Maria Casapu

Dr. Maria Casapu serves as Chief Scientific Officer of the Exhaust Gas Center Karlsruhe at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), where she leads research in catalytic emission control technologies. She is affiliated with the Institute for Chemical Technology and Polymer Chemistry and heads the Exhaust Gas Aftertreatment Team within the Chemical Technology and Catalysis Group.

Dr. Casapu's research focuses on developing and characterizing heterogeneous catalysts for emission control applications. Her work spans catalyst preparation, kinetic measurements, and advanced characterization techniques, particularly utilizing synchrotron radiation for in situ and operando investigations. She specializes in catalytic converters for automotive applications, with emphasis on understanding reaction mechanisms and catalyst deactivation processes under realistic operating conditions.

Her recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on platinum, palladium, and ceria-based catalysts for CO and methane oxidation, NOx reduction, and sulfur tolerance. The research employs cutting-edge operando spectroscopy techniques to understand catalyst behavior under working conditions, with particular attention to the dynamic structural changes that occur during catalytic reactions. Her work bridges fundamental catalyst science with practical emission control applications.

Dr. Casapu leads the Exhaust Gas Center Karlsruhe, which focuses on developing advanced catalyst technologies for internal combustion engines. Her team employs a multidisciplinary approach combining materials synthesis, advanced characterization, and reaction engineering to address challenges in automotive emission control.