Catalysis and Surface Chemistry

Research

Research at the Catalysis and Surface Chemistry group is comprised of the following research themes:

Electrocatalysis for sustainable energy (Marc Koper)

Marc Koper’s research focuses on electrocatalysis and electrochemical surface science for sustainable energy and chemistry. Reactions of interest are the redox reactions of the oxygen/hydrogen cycle (water oxidation, hydrogen evolution), the carbon cycle (reduction of carbon dioxide, oxidation of small organic molecules) and the nitrogen cycle (oxidation of ammonia, reduction of nitrate). Read more

Surface and Interface Science (Irene Groot)

The nanoscale structure of a catalyst under reaction conditions determines its activity, selectivity, and stability. For the production of sustainable energy and materials, new catalysts are needed. By understanding the structure-activity relationships of catalysts under reaction conditions, insight in the development of these new catalysts can be obtained. Using in situ imaging techniques under industrial conditions, we are currently studying Fischer-Tropsch synthesis, NO reduction and oxidation, hydrodesulfurization, and chlorine production. Read more

Redox catalysis for a sustainable energy infrastructure (Dennis Hetterscheid)

The main research theme in my group is to understand and mimic bioinorganic multi-electron processes that are relevant to our future energy infrastructure. Reduction of protons generates hydrogen that can be used as a chemical fuel. Alternatively to gaseous hydrogen, the reduction of carbon dioxide can afford a liquid carbon based fuel. In case of both reactions protons and electrons are necessary which are generated by oxidation of water to produce dioxygen. We focus in particular on molecular catalysts that allow for specific structural modifications in order to tune and control the observed catalytic activity. Read more

Gas-surface reaction dynamics and surface science (Ludo Juurlink)

The local ordering of atoms at the surface of a metallic particle determines its catalytic activity and selectivity. As energy systems of the future will be based on efficient catalytic conversion of small molecules in closed cycles, we study how structural effects of catalysts can be used to our advantage. Read more

Operando Research in Electrochemistry (Rik Mom)

The central theme of Rik Mom’s research group is to identify what the electrode-electrolyte interface looks like when electrocatalysis is taking place. Using specialized forms of Raman and X-ray spectroscopy, we study the chemical state and bonding environment of the electrode surface and near-surface electrolyte.  From the correlation of this chemical structure with the catalytic activity and electrode stability, we want to learn which structural features need to be controlled in order to create efficient and durable electrocatalytic processes. Our current research is focused on fuel cell and electrolyzer catalysis. Read more