Research Area

Ongoing Projects:

Our research focuses on the development of photocatalytic technologies for sustainable chemical transformations, renewable energy conversion, and carbon-neutral fuel and chemical production using solar energy.

1. Photocatalytic Carbon–Carbon and Carbon–Nitrogen Coupling Reactions

Objective: Develop photocatalytic pathways for efficient C–C and C–N bond formation to enable sustainable production of value-added chemicals and pharmaceutical intermediates using solar energy. Students involved: Shivam Kumar, Giovanna Pereira, Roshan Kumar

2. Photocatalytic Dry Reforming of Methane

Objective: Convert methane and carbon dioxide into syngas via photocatalytic dry reforming, enabling simultaneous greenhouse gas utilization and storage of solar energy in the form of chemical fuels. Students involved: Giovanna Pereira, Hannah, and Tung Vu

3. Photocatalytic Ammonia Synthesis

Objective: Develop solar light-driven photocatalytic routes for ammonia synthesis as a sustainable pathway toward solar fertilizers and solar fuels, reducing dependence on energy-intensive Haber–Bosch processes. Student involved: Shivam Kumar and Lan

4. Photocatalytic Oxidative Dehydrogenation of Ethane Using CO₂

Objective: Achieve simultaneous valorization of carbon dioxide and ethane by photocatalytic oxidative dehydrogenation, producing carbon monoxide and ethylene using solar energy. Students involved: Tung Vu, Emmanuel, and Giovanna Pereira

5. Photocatalytic Oxidative Dehydrogenation of Propane Using CO₂

Objective: Develop a solar-driven photocatalytic process for oxidative dehydrogenation of propane using CO₂ as a soft oxidant, enabling concurrent conversion of CO₂ to CO and propane to propylene. Student involved: Oluwaseun Akinrinde

6. Photocatalytic Hydrogenation of CO₂ in the Condensed Phase

Objective: Investigate condensed-phase photocatalytic hydrogenation of CO₂ for the production of solar liquid fuels, enabling efficient carbon recycling and renewable fuel generation. Student involved: Sarang

7. Photocatalytic Partial Oxidation of Propylene for Solar Chemical Production

Objective:
This project focuses on the photocatalytic partial oxidation of propylene to selectively produce high-value solar chemicals such as propylene oxide and acrolein. The goal is to develop an energy-efficient and sustainable pathway for renewable chemical generation by harnessing solar energy and advanced photocatalyst materials. Student involved: Roshan Kumar