Find Academic Supervisors

• Electrocatalysis
• Sustainable Energy Technology
• Electrochemistry
• +3 more

Rik Mom is an Assistant Professor at the Leiden Institute of Chemistry (LIC), Leiden University, specializing in operando research of electrochemical reactions at the electrode-electrolyte interface. His work focuses on understanding atomic-scale structural features influencing catalytic performance in sustainable energy technologies like fuel cells and electrolyzers. Mom holds a PhD from Leiden University (2017) and completed postdoctoral research at the Fritz Haber Institute (2017–2020), supported by an Alexander von Humboldt Fellowship. He leads a research group with 4 PhD students and 1 postdoctoral fellow, supervising studies on electrocatalyst design and advanced spectroscopic techniques. Education: PhD in Physics (cum laude), Leiden University (2013–2017) MSc Chemistry (cum laude), Leiden University (2010–2013) His research integrates instrument design with catalysis studies, emphasizing operando X-ray and Raman spectroscopy. Key contributions include elucidating oxygen evolution reaction mechanisms and developing electrochemical cells for synchrotron-based analysis. He has secured major grants totaling over €1 million, including the NWO Tenure Track grant (2020) and ECCM MVI Top-Up grant (2021). Teaching responsibilities include courses on physical chemistry, green chemistry, and advanced spectroscopy methods for graduate students. Mom is actively involved in organizing symposia on operando techniques and serves on the scientific advisory board of Operando Photoemission at MESA+.

Irene GrootView profile

Professor

• Catalysis
• Surface and Interface Science
• Operando Scanning Probe Microscopy
• +5 more

Prof. Irene Groot is a Full Professor of Surface and Interface Science at Leiden University's Leiden Institute of Chemistry (LIC), specializing in heterogeneous catalysis and operando microscopy techniques. Her work focuses on industrial catalysts under realistic conditions, with contributions to sustainable energy and materials science. She holds a PhD from Leiden (2009) and has held academic positions since 2015, progressing from tenure-track Assistant Professor (2015–2018) to Associate Professor (2018–2024) before her current role. Education: PhD in Chemistry, Leiden University (2009) MSc in Chemistry, Leiden University (2005) Research Interests: Catalysis mechanisms, operando microscopy (STM/TEM/XRD), 2D material growth on liquid metals, and high-pressure surface science. Her group develops advanced imaging tools for real-time catalyst characterization under industrial conditions. Awards: NWO Aspasia Prize (2018), Vidi Fellowship (2018), Veni Fellowship (2012), and multiple EU grants including H2020 CL4 ‘2D Engine’ (2023). Her research has been featured in Acc. Chem. Res. , Nature Communications , and ACS Nano .

• Computational Chemistry
• Molecular Simulations
• Metal-Organic Frameworks
• +5 more

Louis Vanduyfhuys is an Associate Professor at Ghent University, with his research primarily focused on the investigation of mechanical, thermal, and adsorption properties of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) for applications such as nano-mechanical devices, energy storage, and selective gas adsorption and separation. His work integrates computational chemistry, molecular simulations, and thermodynamics to develop advanced materials with tailored properties. His research spans multiple areas including force field development (with the creation of QuickFF software), advanced molecular simulations (MD, MC, cDFT), and thermodynamic modeling. He has made significant contributions to understanding the behavior of flexible porous materials, particularly MOFs, which exhibit unique phenomena such as negative thermal expansion, negative linear compression, and negative gas adsorption. His work bridges fundamental molecular insights with practical applications in gas separation, sensing, and energy storage. The publication record shows a strong emphasis on computational approaches to characterize the thermodynamic properties of nanoporous materials. His recent work increasingly incorporates machine learning techniques to enhance simulation accuracy while maintaining computational efficiency. The research demonstrates a consistent progression from fundamental force field development to practical applications of MOFs in gas storage and separation technologies. As an educator, Vanduyfhuys teaches courses including Modelling and Engineering of Nanoscale Materials, Quantum Mechanics I, Thermodynamics and Statistical Physics, and Statistical Physics at Ghent University. His teaching reflects his research expertise in computational methods and thermodynamics applied to nanoscale systems. His research group appears to focus on developing computational tools (QuickFF and ThermoLIB) for molecular simulations of porous materials, with strong collaborations across European institutions. The work demonstrates a systematic approach from force field derivation to thermodynamic analysis, providing a comprehensive framework for computational materials design.

Arianna MarchioroView profile

Researcher

• Photomedicine
• Biophotonics
• Nanoparticle Surface Chemistry
• +4 more

Arianna Marchioro is a Researcher at the Laboratory for fundamental BioPhotonics (LBP) within the School of Engineering (STI) at École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL). She holds additional roles as Lecturer in the STI-SMX and EDCH-ENS departments, focusing on teaching and research in biophotonics and materials science. Education: She earned a BSc (2005-2008), MSc (2008-2010, EPFL/Imperial College London), and PhD (2010-2014) in Chemistry from EPFL, followed by a postdoctoral position at the University of Washington (2014-2016) under the Gamelin Group. Research Interests: Her work centers on photomedicine , nanoparticle surface chemistry , and interfacial charge transfer dynamics . Specific areas include probing aqueous interfaces via second-harmonic scattering, electrochemical heterogeneity in catalytic surfaces, and supramolecular complexes in biomedical contexts. Recent studies highlight ion-specific effects on nanoparticles, water orientation at semiconductor interfaces, and aerosol particle detection limits. Teaching: She instructs courses such as Electron & Energy Transfer in Organic & Hybrid Systems , Materials: From Chemistry to Properties , and Optical Properties of Materials , though some courses await formal approval. Labs & Collaborations: As part of the LBP, she contributes to advanced biophotonics research, with ongoing projects on bio-inspired materials and nonlinear optical techniques for surface analysis. Notable students include Marie Bischoff, Bingxin Chu, and Igor Nahálka.

HE QianView profile

Assistant Professor

• Electron Microscopy
• Catalytic Nanomaterials
• Energy Applications
• +3 more

HE Qian is an Assistant Professor at the National University of Singapore (NUS), Department of Materials Science and Engineering, and an NRF Fellow. His research focuses on electron microscopy techniques for nanomaterial characterization and developing heterogeneous catalytic nanomaterials for energy and environmental applications. Prior to NUS, he held positions at Cardiff Catalysis Institute (2016–2019) and Oak Ridge National Lab (2013–2016). He earned his PhD in Materials Science from Lehigh University (2013). Research Interests: Advanced electron microscopy methods (4D-STEM, ptychography) Catalyst design for CO 2 reduction, methane oxidation, and green hydrogen production Nanomaterial characterization at atomic resolution Recent work highlights include studies on single-atom catalysts, intermetallic nanocrystals, and defect-engineered materials. Key contributions span catalyst stability, reactivity mechanisms, and sustainable energy applications. His lab collaborates on projects involving AI-driven microscopy analysis and high-throughput catalyst screening. Awards: NRF Fellow (2019–present) Lab activities include mentoring researchers and developing novel analytical methodologies. The team’s work is published in Nature Communications , Science , and ACS Nano .

Ming ZhaoView profile

Assistant Professor

• Nanocatalysts
• Phase Engineering
• Operando Imaging Techniques
• +4 more

Dr. Ming Zhao is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at the National University of Singapore (NUS). He holds a PhD in Chemistry from the Georgia Institute of Technology (2019) and served as a Postdoctoral Associate at Cornell University (2019–2023). His research focuses on sustainable catalysis, combining nanomaterial fabrication, advanced imaging, and operando techniques. Key areas include phase-engineered nanocatalysts for heterogeneous catalysis, single-molecule fluorescence imaging of photocatalytic materials, and real-time analysis of sustainability-driven reactions. Education: BS/ME (Materials Science & Engineering, Nanjing University, 2012/2015), PhD (Chemistry, Georgia Tech, 2019). Research interests emphasize bridging gaps in catalyst design for sustainability, leveraging interdisciplinary approaches. His group develops novel materials and imaging tools to enhance catalytic efficiency in energy and environmental applications. Current projects involve operando imaging for real-time reaction monitoring and nanocatalyst optimization. Teaching includes courses on light-harvesting materials and sustainable materials design (MLE5240, MLE5221). No scientific awards are explicitly mentioned in the provided texts. His lab, the Microscopy Imaging & Nanocatalysis Group, focuses on advancing sustainable catalytic systems through innovation in material synthesis and imaging techniques.

Ruigang WangView profile

Professor

• Energy Storage Materials
• Emission Control Catalysts
• Nanomaterials Synthesis
• +3 more

Ruigang Wang is a Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science at Michigan State University’s College of Engineering. His research focuses on energy storage materials (e.g., metal-sulfur, aluminum-ion, and solid-state batteries) and emission control catalysts for applications like plasma-assisted CO₂ hydrogenation and chemical looping carbon capture. He specializes in oxide nanomaterials synthesis and advanced transmission electron microscopy (TEM) techniques for atomic-level structural and chemical analysis. Education: Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering, Arizona State University Research Interests: Dr. Wang’s work spans energy storage systems, catalytic processes for greenhouse gas mitigation, and nanomaterials characterization. His lab employs cutting-edge microscopy techniques (in situ/in operando TEM, STEM, EELS) to study material properties at the atomic scale. Key areas include battery material degradation mechanisms, plasma-catalysis for sustainable energy, and catalyst design for industrial emissions control. Grants and Research Projects: NSF: CAS-Climate (Aluminum-ion battery electrolyte development) NSF: Lithium-sulfur battery stability via nano-ceria engineering NSF: Plasma-catalysis for CO₂ reuse via chemical looping Labs/Teams: His research group at MSU focuses on interdisciplinary approaches to sustainable energy materials, combining materials synthesis, advanced characterization, and catalytic process optimization.

Dulce Morales HernándezView profile

Assistant Professor

• Electrochemistry
• Energy & Fuels
• Electrocatalysis
• +3 more

Dr. Dulce Morales Hernández is an Assistant Professor in Electrocatalysis at the Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Groningen. She holds a Doctor of Natural Sciences (Dr. rer. nat.) from Ruhr University Bochum and has conducted postdoctoral research at institutions like Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin. Her research focuses on electrochemical conversion of renewable resources into value-added chemicals and fuels, particularly designing low-cost, high-performance electrocatalysts for industry-relevant conditions. Current roles: Member of the Programme Committee for Chemistry/Chemical Engineering and Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) board. Research interests include alkaline electrocatalysis, water electrolysis, oxygen evolution/reduction reactions, and biomass valorization. Her work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals, emphasizing clean energy and sustainable industrial processes. Notable awards include the ISE Elsevier Prize for Applied Electrochemistry (2023) and the SPP 2080 scholarship (2021). She advises students in Mexico and collaborates internationally. Key publications span electrocatalyst design, material characterization, and reaction mechanisms in energy systems.

• Metalorganic Chemistry
• Main Group Chemistry
• Organometallic Chemistry
• +12 more

Prof. Dr. Matthias Driess is a full Professor at Technische Universität Berlin, where he holds the Chair of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry within the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences. He is a leading figure in the field of molecular and materials catalysis, serving as Chair of UniCat (Unifying Concepts in Catalysis) since 2007 and as Scientific Director at BasCat (Berlin Joint Lab for Electrochemical Catalysis). His research bridges fundamental inorganic synthesis with applications in sustainable energy technologies, particularly in electrocatalysis and small molecule activation. His research focuses on metalorganic chemistry , molecular main group and organometallic chemistry , and molecular models for heterogeneous catalysis . He is especially renowned for his work on N-heterocyclic silylenes (NHSis) as powerful ligands in transition-metal catalysis, enabling high selectivity and activity in transformations such as alkyne semi-hydrogenation and C–H borylation. His group develops novel precursors for doped metal oxides and investigates catalytic systems for water splitting , CO2 reduction , and oxygen evolution . The recent publications highlight a strong trend toward energy-related catalysis , with a focus on designing and characterizing electrocatalysts based on earth-abundant elements like manganese, cobalt, and nickel. His work often combines molecular precursor strategies with materials synthesis to create nanostructured catalysts with controlled composition and morphology. The sub-fields span from ligand design and mechanistic studies to heterogeneous electrocatalysis and photoelectrochemical applications . Prof. Driess has been instrumental in major collaborative research initiatives, including the Cluster of Excellence UniCat and its successor UniSysCat, which aim to unify systems in catalysis. He has supervised numerous PhD students and postdoctoral researchers, contributing significantly to the training of next-generation scientists in catalysis science. His laboratory is equipped for advanced synthetic and analytical work, and he collaborates extensively with spectroscopists and theoreticians to elucidate reaction mechanisms. Future research directions likely include the development of multifunctional catalytic systems , bio-inspired catalysts , and sustainable materials for renewable energy conversion. While no specific scientific awards are listed in the provided text, his sustained leadership and high-impact publications indicate significant recognition within the chemical sciences community.

James L. YoungView profile

Researcher

• Materials electrochemistry
• Electrochemical devices
• Electrochemical ammonia synthesis
• +4 more

James L. Young serves as a Researcher IV in the Chemistry and Nanoscience department at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), where he leads critical projects in photoelectrochemistry (PEC), low-temperature water electrolysis, fuel cells, and electrochemical ammonia synthesis. His research career at NREL began as an undergraduate intern in 2010, progressed through graduate research and postdoctoral work, and culminated in his current scientist position established in 2018. Dr. Young earned his PhD in Materials Science and Engineering from the University of Colorado Boulder under co-advisement of Steven George and Todd Deutsch, developing tandem III-V PEC devices and atomic-layer-deposited thin films. His undergraduate degree in Materials Science and Engineering came from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, establishing the foundation for his materials-focused energy research. His primary research interests span materials electrochemistry, electrochemical devices, electrochemical ammonia synthesis, photoelectrochemistry for solar fuels, electronic properties of materials, corrosion, and atomic layer deposition. This diverse portfolio reflects his work bridging fundamental materials science with practical energy applications, particularly in hydrogen production technologies. His extensive publication record of 56 research outputs from 2015-2025 demonstrates consistent high-impact contributions to the field. Young currently leads NREL's HydroGEN Consortium PEC projects, the H2NEW Consortium membrane electrode assembly performance ex-situ characterization task, a technology commercialization project on low-cost electrolysis diffusion media materials, and a Laboratory Directed Research and Development project on electrochemical ammonia synthesis. His recent publications focus on proton exchange membrane water electrolyzers, electrochemical deposition techniques, porous transport layers, hydrogen storage materials, and fuel cell catalyst layers. National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship (2011) NREL Director's Award (2017) The Electrochemical Society Energy Technology Division Supramaniam Srinivasan Young Investigator Award (2022) U.S. Department of Energy Fuel Cell Technologies Office Hydrogen Production R&D Award (2017) U.S. Department of Energy Office of Science Outstanding Mentor Award (2021) Recognized for his mentorship with the DOE Office of Science Outstanding Mentor Award in 2021, Young actively contributes to the scientific community through memberships in the American Vacuum Society, Materials Research Society, and The Electrochemical Society. His research fingerprint shows significant activity across water splitting (100%), photocathode engineering (69%), surface science (44%), material density studies (42%), water electrolysis (34%), photoelectrochemical water splitting (34%), hydrogen evolution (33%), and photocurrent engineering (30%).

John KirtleyView profile

Associate Professor

• Materials Chemistry
• Solid Oxide Fuel Cells
• Alternative Energy Conversion
• +8 more

Dr. John Kirtley is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Geochemistry at Montana Technological University, part of the Lance College of Mines & Engineering. His research is aligned with renewable energy, biomaterials, nanomaterials, and energy storage materials, with a focus on high-temperature chemical processes for environmental sustainability. Dr. Kirtley earned his Ph.D. in Chemistry from Montana State University in 2015, followed by a National Research Council Postdoctoral Fellowship at the US Naval Research Laboratory and a postdoctoral position at Washington State University. He joined Montana Tech in 2019 as a Visiting Assistant Professor and was promoted to Assistant Professor (2019–2023) and then Associate Professor (2023–present). His research centers on alternative energy technologies, particularly solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs), where he integrates operando Raman, infrared, and thermal imaging techniques to study high-temperature electrochemistry. Earlier work involved biochar as a tunable platform for removing aqueous pollutants, reflecting a consistent theme of sustainable materials and environmental applications. His recent publications span topics in protonic ceramic fuel cells, anode characterization, spatially heterogeneous chemistry in SOFCs, and waste biomass valorization. These works reflect a strong interdisciplinary trend combining materials synthesis, spectroscopy, and energy conversion, with a focus on real-time, in situ analysis of dynamic chemical systems. Notable awards include the competitive National Research Council Postdoctoral Fellowship and repeated nominations for the Rose and Anna Busch Faculty Achievement Award. He also served as an alumni panelist for the Office of Naval Research in 2023. National Research Council Postdoctoral Fellowship (2016) Rose and Anna Busch Faculty Achievement Award Nominee (2022, 2023) Alumni Panelist, ONR NURP Review Meeting (2023) Dr. Kirtley has secured over $0.5 million in research funding through the Army Research Lab cooperative agreement, supporting both graduate and undergraduate researchers in the Materials Science and Engineering Ph.D. program. He actively mentors students and integrates them into high-impact research projects. He teaches core chemistry courses including Physical Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, and Computational Chemistry. He is a member of the American Chemical Society and the Electrochemical Society. His laboratory emphasizes advanced materials fabrication, electrochemical analysis, and the integration of optical spectroscopy for studying extreme-environment chemical processes.

Matthieu BecuweView profile

Professor

• Energy Storage
• Organic Materials
• Hybrid Materials
• +4 more

Matthieu Becuwe is a Professor at the University of Picardie Jules Verne, affiliated with the Laboratory of Reactivity and Chemistry of Solids (LRCS, UMR CNRS 7314) and serving as Director of the Picardy Institute of Chemistry (FR 3085). His research focuses on designing functional molecular and hybrid materials for energy storage applications, particularly in lithium-ion batteries and emerging all-organic ionic systems. Research Interests : Electrochemical performance optimization, molecular engineering of organic electrode materials, solid-state electrolytes, and environmentally sustainable battery technologies. Projects : Leads ANR PRC DEOSS and COMETS projects; contributes to Horizon Europe’s PSIONIC and France 2030-PEPR initiatives like SONIC and DISCOVERY. Expertise : Materials synthesis (silica matrices, hybrid nanomaterials), electrochemical characterization (GCPL, CV), and advanced analytical techniques (solid-state NMR, X-ray diffraction, electron microscopy).

Asier Agrelo-LestónView profile

Researcher

• Photocatalysis
• Heterogeneous catalysis
• Homogeneous catalysis
• +5 more

Asier Agrelo-Lestón is a Researcher at CIC energiGUNE in the Thermocatalysis and Ionic Liquids research group, focusing on ionic liquid-based catalytic systems for sustainable fuels. He holds a PhD in Chemical Process Engineering from the Polytechnic University of Catalonia (UPC) awarded with Cum Laude distinction in June 2025. His educational background includes: Bachelor's in Chemistry (2017) from University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU) Master's in Environmental Engineering (2019) from Polytechnic University of Catalonia (UPC) PhD in Chemical Process Engineering (2025) from Polytechnic University of Catalonia (UPC) with Cum Laude Agrelo-Lestón specializes in photocatalysis and catalytic system development, with expertise spanning ionic liquids, waste valorisation, and advanced material characterization techniques. His methodological proficiency includes XRD, XPS, TEM, SEM, Raman spectroscopy, UV-Vis spectroscopy, and synchrotron-based operando/in-situ characterization methods like XAS and NAP-XPS. His scientific recognition includes: Formación de Personal Investigador (FPI) predoctoral fellowship (2019) Supported by the FPI fellowship during doctoral studies, he now contributes to CIC energiGUNE's Thermal Energy Storage research area. His current work focuses on designing sustainable fuel production systems through ionic liquid catalysis within the Thermocatalysis and Ionic Liquids research group.

• Bioelectricity
• Scanning Probe Microscopy
• Artificial Intelligence
• +3 more

Gabriel Gomila Lluch is a Full Professor at the University of Barcelona's Department of Electronics and Group Leader at the Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC). His research at the Nanoscale Bioelectrical Characterization group integrates Scanning Probe Microscopy, Artificial Intelligence, and Organic Bioelectronics to advance label-free characterization tools for Life Sciences and nanomedical diagnostics. PhD in Physics (University of Barcelona, 1997) Ramón y Cajal Fellowship recipient (2001) ICREA Academia awardee (2014) His research spans: Bioelectrical characterization of cells, bacteria, and nanocarriers Autonomous microscopy systems with AI integration Organic Bioelectronics for biosensing and signal transduction Cable bacteria conduction mechanisms Scientific contributions include: First supervised machine learning algorithm for Scanning Dielectric Microscopy data Breakthrough in confined water dielectric constant measurement (Science 2018) Pioneering work on nanoscale capacitance microscopy Key innovation areas: High-throughput multimodal characterization Autonomous probe microscopy systems Dielectric nanotomography Protein nanowire conductivity analysis

• Energy Storage
• Battery Technology
• Materials Science
• +7 more

Dr. Gemeng Liang is an Australian Research Council (ARC) DECRA Fellow at the University of Adelaide within the School of Chemical Engineering , Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Technology. His research centers on optimizing high-energy-density cathode materials for next-generation batteries and advancing atomic-level understanding via synchrotron and neutron characterization. Education : PhD from the University of Wollongong (2021) Dr. Liang's research spans lithium-ion , sodium-ion , potassium-ion , and zinc-ion batteries , focusing on material synthesis, electrochemical characterization, and performance optimization. He leverages in operando synchrotron and neutron techniques to probe structural dynamics, enabling breakthroughs in energy density and stability. His publications emphasize trends in aqueous zinc-ion battery engineering , high-entropy alloy catalysis , and CO₂ redox reactions , highlighting interdisciplinary approaches combining Nanotechnology , Electrochemistry , and Materials Science . Scientific Awards : Australian Research Council (ARC) DECRA Fellowship Australian Research Council (ARC) Early Career Industry Fellowship Australia’s Economic Accelerator (AEA) Seed Grant Australian Synchrotron Stephen Wilkins Thesis Medal Australian Neutron Beam Users Group Outstanding PhD Award Australian Institute of Nuclear Science and Engineering Scholar Gold Medal Dr. Liang is eligible to co-supervise Masters and PhD students and has secured competitive grants for his work. He collaborates with institutions like the Australian Synchrotron and Australian Neutron Beam Facility to advance energy storage solutions.