About the group

Terlier Research Group

The Terlier Research Group operates within the Shared Equipment Authority (SEA) at Rice University and is closely aligned with SEA’s mission to advance cutting-edge instrumentation, methodologies, and user training for complex materials characterization. A dedicated portion of the group’s effort is focused on securing external funding to support the mentoring and training of students in the development of next-generation analytical tools that extend well beyond routine or established measurement approaches.

By hosting and mentoring students at the undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral levels, the group seeks to build a collaborative research ecosystem centered on instrument innovation and methodological development. This ecosystem is designed to transform advanced characterization platforms into adaptable research tools capable of probing complex materials, interfaces, and reactions under realistic operating conditions.

The research program is organized around four primary thematic areas:

Operando SIMS Measurements
Development of operando and in situ Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (SIMS) methodologies, including the design and fabrication of customized electrochemical cells enabling in situ electrical biasing for electrochemical reactions, as well as temperature-controlled environments for investigating thermally driven processes.

Multimodal and Correlative Imaging
Integration of two- and three-dimensional ToF-SIMS with advanced Scanning Probe Microscopy (SPM) techniques. This includes the use of complementary modes such as Electrostatic Force Microscopy (EFM), Magnetic Force Microscopy (MFM), and Force-distance Spectroscopy to achieve comprehensive chemical, physical, and functional characterization at the nanoscale.

Artificial Intelligence–Enabled SIMS
Application of machine learning, image recognition, and data mining strategies to SIMS datasets to enable high-throughput analysis, automated feature extraction, and predictive interpretation of complex chemical images and depth profiles.

Plasma Catalysis for Decarbonization and Metal Refining
Investigation of plasma-assisted catalytic processes with an emphasis on decarbonization technologies and advanced metal refining. This theme combines plasma chemistry with in situ and operando surface analysis to establish structure/property/reactivity relationships.

Collectively, the Terlier Research Group aims to bridge instrumentation development, data science, and applied materials research, while training the next generation of scientists and engineers to operate at the intersection of advanced analytics, energy technologies, and sustainable materials innovation.