featuring radially oriented fibrous nanochannels that provide exceptional surface accessibility, efficient mass transport, and hierarchical porosity. Unlike conventional mesoporous silicas, DFNS enables reactant molecules to rapidly access catalytic active sites while facilitating the uniform dispersion and stabilization of nanoparticles, enzymes, and functional molecules.
Beyond developing DFNS as a versatile catalytic support, our research seeks to understand how nanoscale morphology influences catalytic behaviour. We investigate how particle architecture controls diffusion, adsorption, active-site accessibility, and reaction kinetics, establishing general design principles for morphology-controlled catalysis. Today, DFNS has evolved into a widely adopted nanoplatform with applications spanning heterogeneous catalysis, photocatalysis, energy storage, sensing, drug delivery, environmental remediation, and biomedicine, demonstrating how innovations in nanostructure design can transform multiple scientific disciplines.
1. Dendritic Fibrous Nanosilica (DFNS)
Inventing New Nanostructures for Catalysis
The architecture of a catalyst is often as important as its chemical composition. Our laboratory pioneered Dendritic Fibrous Nanosilica (DFNS), a fundamentally new class of silica nanomaterials featuring radially oriented fibrous nanochannels that provide exceptional surface accessibility, efficient mass transport, and hierarchical porosity. Unlike conventional mesoporous silicas, DFNS enables reactant molecules to rapidly access catalytic active sites while facilitating the uniform dispersion and stabilization of nanoparticles, enzymes, and functional molecules.
Beyond developing DFNS as a versatile catalytic support, our research seeks to understand how nanoscale morphology influences catalytic behaviour. We investigate how particle architecture controls diffusion, adsorption, active-site accessibility, and reaction kinetics, establishing general design principles for morphology-controlled catalysis. Today, DFNS has evolved into a widely adopted nanoplatform with applications spanning heterogeneous catalysis, photocatalysis, energy storage, sensing, drug delivery, environmental remediation, and biomedicine, demonstrating how innovations in nanostructure design can transform multiple scientific disciplines.
Selected Publications: 1) ACS Accounts of Chemical Research, 2022, 55, 1395–1410. 2) Nature Protocol, 2019, 14, 2177-2204. 3) ChemSusChem 2017, 10, 3866-3913. 4)Nature Communications 2020, 11, Article number: 3828. 5) Nature Communications 2024, 15, 6899. 6) J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2023, 145, 8634-8646. 7) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A 2020, 117, 6383-6390.
2. Plasmonic Black Gold
Harnessing Light Beyond Conventional Photocatalysis
Efficient utilization of sunlight remains one of the greatest challenges in sustainable chemistry. Traditional semiconductor photocatalysts suffer from limited visible-light absorption, rapid charge recombination, and inefficient utilization of the solar spectrum. Our laboratory developed Black Gold, a new generation of plasmonic nanostructures that overcome these limitations through hierarchical nanoparticle assembly and controlled nanoscale electromagnetic coupling.
Black Gold exhibits broadband absorption extending from the ultraviolet to the near-infrared region, generating intense localized electromagnetic fields and energetic hot carriers capable of driving chemical reactions under mild conditions. Our research combines plasmonic nanomaterial design with ultrafast spectroscopy, operando synchrotron characterization, and theoretical modelling to understand the fundamental mechanisms of hot-electron generation, transfer, and catalytic activation. These insights are enabling new approaches for solar-driven CO₂ conversion, hydrogenation, plastic upcycling, selective hydrocarbon transformations, and artificial solar fuel production, opening opportunities to replace thermal energy with sunlight in industrial chemical processes.
Harnessing Light Beyond Conventional Photocatalysis
Efficient utilization of sunlight remains one of the greatest challenges in sustainable chemistry. Traditional semiconductor photocatalysts suffer from limited visible-light absorption, rapid charge recombination, and inefficient utilization of the solar spectrum. Our laboratory developed Black Gold, a new generation of plasmonic nanostructures that overcome these limitations through hierarchical nanoparticle assembly and controlled nanoscale electromagnetic coupling.
Black Gold exhibits broadband absorption extending from the ultraviolet to the near-infrared region, generating intense localized electromagnetic fields and energetic hot carriers capable of driving chemical reactions under mild conditions. Our research combines plasmonic nanomaterial design with ultrafast spectroscopy, operando synchrotron characterization, and theoretical modelling to understand the fundamental mechanisms of hot-electron generation, transfer, and catalytic activation. These insights are enabling new approaches for solar-driven CO₂ conversion, hydrogenation, plastic upcycling, selective hydrocarbon transformations, and artificial solar fuel production, opening opportunities to replace thermal energy with sunlight in industrial chemical processes.
Selected Publications: 1) Nano Letters, 2025, 25, 16311–16322. 2) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A 2025, 122, e2520317122. 3) J. Mat. Chem. A. 2024, 12, 27235-27245. 4) Nature Communications 2024, 15, 713. 5) ACS Nano, 2023, 17, 4526-4538. 6) ACS Catal. 2023, 13, 7395–7406. 7) Chemical Science, 2019, 10, 6594-6603. 8) Chemical Science 2026, 17, 1592-1603. 9) ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, 2026, in press. 10) Nature Communications 2024, 15, 7974.
3. Defect Chemistry
Understanding Catalysis Beyond Perfect Crystals
Real catalysts are rarely perfect crystals. Defects such as atomic vacancies, lattice distortions, disordered interfaces, and surface hydroxyl species often determine catalytic performance, yet their roles remain poorly understood because they continuously evolve during chemical reactions. Our laboratory investigates how intentionally engineered defects modify the electronic structure, adsorption properties, charge distribution, and reaction pathways of catalytic materials.
Using operando synchrotron spectroscopy, in situ electron microscopy, solid-state NMR, and advanced theoretical calculations, we directly observe the dynamic evolution of defects under realistic reaction environments. By correlating atomic-scale structural changes with catalytic performance, we seek to establish universal principles that explain how defects govern activity, selectivity, stability, and catalyst deactivation. This fundamental understanding provides new strategies for designing highly efficient catalysts through controlled defect engineering rather than empirical optimization.
Understanding Catalysis Beyond Perfect Crystals
Real catalysts are rarely perfect crystals. Defects such as atomic vacancies, lattice distortions, disordered interfaces, and surface hydroxyl species often determine catalytic performance, yet their roles remain poorly understood because they continuously evolve during chemical reactions. Our laboratory investigates how intentionally engineered defects modify the electronic structure, adsorption properties, charge distribution, and reaction pathways of catalytic materials.
Using operando synchrotron spectroscopy, in situ electron microscopy, solid-state NMR, and advanced theoretical calculations, we directly observe the dynamic evolution of defects under realistic reaction environments. By correlating atomic-scale structural changes with catalytic performance, we seek to establish universal principles that explain how defects govern activity, selectivity, stability, and catalyst deactivation. This fundamental understanding provides new strategies for designing highly efficient catalysts through controlled defect engineering rather than empirical optimization.
Selected Publications: 1) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A 2025, 122, e2411406122. 2) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A 2020, 117, 6383-6390. 3) Nature Communications 2024, 15, 6899. 4) J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2023, 145, 8634-8646. 5) Chemical Science 2025, 16, 9766-9784. 6) Chemical Science 2025, 16, 9766-9784.
4. CO₂ Capture, Utilization and Conversion
Transforming Carbon Dioxide into a Sustainable Carbon Resource
Carbon dioxide is traditionally regarded as a waste product responsible for climate change, yet it also represents one of the largest sustainable carbon resources available for future chemical manufacturing. Our laboratory develops catalytic materials capable of capturing, activating, and converting CO₂ into fuels and value-added chemicals using renewable energy. Rather than treating carbon dioxide solely as an environmental liability, we view it as a feedstock for building a circular carbon economy.
Our research integrates catalyst design, mechanistic investigations, operando spectroscopy, and reaction engineering to understand the molecular processes governing CO₂ activation and selective bond formation. We develop thermal, photocatalytic, and plasmon-enhanced catalytic systems for producing carbon monoxide, syngas, methanol, methane, hydrocarbons, and other valuable chemicals. By revealing the fundamental chemistry underlying CO₂ activation, our goal is to establish scientific principles that enable scalable solar fuel production and carbon-neutral chemical manufacturing.
Transforming Carbon Dioxide into a Sustainable Carbon Resource
Carbon dioxide is traditionally regarded as a waste product responsible for climate change, yet it also represents one of the largest sustainable carbon resources available for future chemical manufacturing. Our laboratory develops catalytic materials capable of capturing, activating, and converting CO₂ into fuels and value-added chemicals using renewable energy. Rather than treating carbon dioxide solely as an environmental liability, we view it as a feedstock for building a circular carbon economy.
Our research integrates catalyst design, mechanistic investigations, operando spectroscopy, and reaction engineering to understand the molecular processes governing CO₂ activation and selective bond formation. We develop thermal, photocatalytic, and plasmon-enhanced catalytic systems for producing carbon monoxide, syngas, methanol, methane, hydrocarbons, and other valuable chemicals. By revealing the fundamental chemistry underlying CO₂ activation, our goal is to establish scientific principles that enable scalable solar fuel production and carbon-neutral chemical manufacturing.
Selected Publications for CO2 capture: 1) Nature Protocol, 2019, 14, 2177-2204. 2) J. Mat. Chem. A. 2016, 4, 7005-7019. 3) ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, 2026, in press. 4) Chemical Science, 2021, 12, 4825-4835. 5) Langmuir 2023, 39, 4382–4393. 6) Pure and Applied Chemistry, 2023, 95, 451-462. 7) Mater. Adv. 2022, 3, 6506-6517. 8) Soft Matter, 2022, 18, 5114-5125. 9) Nanoscale, 2019, 11, 5365-5376. 10) Chemistry Select 2018, 3, 10684-10688.
For CO2 conversion publications, refer to the above section 1-3
For CO2 conversion publications, refer to the above section 1-3
5. Plastic Upcycling
Using Sunlight to Convert Plastic Waste into Valuable Chemicals
Plastic pollution has emerged as one of the defining environmental challenges of the twenty-first century. Conventional recycling often produces lower-value materials and requires large energy inputs, limiting its long-term sustainability. Our laboratory explores fundamentally new catalytic strategies that transform waste plastics directly into high-value chemicals and fuels using sunlight as the primary energy source.
By combining plasmonic catalysis, catalyst interface engineering, and mechanistic investigations, we seek to understand how carbon–carbon and carbon–hydrogen bonds in polymers can be selectively activated under remarkably mild conditions. Our work has demonstrated efficient solar-driven conversion of polyolefin plastics into liquid hydrocarbons without external heating or molecular hydrogen, revealing new possibilities for sustainable plastic circularity. More broadly, we aim to establish the fundamental chemistry required for converting complex polymer waste into valuable chemical feedstocks using renewable energy
Using Sunlight to Convert Plastic Waste into Valuable Chemicals
Plastic pollution has emerged as one of the defining environmental challenges of the twenty-first century. Conventional recycling often produces lower-value materials and requires large energy inputs, limiting its long-term sustainability. Our laboratory explores fundamentally new catalytic strategies that transform waste plastics directly into high-value chemicals and fuels using sunlight as the primary energy source.
By combining plasmonic catalysis, catalyst interface engineering, and mechanistic investigations, we seek to understand how carbon–carbon and carbon–hydrogen bonds in polymers can be selectively activated under remarkably mild conditions. Our work has demonstrated efficient solar-driven conversion of polyolefin plastics into liquid hydrocarbons without external heating or molecular hydrogen, revealing new possibilities for sustainable plastic circularity. More broadly, we aim to establish the fundamental chemistry required for converting complex polymer waste into valuable chemical feedstocks using renewable energy
Selected Publications: 1) Nature Communications 2020, 11, Article number: 3828. 2) Chemical Science 2026, 17, 1592-1603. 3) Chemical Science 2024, 15, 20240-20250.
6. Operando Chemistry and Catalyst Mechanisms
Watching Catalysts at Work
Catalysts are dynamic materials that continuously evolve during chemical reactions, making the identification of true active sites one of the greatest challenges in heterogeneous catalysis. Our research focuses on uncovering the molecular mechanisms that govern catalytic activity by directly observing catalysts under realistic operating conditions. We combine advanced operando and in situ characterization, including synchrotron-based X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS), HERFD-XANES, X-ray emission spectroscopy, operando infrared spectroscopy, solid-state NMR, and atomic-resolution TEM/STEM-EELS, with kinetic studies and theoretical modelling to monitor structural evolution, electronic changes, reaction intermediates, and bond activation in real time. By establishing fundamental structure–mechanism–function relationships, we seek to understand how catalysts truly work and use these insights to rationally design next-generation catalysts for CO₂ conversion, solar fuel production, hydrogen generation, plastic upcycling, and other sustainable chemical transformations.
Watching Catalysts at Work
Catalysts are dynamic materials that continuously evolve during chemical reactions, making the identification of true active sites one of the greatest challenges in heterogeneous catalysis. Our research focuses on uncovering the molecular mechanisms that govern catalytic activity by directly observing catalysts under realistic operating conditions. We combine advanced operando and in situ characterization, including synchrotron-based X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS), HERFD-XANES, X-ray emission spectroscopy, operando infrared spectroscopy, solid-state NMR, and atomic-resolution TEM/STEM-EELS, with kinetic studies and theoretical modelling to monitor structural evolution, electronic changes, reaction intermediates, and bond activation in real time. By establishing fundamental structure–mechanism–function relationships, we seek to understand how catalysts truly work and use these insights to rationally design next-generation catalysts for CO₂ conversion, solar fuel production, hydrogen generation, plastic upcycling, and other sustainable chemical transformations.
