Chemical reactions and surface phenomena—whether in catalysis, or sensing—begin at the atomic level, where molecules interact with solid surfaces. In many conventional metal-based materials, molecules adsorb onto a variety of surface sites, such as terraces, edges, and interfaces. These diverse binding sites can trigger multiple, often competing, reaction pathways or signal responses.

  To precisely guide these interactions, we need to engineer the structure and electronic properties of metals at the atomic scale. By tuning the size, shape, composition, and surface environment of metal domains, we can control how molecules bind and react, or how they trigger a measurable signal in sensing systems. This approach enables us to design materials with high selectivity, stability, and efficiency, tailored for specific applications.

  A key question in developing functional metal-based materials is: how should we control their structure to guide specific molecular interactions? The answer begins with understanding how molecules adsorb onto metal surfaces.

  For simple molecules that bind through a single coordination point, isolated single-atom sites are often ideal. In contrast, larger or more complex molecules, which require multi-point or bridging adsorption, demand more extended metal ensembles. Designing the proper structure starts with identifying the nature of the adsorbate–surface interaction.

  Another essential factor is composition. Precious metals often exhibit excellent activity or selectivity but are expensive and scarce. To reduce their usage, earth-abundant transition metals with similar adsorption behavior were incorporated. These can be integrated through alloying, bimetallic coupling, or even as physically separated mixtures—each strategy offering a different mode of tuning reactivity or preventing surface poisoning by reactants or impurities.

  Ultimately, these structural and compositional decisions aim to create precise electronic environments around active metal centers. By tailoring these electronic states, we can guide surface reactions or sensing responses with high fidelity.

  To achieve this, I have developed materials featuring single-atom active sites and core–shell architectures that provide both atomic precision and structural robustness.

Selected highlights from this research include:

Angewandte Chemie (2025), e202421218, selected as a Hot Paper    ⬅️ (click to visit)
Angewandte Chemie (2023), 135.30: e202306017, also selected as a Hot Paper   ⬅️ (click to visit)

  A crucial part of my research lies in understanding of structure–function relationships, enabled by a wide range of advanced characterization techniques. I am proficient in using standard analytical tools such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and Raman spectroscopy to examine the structural and chemical properties of materials.

  What sets my expertise apart is my extensive experience in in-situ and operando studies, where material behavior is analyzed directly under realistic reaction or sensing conditions. I have conducted in-situ DRIFTS, Raman, XAFS, and AP-XPS experiments to probe reaction intermediates, surface states, and active site evolution with time and environment.

  In addition, I have performed numerous experiments at synchrotron X-ray beamlines, including XAFS, ambient-pressure XPS (AP-XPS), and high-resolution XRD, allowing me to resolve atomic-scale structural changes and electronic shifts with high precision. These techniques have been pivotal in dissecting catalytic and sensing mechanisms, especially when investigating single-atom or interface-dominated systems.

  By combining material design with mechanistic insight, I aim to develop functional systems that are not only efficient but also fundamentally understood—enabling rational improvement and application.

  My research is grounded in extensive hands-on experience with thermochemical catalytic reactions and their associated reactor systems. I have worked with both batch and continuous-flow systems, including high-temperature conversion of methane and reverse water gas shift (RWGS) reactions for CO₂ utilization. Additionally, I have developed catalysts for ammonia decomposition, and built high-pressure catalytic systems operating up to 40 bar, giving me deep expertise in designing and operating complex high-temperature and high-pressure reaction setups.

  Beyond catalyst screening, I have actively explored the design and fabrication of structured catalyst modules. This includes synthesis and shaping of catalyst materials into pellets, beads, cylindrical forms, and monolithic structures, enabling their direct integration into real-world reactor environments.

  Building on this foundation, I am now expanding my research into the field of gas sensing, particularly by applying atomic-level catalyst design principles to sensor materials. My current focus is on developing single-atom-based sensing materials and fabricating integrated sensor modules through 3D printing technologies. These efforts aim to create sensitive, selective, and robust sensing systems capable of detecting target molecules under realistic operating conditions.

  This transition reflects my broader goal: to bridge fundamental materials engineering with functional applications in both catalysis and sensing. At ETH Zürich's Human-Centered Sensing Laboratory (HSL), I am exploring how atomic-scale control over metal structures can be harnessed to realize the next generation of gas sensor platforms.