Michael D. Zott

Michael D. Zott is a Postdoctoral Fellow in Chemistry at the University of Pennsylvania, specializing in catalytic interconversion of nitrogen and ammonia for sustainable energy and agricultural applications. His work focuses on developing Earth-abundant iron catalysts to enable ammonia's use as a carbon-free fuel and advance sustainable fertilizer production.

Education:

• Bachelor of Science in Chemistry with minor in Physics, Georgia Institute of Technology, 2018

Research Interests: Michael's core expertise lies in inorganic chemistry and catalysis, specifically designing iron-based catalysts for ammonia oxidation (NH₃→N₂) and electrochemical ammonia synthesis (N₂→NH₃). His research bridges sustainable energy storage and global food security, addressing critical challenges in carbon-free fuel development and nitrogen-cycle chemistry through innovative electrocatalytic techniques.

Awards and Honors:

• Resnick Graduate Research Fellow

Mentorship and Research Guidance: During doctoral studies at Caltech, Michael worked under Prof. Jonas C. Peters on RSI Research projects including Enhanced Electrocatalytic Ammonia Oxidation via Directed Catalyst Modification. His current postdoctoral work continues this trajectory, exploring fundamental catalytic mechanisms for a sustainable nitrogen economy while collaborating with interdisciplinary research teams at the University of Pennsylvania.