Research

We aim to understand how catalyst surfaces govern molecular transformations and selectivity by integrating custom-built high-temperature microreactors, in situ spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry. A key focus is developing catalytic strategies for challenging chemical transformations, including C–H activation and the conversion and remediation of persistent pollutants. By integrating reaction dynamics, surface chemistry, and catalyst design, we seek to uncover efficient, selective, and sustainable pathways for complex molecular transformations with applications in environmental remediation and chemical synthesis.

J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2026, 148, 10205-10215

Anal. Chem. 2025, 97, 22846-22857

Nature Communications 2025, 16, 6793

J. Phys. Chem. Lett. 2023, 14, 9341-9350

Astrochemical processes drive the emergence of molecular complexity in deep space, with particular emphasis on the bottom-up formation and mass growth of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The role of resonantly stabilized radicals (RSRs) and their reactions in enabling efficient carbon–carbon bond formation under the extreme conditions of circumstellar and interstellar environments is investigated. By combining gas-phase spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, controlled reaction environments, and computational chemistry, the elementary reaction pathways governing aromatic growth and the emergence of complex carbonaceous matter in space are elucidated.

Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2026, 65, e8986387

Atmospheric environments provide a unique setting where temperature, phase, and composition can profoundly alter chemical pathways. Our research focuses on low-temperature transformations occurring within and on liquid droplets and ice particles, exploring how condensed-phase environments influence molecular reactivity and chemical complexity. These processes are simulated under conditions relevant not only to Earth’s clouds and aerosols, but also to planetary and extraterrestrial atmospheres. Particular emphasis is placed on understanding how phase transitions and confined environments open reaction pathways that may remain inaccessible in the gas phase.

J. Phys. Chem. A 2026, 130, 229-241

Chem. Sci. 2025, 16, 11039-11048

PNAS 2025, 122, e2425543122

Energetic materials undergo extremely rapid combustion reactions involving complex and highly coupled chemical pathways, making their molecular-level chemistry particularly challenging to unravel. Research in this area encompasses hypergolic ionic liquids, metal-based fuels, and next-generation aerospace propellants, with emphasis on understanding their ignition and fast reaction chemistry. Innovative experimental approaches, including laser-assisted ignition and controlled droplet-merging strategies enable the capture and interrogation of these transient processes. Such studies aim to establish molecular-level understanding of ignition, reactivity and energy release providing insights toward the development of advanced and efficient aerospace fuels.

Chem. Eur. J. 2025, 31, e202500593

J. Phys. Chem. Lett. 2025, 16, 1831-1839

Chem. Sci. 2024, 15, 1480-1487

We develop novel experimental methods to probe chemical reactions and physical transformations under extreme, diverse, and confined conditions that are challenging to access with conventional approaches. Integration of complementary spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and imaging tools with custom-designed reactors and environmental chambers enable investigations of transient chemistry in droplets, aerosols, ice, interfaces, gas phase and confined environments, as well as under extreme thermal, photochemical, and pressure conditions. We also develop methodologies for atmospheric monitoring and real-time detection of reactive and low-abundance species, establishing versatile platforms for studying complex chemical processes across environmental, atmospheric, astrochemical, catalytic, and combustion systems.

PNAS 2025, 122, e2425543122

J. Phys. Chem. Lett. 2023, 14, 9341-9350

Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys. 2023, 25, 6602-6625

Weakly bound molecular complexes provide a window into the subtle intermolecular interactions that govern molecular structure and reactivity. High-resolution spectroscopy including vibrationally resolved laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) of supersonic molecular beams and matrix-isolation spectroscopy, enables characterization of hydrogen-bonded and other non-covalently bound complexes at molecular resolution. These approaches reveal bonding interactions, interaction strengths, conformational preferences, and cluster structures, while spectral signatures of different complexes provide insights into inter-cluster interactions and reactivity. Such studies help establish how weak intermolecular forces influence molecular recognition, aggregation, energy redistribution, and chemical transformation.

J. Phys. Chem. A 2020, 124, 5896-5906

J. Phys. Chem. A 2020, 124, 7259-7270  

J. Phys. Chem. A 2019, 123, 10563-10570