What we do...
Our research focuses on heterogeneous electrochemical and photoelectrochemical interfaces in liquid environments. At these interfaces, light, electrons, ions, molecules, and catalysts interact dynamically to drive chemical transformations. By integrating catalyst design, photoelectrode architecture, sustainable electrosynthesis, and operando analysis, we aim to understand and control interfacial processes that enable clean energy conversion and sustainable chemical production.
Research Pillar 1
Designing dynamic (photo)electrochemical interfaces
for efficient & durable chemical conversion
We design electrocatalytic interfaces that can efficiently drive energy-conversion reactions under demanding operating conditions. Rather than focusing only on the initial structure of a catalyst, we investigate how active surfaces form, evolve, and stabilize during reaction. By controlling morphology, interfacial chemistry, electronic structure, and mass transport pathways, we aim to establish general design principles for robust and efficient electrocatalysts.
Research Pillar 2
Building light-responsive interfaces that guide charges toward productive chemical reactions.
We develop photoelectrochemical systems in which light absorption, charge separation, and catalytic reactions are integrated at solid-liquid interfaces. Our research focuses on how photogenerated charges move across complex interfacial architectures and how catalyst placement, illumination geometry, and surface chemistry influence reaction efficiency. Through this approach, we seek to create photoelectrodes that convert solar energy into chemical energy with improved selectivity and stability.
Research Pillar 3
Transforming renewable electrons and waste-derived feedstocks into valuable chemical products.
We explore electrochemical and photoelectrochemical strategies for converting abundant or waste-derived molecules into useful fuels and chemicals. Our work emphasizes reaction systems where electron transfer, proton transfer, bond activation, and product selectivity are governed by the local catalytic environment. By coupling oxidation and reduction processes, we aim to develop more sustainable pathways for chemical production and resource upcycling.
Research Pillar 4
Watching electrochemical interfaces operate in real time
to reveal the origins of performance.
We probe electrochemical and photoelectrochemical interfaces under working conditions to understand how local reaction environments determine performance. Using in situ and operando methods, we visualize and quantify processes such as charge transfer, mass transport, interfacial restructuring, local concentration changes, and reaction heterogeneity. These studies allow us to connect microscopic interfacial dynamics with macroscopic catalytic activity, selectivity, and durability.