FACt Group

Where we publish

Overview

Our research is centered on synthesizing catalysts, evaluating targeted reactions, and exploring structure-activity relationships via advanced catalyst characterizations for the valorization of sustainable carbon resources, such as biomass and biogas (CH4 and CO2). Using the bottom-up 'SEE Catal' strategy, we aim to uncover the fundamental principles of heterogeneous catalysis, guiding the precise engineering of active sites and their surrounding environment. Our goal is to develop efficient catalysts and optimal reaction systems based on the in-depth understanding of catalytic reaction mechanism, advancing the industrial catalytic utilization of sustainable carbon resources.

Biogas conversion: enabling sustainable bioplastic manufacturing

The oxidative dehydrogenation of methane with CO2 (CO2-OCM) as the oxidant is particularly attractive due to its high concentration in resources such as biogas. However, raw biogas remains largely underutilized, primarily burned for heat and electricity or upgraded to biomethane, largely due to the lack of efficient OCM technologies. Our research focuses on engineering the size of binary metal active sites and investigating how size influences their geometric structure, electronic properties, and redox behavior. We also examine how these changes impact catalytic CO2-OCM performance. Ultimately, our goal is to design more efficient catalysts for CO2-OCM, accelerating the valorization of organic waste.

Direct methane pyrolysis into hydrogen and value-added carbon

We are interested in direct methane pyrolysis as a sustainable pathway for producing hydrogen while simultaneously generating valuable carbon materials. This process offers a carbon-neutral alternative to conventional hydrogen production and transforms methane into high-performance carbon products, such as carbon nanotubes, graphite, or graphene. My research focuses on developing efficient catalysts and reactor designs to enhance methane conversion, control carbon morphology, and optimize the economic viability of this technology.

Electrochemical conversion of fatty acids into hydrocarbons and oxygenates

We are interested in the electrochemical conversion of biomass-derived fatty acids into value-added hydrocarbons and oxygenates, such as long-chain fatty aldehydes. This approach provides a sustainable route for upgrading renewable lipid feedstocks into fuels, fragrances, and specialty chemicals under mild reaction conditions. Our research focuses on designing efficient electrocatalysts, controlling reaction pathways and product selectivity, and understanding how catalyst structure, electrolyte composition, and operating conditions influence the formation of hydrocarbons and oxygenated products. Ultimately, our goal is to develop selective and energy-efficient electrochemical processes for the valorization of biomass-derived lipids.

Non-thermal plasma conversion of methane into methanol and value-added chemicals

We are interested in utilizing non-thermal dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma to directly convert methane with water or air into methanol and other value-added oxygenates under mild conditions. Unlike conventional thermocatalytic processes, non-thermal plasma activates stable molecules through energetic electrons, enabling low-temperature methane functionalization with improved energy efficiency. Our research focuses on the design of plasma-assisted catalytic reactors, the development of advanced plasma catalysts, and the fundamental understanding of plasma–catalyst interactions. Ultimately, our goal is to develop efficient and scalable plasma-catalytic technologies for sustainable methane valorization and distributed chemical manufacturing.

Spectroscopy (in situ)

We are fascinated by understanding reaction mechanisms, particularly the dynamics of active sites and reactive intermediates through in situ techniques. We believe that next-generation catalyst design requires a deeper understanding of reaction mechanisms, enabling a shift from the conventional "cook-and-look" approach to a more efficient, rational design strategy.

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