Research

Electrons originating from wind and solar power make it possible to reimagine global industries with electrified parts and processes, including molecular transformations that support a sustainable and circular carbon economy. We study and design electrocatalysts to facilitate these transformations, so CO2 and other waste chemicals can be recycled to useful products, instead of accumulating in the environment. 

Our key research areas include:

• Fundamental Electrocatalysis: Renewable electrons transform CO2 and other molecules at the solid-liquid interface of an electrocatalyst. We use surface-sensitive techniques to study and optimize these interactions.

• Continuous Flow Reactor Operation: Electron-driven chemical transformations must be performed at large-scale to have significant impact on global sustainability goals. We use electrochemical flow cells to reach high reaction rates, while monitoring catalyst behavior with in-situ measurements.

• Sustainable Transformations: Electrocatalysis research should support the broader picture of global sustainability. We use chemical engineering fundamentals combined with our experimental expertise to identify, evaluate, and optimize sustainable electron-driven chemical transformations.