Our research addresses materials for carbon resource utilization, light-driven conversion, hydrogen storage and electrochemical reactions. We examine how composition, microscopic structure and interfacial interactions affect reaction processes. Starting with molecular adsorption and activation, we connect charge transfer, mass transport and material stability to understand the relationship between structural changes and functional behavior.
Thermodynamics describes reaction driving forces and equilibrium conditions; kinetics addresses rates and pathways; surface and interface chemistry connects material structures with molecular interactions. In photocatalytic and electrochemical systems, band structure, charge transport and interfacial reactions together provide a basis for understanding energy conversion and comparing material design strategies.
A shared approach is to let specific scientific questions guide material design, comparing synthesis conditions, structural analysis and performance evaluation. In situ characterization, reaction kinetics and theoretical analysis help interpret mechanisms. Evaluation considers activity and selectivity alongside structural evolution during cycling and suitability under relevant application conditions.
Carbon resources and selective catalysis
We study the conversion of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, syngas and biomass-derived molecules, focusing on the composition, spatial relationships and adsorption behavior of active sites. By tuning metals, supports and interfaces, we explore links between reactant activation, carbon-containing intermediates and product selectivity, with an emphasis on lower alcohols and oxygenated chemicals.
Cooperation between active sites and reaction pathways
A central question in carbon conversion is how to activate reactants at suitable sites and direct subsequent steps toward the desired products. For carbon monoxide hydrogenation and alcohol synthesis, we examine whether metal sites in different chemical states offer complementary functions, and how their separation and interfacial contact influence intermediate adsorption and further reaction. Weak adsorption can limit activation, while overly strong binding can hinder subsequent conversion or product release. The individual steps therefore need to be coordinated. Relating catalyst composition and changes in oxidation state to product distributions helps clarify competition between carbon–carbon bond formation, hydrogenation and oxygen removal.
Metal–support interactions and structural evolution
Supports influence metal dispersion and can modify the reaction environment through surface groups, defects and interfacial charge interactions. Supported metals and metal oxide composites provide systems for studying relationships among particle size, local coordination and mesoscale structure. Detailed structural analysis and in situ characterization help examine changes under reaction conditions. Adsorption and interface studies in reactions such as carbon monoxide oxidation also provide a mechanistic basis for understanding why different reactions require different active structures.
Selective conversion of biomass-derived molecules
Biomass-derived syngas and oxygen-containing platform molecules offer distinct routes for utilizing carbon resources. In syngas-to-alcohol conversion and the hydrogenation of biomass-derived molecules, we examine how metals and promoters change molecular binding at the surface, influencing the transformation of different functional groups and the resulting selectivity. Attention to composition, structure and reaction conditions supports designs that coordinate desired product formation with catalyst stability.
Comparisons between catalytic systems require conversion and selectivity to be interpreted under the relevant reaction conditions, together with structural changes before and after use. Cross-checking adsorbed species, reaction rates and products helps distinguish surface reactions, transport limitations and deactivation, building structure–performance relationships that explain catalytic behavior.
Photocatalysis for energy and environmental applications
Carbon nitride, metal sulfides and their composites provide the main material systems for investigating the connection between light absorption, charge separation and surface reactions. Molecular, defect and heterointerface design informs research on photocatalytic hydrogen production, hydrogen peroxide synthesis and pollutant transformation, while extending our understanding of carbon dioxide reduction and self-cleaning functional films.
From light absorption to surface reactions
Absorbing photons of suitable energy produces electronic excitation in a semiconductor, followed by charge separation, migration and recombination. Band positions influence which oxidation and reduction processes are energetically accessible, while surface reaction rates determine whether charges reaching the interface can be used effectively. Light absorption, charge transport and reaction sites must therefore work together. Research on carbon nitride frameworks and their molecular connections examines the relationship between optical response, local electronic structure and charge migration. Semiconductor–cocatalyst composites allow us to consider how interfacial contact and band alignment affect charge separation. Connecting these structures with surface chemistry helps identify limitations in light utilization and guide changes in composition and morphology.
Defects, molecular junctions and reaction selectivity
Defects and dopants can modify adsorption sites and local electronic structure, but they can also introduce charge recombination centers. Their effects depend on their type, distribution and relationship to reaction sites. We consider molecular connections, pores and defects in carbon nitride, as well as interfaces between sulfides and phosphides. Photocatalytic hydrogen peroxide synthesis involves selective oxygen reduction and, under suitable conditions, water oxidation pathways; both peroxide formation and decomposition need to be examined. Hydrogen production involves cooperation between the semiconductor and cocatalyst, including electron and proton participation in surface reactions. Evaluation distinguishes hydrogen evolution with sacrificial agents from overall water splitting. For photocatalytic carbon dioxide reduction, defect type, adsorption, activation and charge utilization provide a framework for examining material design questions.
Pollutant transformation and self-cleaning films
Environmental applications require reaction activity to be considered alongside how the material is used. Research on the photocatalytic transformation of organic pollutants examines light absorption, surface contact and composite structures. For self-cleaning glass surfaces, the focus extends to nanofilm growth, hydrophilic groups and optical properties. Hydrophilicity helps water spread and rinse the surface, while photocatalysis acts on susceptible organic contaminants. Pollutant adsorption, transformation and further mineralization require separate evaluation. Transmission-enhancing, hydrophilic and photocatalytic functions place different demands on structure. Studying the coordination of film composition and surface state provides a basis for evaluating behavior under relevant illumination and service conditions.
Hydrogen storage and catalytic release
Research on magnesium-based solid-state storage and chemical hydrogen carriers such as formic acid focuses on reaction kinetics and interfacial interactions during hydrogen uptake and release. Nanostructures, catalytic sites and composite protective layers offer routes to examine the relationships among activity, reversibility and stability, connecting hydrogen storage and controlled release with material protection.
Reversible hydrogen uptake and release in magnesium-based materials
Solid-state hydrogen storage requires a combined understanding of capacity, operating conditions and reaction rates. For nanostructured magnesium and magnesium hydride, we consider hydrogen–material reactions, phase transformations and structural changes during cycling. The reversible process can be written as Mg + H₂ ⇌ MgH₂: temperature and hydrogen partial pressure affect equilibrium, while hydrogen dissociation and recombination, diffusion and the formation of new phases affect rates. Nickel-containing and lanthanum-containing components and their composites provide ways to study how active interfaces influence these steps, with kinetic improvements distinguished from changes in equilibrium thermodynamics.
The storage component and added components must also be considered together. Catalytic and protective functions are evaluated within the complete material, relating uptake and release conditions, reversible capacity and cycling behavior to the effects and applicability of interfacial design.
Composite interfaces and protective nanofilms
Nanoscale structures increase contact with the surrounding environment, making surface conditions and protection especially relevant. Composites incorporating polymers, boron nitride, carbon nanotubes or two-dimensional materials provide opportunities to examine interfacial contact, surface active sites and defects in surface terminations. Synthesis approaches involving magnetron sputtering, glancing-angle deposition and plasma polymerization inform studies of film growth and protective-layer structure. These connect air stability with hydrogen transport and reaction activity. Nanosizing can shorten diffusion distances, while protective layers regulate environmental exposure. Evaluation also considers transport through the coating and the effect of added components on the usable hydrogen capacity of the complete composite.
Catalytic release from chemical hydrogen carriers
Formic acid dehydrogenation releases hydrogen through HCOOH → H₂ + CO₂. The competing dehydration pathway, HCOOH → CO + H₂O, produces carbon monoxide, making reaction rate and gas selectivity joint design concerns. Supported palladium catalysts provide systems for studying how metal particles, basic support sites and defects affect molecular adsorption and activation. Research considers the composition and morphology of carbon nitride and oxide supports, relating metal–support interactions to reaction pathways. Hydrogen release, product selectivity and catalyst stability are evaluated together to explore suitable active structures. Carrier sourcing, regeneration and operating conditions also inform the applicability of chemical hydrogen storage.
Electrocatalysis and functional energy materials
Polyoxometalates and their derivatives, metal-containing composites and conductive frameworks provide systems for examining how composition, crystal phase, morphology and electronic structure affect electrochemical reactions. Research addresses hydrogen evolution, oxygen evolution, urea oxidation and related energy-storage materials. Work on films and polymer composites extends interfacial design to conductivity, surface reactions and material performance in use.
Polyoxometalate-based materials and structural control
Polyoxometalates are compounds typically built from discrete anionic metal–oxygen clusters with tunable compositions and connectivity. Their redox properties and modes of connection provide a foundation for designing active sites at the molecular scale. Immobilization on supports or conversion into derived electrode materials offers further control over local coordination, conductive contact and the interfacial environment. Research examines how polyoxometalate units are fixed, covalently connected or transformed, and how their structures are retained or altered under reaction conditions. Elemental doping, mixed crystal phases and hierarchical morphologies help connect the local environment of active sites with the overall electrode structure and its reaction behavior.
Interfacial reconstruction and electrochemical hydrogen production
An electrode's initial structure can change under operating conditions, so the as-prepared material needs to be related to its active working state. Nickel sulfides, layered double hydroxides and nickel foam provide systems for examining surface modification, interfacial contact and electrochemical reconstruction. Water electrolysis couples cathodic hydrogen evolution with anodic oxygen evolution and requires electrical energy. Overpotential, electron and ion transport, and gas removal all affect practical operation. Urea-assisted hydrogen production instead pairs a urea-consuming anodic process with cathodic hydrogen evolution, requiring evaluation of both products and electricity use. Research therefore compares reaction combinations, electrode working states and stability, using product analysis and Faradaic efficiency to understand the fraction of charge contributing to the intended reaction.
Energy storage and related functional composites
Electrochemical energy storage concerns the reversible storage and release of charge. Work on polyoxometalate-based materials connects the structural requirements of electrocatalysis with those of storage. Composite designs combining conductive frameworks, metal-containing components and porous structures draw attention to electrode interfaces and transport. Related functional materials include flexible conductive films, biosensing materials and lightweight epoxy composites. Conductive networks affect electrical signal transport, surface functionalization influences recognition and response, and filler distribution and interfacial bonding affect the behavior of lightweight composite structures. These fields share interfacial design approaches while evaluating cycling retention, response selectivity or structural stability according to their respective uses.