In Chen Group, we study heterogeneous catalysis to advance future sustainability and renewability. We use interdisciplinary approaches to target chemical transformations with energy and environmental applications, such as polymer waste upcycling, hydrogen storage/release, CO2 mitigation, and biomass utilization.
We use spectroscopic and kinetic tools to study how catalyst surfaces look like during the reaction at the atomic level, and how molecules react on them. In this way we can learn WHY the catalysts work in the reactions, WHAT catalyst structures are more effective, and HOW to improve the efficiency of the reactions. Based on these scientific principles, we rationally design next-generation catalytic materials and processes.