Abstract: Heterogeneous catalysis plays a critical role in converting hydrocarbons from fossil fuels into value-added chemicals. The selective activation and functionalization of carbon–hydrogen (C–H) bonds in hydrocarbons remains a central challenge in heterogeneous catalysis due to the intrinsic stability of these bonds.  My research focuses on designing well-defined heterogeneous catalysts to promote C–H bond activation. The investigation of advanced characterization techniques and computational simulations benefits to exploring the nature of catalytic active sites and reaction mechanisms. These insights enable the development of more effective catalysts for energy-efficient hydrocarbon transformation. 

Bio: Yuting (Emily) Li is the Scientist I in the Division of Chemistry & Biology Science, Ames National Laboratory. Emily obtained a PhD degree in Chemical Engineering from University of Kansas. After four years of postdoc work in Ames National Laboratory, she became the staff scientist in October 2024. Her research is interested in the development of novel heterogeneous catalysts for chemical transformation of hydrocarbons via C-H bond activation/functionalization and the fundamental understanding of the authentic structures of catalysts at an atomic/molecular level through multiple characterization approaches.