Jan-Dierk Grunwaldt

Prof. Dr. Jan-Dierk Grunwaldt is a Full Professor and Director at the Institute of Technical Chemistry and Polymer Chemistry, Faculty for Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT). His research focuses on heterogeneous catalysis, operando spectroscopy, in situ characterization using synchrotron radiation (PETRA III, ESRF, BESSY, etc.), and sustainable chemical processes like power-to-X and emission control. He has pioneered the use of HERFD-XAS, XES, and synchrotron-based tomography for catalyst analysis. A former Haldor Topsøe Chair at DTU and Privatdozent at ETH Zurich, he bridges industrial and academic catalysis research.

Research Interests:

• Heterogeneous Catalysis: Methane oxidation, methanol synthesis, and CO₂ conversion.
• Operando Spectroscopy: Real-time tracking of catalyst structural changes using XANES, EXAFS, and X-ray tomography.
• Sustainable Chemistry: Power-to-X, chemical energy storage, and bio-derived monomers.
• Catalyst Preparation: Flame spray pyrolysis and single-atom catalysts.

Scientific Awards: Recipient of the Dale Sayers Award (2006), Jochen Block Prize (2006), and Karl Winnacker Scholarship (2007). He also earned a Silver Medal at the 1988 International Chemistry Olympiad.

Academic Leadership: Serves on international committees including the Photon Science Committee at DESY and Executive Board of GECATS. He co-developed standards for Electronic Laboratory Notebooks in photon/neutron communities.