The Chen Lab at UAkron

Catalysis Science for Sustainability

Our group study heterogeneous catalysis to build a sustainable future. We use interdisciplinary approaches to decipher the science behind catalytic chemical transformations that tackle rising challenges related to energy and environment, such as polymer waste upcycling, hydrogen storage/release, and CO2/biomass utilization.

We combine various spectroscopic and kinetic tools to understand how catalyst surfaces look like during the reaction at the atomic level, and how molecules react on them. In this way we can learn WHY the catalysts work in the reactions, WHAT catalyst structures are effective, and HOW to steer the behaviors of the molecules. Based on these fundamental scientific principles, we rationally design next-generation catalytic materials and processes. ​

See the "Research" page for more (nerdy) details.

We welcome interested undergraduate students!

We currently do not have openings for postdocs or graduate students :(