Prof. Dr. Peter Strasser is a faculty member at the Technische Universität Berlin , affiliated with the Institute of Chemistry and leading the Electrochemical Catalysis, Energy and Materials Sciences Group within the Faculty II - Mathematics and Natural Sciences . His research spans electrocatalysis , fuel cell technology , and high-throughput materials testing , with a focus on nanostructured catalysts for clean energy systems. Research Interests : High Throughput Testing Fuel Cells Electrocatalysis Electrochemical Materials Water Splitting CO2 Conversion Scientific Contributions highlight trends in oxygen evolution reactions , dealloyed catalysts , and non-noble metal electrocatalysts . His work bridges materials science and energy storage , particularly for hydrogen fuel cells and magnesium batteries . Awards : Otto Roelen Medal 2016 Advising notable researchers like former PhD student Mehtap Özaslan , who established a junior research group at the University of Oldenburg and won the Umicore Scientific Award. Prof. Strasser's team collaborates with UniSysCat and has secured funding from the Federal Ministry of Research for catalyst innovation.
Charles Winter is a Professor in the Department of Chemistry at Wayne State University, affiliated with the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. His research focuses on synthetic organometallic/inorganic chemistry, materials chemistry, nanoparticles, and thin film growth via atomic layer deposition (ALD) and chemical vapor deposition (CVD). He leads the Winter Group, collaborating with institutions like Helsinki University of Technology and Duke University. Education: B.S. from Hope College (1982), Ph.D. in Chemistry from University of Minnesota (1986), followed by an NIH postdoctoral fellowship at University of Utah (1986–1988). Research interests include precursor development for ALD of metal oxides/nitrides, surface chemistry of nanoparticles (e.g., silicon nanocrystals), and energetic materials using nitrogen-rich ligands. Recent work explores metastable materials synthesis via ALD and thermal stability of strontium/barium/lanthanide complexes. Key collaborations include ALD experiments with Prof. Lauri Niinistö in Finland and engineering partnerships for silicon nanoparticle applications. Students participate in internships and cross-institutional projects. Courses taught include Advanced Inorganic Chemistry (CHM 7010), Organometallic Chemistry (CHM 6090/7090), and seminars in Inorganic Chemistry (CHM 8820).
John Bell is a Professor and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation) at the University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ), based at the Springfield Campus. He holds a BSc from the University of Sydney and a PhD from the University of New South Wales (UNSW). His leadership role involves overseeing research strategy and innovation initiatives across the institution. Bell's research spans advanced materials and energy technologies, with expertise in: Nanomaterials synthesis and characterization Renewable energy generation/storage (photovoltaics, batteries) Functional polymers and composite materials Semiconductor device engineering Smart building technologies His recent publications (2022-2025) demonstrate a strong focus on sustainable energy solutions, particularly next-generation batteries, solar cells, electrochromic devices, and nanotechnology-enabled sensors. Over 80% of his recent work addresses materials innovation for decarbonization and energy efficiency.
Professor Paolo Fornasiero is a Full Professor of Inorganic Chemistry at the University of Trieste, Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, where he has worked since 1998. He serves as Deputy Director of the department since 2021 and Scientific Responsible of the CNR Research Unit associated with the Institute of Chemistry of OrganoMetallic Compounds (ICCOM) since 2008. His career spans EU projects, bilateral collaborations with China, India, and Argentina, and leadership roles in journals like ACS Catalysis (Executive Editor since 2021). Full Professor (2016–present) Associate Professor (2006–2016) Assistant Professor (1998–2006) Post-Doc, University of Reading (1996–1997) His research focuses on multi-functional metal-oxide nanosystems for energy and environmental catalysis, including green hydrogen production , CO2 valorization , and methane emission control . He pioneered core-shell catalysts and single-atom systems for stability and selectivity. His work extends to solid oxide fuel cells and photocatalytic water depollution . Recent publications highlight trends in photothermal catalysis , single-atom catalysts , and CO2 electroreduction . His 280+ papers (3 in Science , 2 in Nature Communications ) reflect expertise across Environmental Catalysis , Nanomaterials , and Green Energy . 2022 Malatesta Medal 2021 European Academy of Sciences member 2017 Edoardo Kramer Award 2016 Heinz Heinemann Award 2013 Chiusoli Gold Medal He oversees PhD/postdoc advising and participates in global capacity-building via UNIDO and World Academy of Sciences . His lab collaborates with institutions like KAUST , Czech Academy of Sciences , and Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics .
Jennifer Kaiser is an Associate Professor at Georgia Institute of Technology, affiliated with the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Earth and Atmospheric Sciences . Her research focuses on air pollutant formation, particularly volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and their impacts on air quality and climate. Endowed Position: Greene Early Career Professor (2024) Key Projects: Emissions from agriculture/oil-gas, biosphere-atmosphere interactions, satellite data validation Tools: CMAQ modeling, TROPOMI satellite analysis, low-cost sensor networks Her work spans instrument development to global chemistry-transport modeling, with recent emphasis on satellite-based monitoring and health risk assessment. She leads the Kaiser Group , which investigates VOC dynamics in urban and wildfire-affected regions. Scientific Awards: NOAA Grant (2021) Greene Early Career Professor (2024) Contact: jennifer.kaiser@ce.gatech.edu | Office: Ford Environmental Science & Technology Building, Room 3224
Dr. Seung Soon Jang is a Professor in the School of Materials Science and Engineering at Georgia Institute of Technology, joining in 2007. His research focuses on computational and theoretical approaches to design nanoscale systems, particularly in molecular electronics, fuel cells, and biotechnology. He holds fellowships from the American Chemical Society (ACS), American Physical Society (APS), American Society for Metals International (ASM Inter.), and Electrochemical Society (ECS). His research spans energy storage, environmental materials, and nanotechnology, with a strong emphasis on molecular simulations and DFT modeling. Education & Awards: Fellowships in ACS, APS, ASM Inter., and ECS. Research Interests: Biomolecular-solids, ceramics, nanomaterials, polymers, and energy/environmental applications. Dr. Jang advises three students and leads the CNBT Lab, exploring advanced materials for energy conversion and wearable technologies. His work integrates computational methods with experimental validation, addressing challenges in fuel cells, solar cells, and CO₂ reduction. Key achievements include developing durable electrocatalysts and novel membrane technologies.
Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech)China
Dr. Qing Guo is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry at South University of Science and Technology (SUSTech), where he joined in April 2019 as a research group leader and doctoral supervisor. His research focuses on fundamental processes of energy-related catalytic reactions, with particular emphasis on surface photocatalysis and reaction mechanisms. Bachelor of Science: University of Science and Technology of China (2007) PhD: University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (2013) Research Assistant/Associate Fellow: Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences (2013-2019) Associate Professor: SUSTech Department of Chemistry (2019-present) Dr. Guo's research interests center on surface catalysis mechanisms, particularly in energy-related photocatalytic reactions. He develops novel scientific instruments to investigate photocatalytic C-H bond activation of small alkane molecules, carbon chain growth, and the interaction mechanism between metal clusters and substrates. His work spans photocatalytic hydrogen production, alkane activation and conversion, biomass conversion, and single-atom catalysis. His innovative approach combines instrument development with fundamental surface science to address critical challenges in energy conversion. Analysis of Dr. Guo's recent publications reveals a strong focus on titanium dioxide-based photocatalysis, with particular attention to reaction mechanisms at the molecular level. His work systematically investigates the roles of surface oxygen species, photon energy effects, and reaction intermediates in hydrocarbon conversion processes. The research shows an increasing sophistication in both experimental techniques and theoretical understanding, with recent work extending to ammonia synthesis, electrocatalysis, and excitonic effects at molecule/metal oxide interfaces. Dr. Guo leads an active research group that has produced over 80 publications in high-impact journals including J. Am. Chem. Soc., JACS Au, Chem. Sci., and Adv. Mater. His work demonstrates significant contributions to understanding fundamental photocatalytic processes, with potential applications in green energy and sustainable chemical production. Dr. Guo serves as a doctoral supervisor and has mentored numerous graduate students, many of whom appear as co-authors on his publications. His research group has developed several large-scale research instruments, including a surface photochemical kinetics research device, an in situ catalytic mechanism research device, a surface scattering kinetics research device, and a device for preparing controllable size clusters. These instruments have enabled systematic investigation of important energy-related catalytic reactions. Dr. Guo's laboratory focuses on the development and application of advanced surface science techniques to study energy-related catalytic reactions. His team combines experimental surface science approaches with theoretical modeling to gain molecular-level understanding of photocatalytic processes. The group actively recruits postdoctoral researchers and research assistants with backgrounds in vacuum technology, optics, semiconductors, and surface chemistry.
Andrei Y. Khodakov is a Research Director (Professor equivalent) at the Unité de Catalyse et de Chimie du Solide (UCCS), UMR CNRS 8181, affiliated with University of Lille. He serves as Coordinator of the CEMOP research team (Catalysis for Energy and Synthesis of Platform Molecules) within the Heterogeneous Catalysis Department. His academic journey began with a Master's in Chemistry from Lomonosov Moscow State University (1987), followed by a PhD from the Zelinsky Institute of Organic Chemistry (1991), and a Dr. Sci. (Habilitation) from University of Sciences and Technologies of Lille (2002). Khodakov's research focuses on heterogeneous catalysis, with particular expertise in Fischer-Tropsch synthesis, syngas conversion to fuels and platform molecules, photocatalysis, CO 2 utilization, and methane valorization. His work bridges fundamental catalyst design with practical applications for sustainable energy and chemical production. He has pioneered research on nanoconfined catalysts, mobile promoters, and single-atom catalytic systems, with significant contributions to understanding reaction mechanisms and kinetics. His publication record spans over 122 papers since 2008, with recent work emphasizing CO 2 hydrogenation, photocatalytic methane conversion, and advanced catalyst design using nanoreactors and single-atom techniques. The research shows a clear trajectory toward sustainable catalytic processes for renewable feedstocks and carbon-neutral chemical production. CNRS Prize of Excellence (2011) CNRS Ph.D. and Research Supervising Bonus (2016) Special Invited Scientist of the Brazilian Government (2013-2016) Khodakov has supervised 27 PhD students and 14 post-doctoral researchers, demonstrating strong commitment to academic training. He teaches at Centrale Lille and University of Lille's Biorefinery Master's program, and organizes international summer schools for Chinese and Brazilian students. His research is supported by 4 ANR projects, 3 European projects, and over 20 industrial contracts, reflecting both academic excellence and industrial relevance. His laboratory focuses on catalyst design for sustainable chemical production, with particular emphasis on reactor engineering, in-situ characterization techniques, and development of catalysts for renewable feedstocks conversion.
Prof. Atsushi Urakawa is a Full Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering at the Faculty of Applied Sciences, Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) . He leads the Urakawa Group , which focuses on developing sustainable heterogeneous catalytic processes with minimal environmental impact. PhD, ETH Zurich (2006) MSc, TU Delft BSc, Kyushu University, Japan His research is centered on heterogeneous catalysis , employing in situ/operando spectroscopy and reaction engineering to understand catalytic mechanisms. Key research themes include CO₂ conversion to chemicals , methane activation , hydrogen production , and environmental catalysis (NOx abatement) . The group also pioneers advanced in situ/operando tools for studying solid-gas and solid-liquid interfaces at the reactor scale. The recent publications reflect a strong focus on CO₂ hydrogenation under high pressure, design of bimetallic and supported catalysts , and mechanistic elucidation using operando techniques. The work bridges fundamental understanding with industrial sustainability. Scientific Awards: Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry (2016) JSPS Prize (2020) The Japan Academy Medal (2021) Advising: Prof. Urakawa supervises PhD and postdoctoral researchers, including Nat Phongprueksathat , George Tierney , and Gerben-Jan Hooijer . His group collaborates with industrial partners such as Toyota on carbon capture and reduction (CCR) projects. While specific grants are not detailed, his research is clearly supported by high-impact publications and international recognition. Labs & Teams: The Urakawa Group is embedded within the Catalysis Engineering section at TU Delft, fostering interdisciplinary research at the intersection of materials science, catalysis, and process engineering.
Kunlei Liu is a Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering and Director of the Institute for Decarbonization and Energy Advancement (IDEA) at the University of Kentucky. He holds a Ph.D. in Thermoenergy Engineering from Southeast University (1993), an M.S. in Thermoenergy Engineering (1991), and a B.S. in Power Engineering (1988), all from Southeast University, Nanjing, PRC. His career includes roles as Associate Director for Research at the Center for Applied Energy Research (CAER) and academic positions at Western Kentucky University, including managing their Combustion Laboratory from 2002–2004. Prior to academia, he worked at The Babcock & Wilcox Company as an Advisory Engineer (2004–2005). Research Interests: Dr. Liu focuses on advanced combustion and gasification technologies, carbon removal from point sources and ambient air, hydrogen production, efficiency optimization, and material recovery from spent batteries and solar panels. His work integrates engineering, environmental science, and electrochemistry to address decarbonization challenges. He actively explores innovations in CO₂ capture solvents, electrochemical processes, and waste valorization strategies. Articles Trends: His recent publications concentrate on CO₂ capture via novel absorbents (e.g., diamine-based and potassium salts), electrochemical methods for CO₂ conversion, solvent degradation mechanisms, and material recovery from spent batteries and solar panels. He also investigates process intensification techniques using 3D-printed structured packing, microbubble technologies, and low-temperature methanation. Key areas include optimizing pilot plant performance, reducing nitrosamine contaminants, and enhancing system efficiency through computational modeling and experimental validation. Grants & Advising: While no advisees are listed, his leadership roles indicate extensive grant-funded research, including projects on decarbonization technologies, formic acid production, and direct air capture. He has managed CAER’s research programs and led interdisciplinary teams in pilot-scale testing and industrial collaborations. Labs & Teams: Dr. Liu directs IDEA and has historically managed the Combustion Laboratory at Western Kentucky University. He collaborates closely with UK’s Center for Applied Energy Research (CAER), focusing on innovative technologies for energy systems and environmental sustainability.
Patrick Walsh is a Professor of Chemistry at the University of Pennsylvania, where he has maintained an active research program since 2000. His work spans multiple areas of organic chemistry with a particular emphasis on developing new catalytic methodologies. Professor Walsh's research focuses on asymmetric catalysis, organometallic chemistry, and synthetic methodology development. His group has made significant contributions to the fields of C-H activation, ligand design, and transition metal catalysis, particularly with palladium and nickel systems. His work often bridges fundamental mechanistic understanding with practical synthetic applications, resulting in numerous high-impact publications across top chemistry journals. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong trend toward developing novel catalytic systems for C-C and C-heteroatom bond formation. His group has pioneered methods for C-H functionalization, transition metal-free catalysis, and the development of new chiral ligands for asymmetric synthesis. The research spans both fundamental mechanistic studies and practical synthetic applications, demonstrating Walsh's ability to connect theory with practical synthesis. Professor Walsh has mentored numerous graduate students and postdoctoral researchers throughout his career, many of whom have gone on to successful careers in academia and industry. His collaborative approach is evident in the extensive co-authorship network visible across his publication record, which includes collaborations with researchers across multiple institutions.
Associate Professor Meredith Jordan is a faculty member at the University of Sydney's Department of Chemistry, specializing in theoretical and computational chemistry. She holds an BSc (Hons) and PhD from the University of Sydney. Her research focuses on quantum and classical dynamics in chemical systems, potential energy surfaces, and photodetachment spectra, aligning with the university's Faculty of Science Research Strengths in Quantum Frontiers. She has coordinated Honours and Graduate Diploma programs. Education: BSc (Hons), University of Sydney (1990) PhD, University of Sydney (1994) Research Interests: Quantum mechanical models for bound/unbound systems Hydrogen bonds in biological systems Photodetachment spectra interpretation New theoretical methods for scattering calculations Recent Work Trends: Contributions to atmospheric photochemistry, roaming reaction mechanisms, and quantum effects in molecular systems. Her grants include projects on atmospheric photothermal oxidation, ground-state photochemistry, and hydrogen storage materials. She collaborates extensively with experimentalists like Prof. Scott Kable, focusing on acetaldehyde photolysis and tropospheric chemistry.
Alec M. Wodtke is a Professor at Georg-August University Göttingen and Director of the Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry. He holds additional appointments as a Research Professor at the University of California, Santa Barbara, and a Professeur Titulaire at École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne. His research focuses on electronically nonadiabatic energy transfer at surfaces, surface chemistry, and energy conversion processes at atomic scales. Education: BA in Chemistry (University of Utah, 1981); PhD in Physical Chemistry (University of California, Berkeley, 1986). Professional roles include Chair of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at UCSB (2003-2009) and leadership in international research initiatives such as the ERC Advanced Grant (2017) and Synergy Grant (2024). Research interests span molecule-surface interactions, catalysis, and the development of ultra-high vacuum techniques. Key projects include probing energy transfer mechanisms using laser spectroscopy and molecular beam scattering. His work bridges theoretical and experimental approaches to understand fundamental energy conversion processes. Notable awards include the Gerhard Ertl Lecture Award (2022), Humboldt Professorship (2010), and ERC Advanced Grant. He has advised over 30 PhD students and 30 postdoctoral researchers, contributing to breakthroughs in surface dynamics and catalytic processes. Labs/Teams: Leads the Dynamics at Surfaces department at the Max Planck Institute, coordinating interdisciplinary projects on surface chemistry and energy conversion. Collaborates globally through initiatives like the International Max Planck Research School for Physics of Biological and Complex Systems.
Dr. Lei Ge is an Honorary Associate Professor at the School of Chemical Engineering , The University of Queensland , with a focus on novel materials for thermal catalysis, membrane separation, and selective gas adsorption. His work spans 1D/2D materials (MOFs, carbon nanotubes, polymers) and MOF-derived catalysts for electrolysis. Qualifications: Doctor of Philosophy, The University of Queensland Research Interests: Dr. Ge investigates materials for CO2 reduction (e.g., electrochemical and photoreduction), gas separation membranes, and coal permeability challenges in coal seam gas production. His expertise includes metal-organic frameworks, carbon nanotubes, and electrocatalyst design. Publication Trends: His recent work emphasizes electrochemical CO2 conversion using advanced electrode configurations, MOF-derived catalysts, and interfacial engineering to enhance reaction efficiency. Topics include gas-diffusion electrodes, heterojunctions for charge transfer, and nanocomposites for biocatalysis. Supervision: Dr. Ge actively supervises PhD candidates in projects related to electrochemical CO2 capture, fuel cell materials, and MOF membranes, collaborating with advisors like Professor John Zhu and Dr. Mike Tebyetekerwa.
Claudia Weidenthaler , now an Associate Professor at the University of Duisburg-Essen and group leader at the Max Planck Institut für Kohlenforschung , is renowned for her work in heterogeneous catalysis and materials science . Her research focuses on structure-property relationships of functional materials using in situ diffraction and X-ray spectroscopy . Studied geology, mineralogy, and crystallography at the University of Würzburg Completed her doctorate under Reinhard X. Fischer at the University of Mainz Postdoctoral work at the Universities of Bremen and Frankfurt Moved to Max Planck Institute in 1999, establishing solid-state analytics Her research spans mechanochemical synthesis , energy storage materials (e.g., aluminum hydrides), and solid-state transformations . Recent work includes CO2 hydrogenation , nanoparticle characterization , and metal phosphide synthesis . In 2023, she was honored with the Agricola Medal for her contributions to applied mineralogy. She actively promotes equal opportunities and science outreach as an Equal Opportunities Officer and coordinator of the institute's "Girls' Day" initiative. Advisees include PhD candidates Christos Sidiropoulos and Teja Yanamandram Recipient of the Agricola Medal (2023) Developed unconventional methods combining mechanosynthesis with synchrotron X-ray diffraction Her publications highlight in situ/operando methods for studying catalysts under real conditions, with applications in hydrogen storage , electrocatalysis , and nanomaterials .
