Sanjaya Senanayake

Sanjaya Senanayake is a Principal Investigator in the Catalysis: Reactivity and Structure Group at the Chemistry Division of Brookhaven National Laboratory. He holds a PhD in Chemistry (2006) and a B.Tech. (Hons) in Materials from the University of Auckland, New Zealand.

• Education:
  • PhD in Chemistry, University of Auckland (2006)
  • B.Tech. (Hons) in Materials, University of Auckland (2001)

His research focuses on heterogeneous catalysis, surface science, and advanced experimental techniques like X-ray spectroscopy, electron microscopy, and synchrotron methods. He investigates metal-oxide interactions for C-1 activation (CO2, CO, CH4) and fuel synthesis, with expertise in nanostructured catalysts, metal-support interactions, and environmental catalysis.

His recent work explores methane oxidation to methanol, CO2 hydrogenation, and dry reforming using ceria-based catalysts. He has led studies on metal-oxide interfaces and reaction mechanisms for hydrogen production and carbon-neutral processes.

• Scientific Awards:
  • ACS Petroleum Research Fund Surface Science Panel Chair (2024)
  • Brookhaven Council Chair (2023)
  • DOE Oppenheimer Leadership Fellow (2022)
  • BNL Spotlight Award (2018, 2021)
  • DOE Early Career Research Award (2017)

He utilizes state-of-the-art facilities like National Synchrotron Light Source II and Center for Functional Nanomaterials for in situ/operando studies of catalytic systems.