Philipp Nikolaus Pleßow

Dr. Philipp Nikolaus Pleßow serves as a group leader at the Institute of Catalysis Research and Technology (IKFT) within the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), where he has led research on theoretical catalysis since 2016. His work bridges computational chemistry and industrial catalyst development, focusing on fundamental reaction mechanisms and stability challenges.

His academic journey includes:

• Diploma in Chemistry from KIT (2010)
• PhD from Heidelberg University (2014) under Prof. Dr. Hofmann, researching homogeneously catalyzed reactions with BASF and CaRLa
• Postdoctoral training at SUNCAT, Stanford University, with Dr. Abild-Pedersen and Prof. Dr. Nørskov

Pleßow's research centers on computational modeling of zeolite-catalyzed reactions and catalyst deactivation through sintering. His group "Reaction mechanisms and catalyst design" develops molecular-level insights to engineer more efficient and durable catalysts, with direct implications for sustainable chemical processes. This interdisciplinary work combines quantum chemistry, surface science, and materials engineering to address industrial catalysis challenges.

He contributes significantly to KIT's academic mission through:

• Co-teaching "Quantum Chemistry of Solids and Surfaces" (since 2019) with apl. Prof. Dr. Fink
• Co-leading "Theorie und molekulare Simulation in der Katalyse" (Theory and Molecular Simulation in Catalysis) since 2017 with Prof. Dr. Studt
• Delivering exercises in physical chemistry mathematics (2020-2021)

As head of his research group at IKFT, Pleßow directs computational investigations into catalyst behavior under operational conditions, emphasizing predictive models for real-world catalytic systems.