My research interests and achievements focus on fundamental understanding of catalytic processes and development of highly active (or selective) and durable catalysts for the reactions of industrial importance, especially for energy conversion and storage. I establish a research system that connects fundamental investigation on well-defined extended surfaces (e.g. single crystal surfaces), extrapolation onto nanocrystals with highly controlled shape and size, exploration of interfacial interaction using novel nanocrystal superlattices as platform, and finally design of high performance catalysts in which all the possible beneficial properties from complex functional structures are implemented.The fundamental understanding of correlationship between materials structure and catalytic properties is the key to design new catalysts with desired properties. The very first step would be to understand the most simplified surface processes using well-defined extended surfaces and computer-powered theoretical simulations. However, the real catalysts used in industrial processes are mainly nanomaterials that take advantage of their high surface-to-volume ratio. It is necessary to confirm that the desirable properties found in simplified cases are actually functioning in the nanomaterials. Therefore, well-defined nanocrystals with exposed surfaces mimicking the simplified surfaces which are used in theoretical studies are highly valuable and appreciated.Besides desired surfaces, the interactions among the components within the catalysts are also important. Because of certain desired metal-metal or metal-oxide interfacial interactions that promote catalysis or introduce synergistic effect, in additional to well-controlled size and shape, the structures rendering the desired interactions are needed to carry out the investigation of interfacial effects. I first used superlattice nanocrystals as platform to study the catalysis at interfaces.Finally, with all the knowledge learned from theoretical studies and investigation on model materials, I am able to design catalyst that incorporates the beneficial properties in a single nanostructure, and ultimately to direct the production of real catalysts.

Catalytic materials for energy conversion and storage: From theory to product

248th National Meeting (2014)

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