Modulating the surface structure and composition of catalysts is essential to tuning their catalytic performance. Inspired by proteins, which utilize domains to express different functions, we aim to develop modular catalysts, allowing additive functionality toward enhanced catalytic performance and complex products.

Real-time imaging of nanocrystals under operando conditions is crucial in understanding their structure-performance relationship given the heterogeneity in structure and composition across nanocrystals and their motion and shape evolution during reactions. Using liquid-phase electron microscopy (EM), we aim to develop simultaneous imaging and product detection methods to correlate surface structure with performance, integrating with novel chip designs to allow characterization under more realistic conditions.

Ref: Science 360, 783–787 (2018)

Recent breakthroughs in CO2 and nitrate reduction highlight its potential in converting greenhouse gases and pollutants into fuels and fertilizers. We aim to develop electrochemical ways to synthesize C3+ organic compounds from common small molecules, integrating tandem catalysts with cascade reactor design.