Sustainable Materials Characterisation, Van ’t Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences
My research focuses on the development and application of operando spectroscopy techniques in sustainable materials research, with a focus on X-ray spectroscopy techniques. Novel (time-resolved) X-ray absorption and emission spectroscopy methods have been developed as tools. This includes the development of the required operando instrumentation and cells, as well as data analysis and theoretical methods (the latter in collaboration), where the application of techniques to fundamentally or industrially interesting chemical and catalytic processes and materials is pursued, providing unprecedented insights into the material properties and reaction mechanisms. Some highlights are:
- Operando instrumentation for combined techniques (XAS, XRD, Raman, MS) to study heterogeneous catalysis and solid state materials:
- Important insights into three-way catalytic materials and their mechanisms; and
- Insights in dopant effects in Fischer-Tropsch catalysis;
- Development XAS/XES and RIXS in heterogeneous and homogeneous catalysis:
- Full reference and theoretical studies into the strength and limitations of the techniques;
- Insights into the effect of support and adsorbates on the electronics of the metal particle in metal-supported systems; and
- New electronic and structural insights into catalysts and intermediates in homogeneous reactions like epoxidation and metathesis;
- Development stopped flow methodologies in combination with time-resolved XAS:
- Providing new insights into activation of organometallic species for selective polymerisation; and
- Revealing reaction and deactivation mechanisms in CC coupling reactions;
- Development of operando spectro-electrochemical cell to study batteries:
- Spatial and time-resolved XAS studies provide insights into deactivation mechanisms in LiS and Li-ion batteries; and
- Spatial and time-resolved XAS and UV Vis studies to provide insights into the charge and discharge mechanisms of novel NiFeS batteries;
- Development of a fast time-resolved XAS procedure for photochemistry and catalysis:
- Characterisation of excited state species, their decay and reactivity; and
- Characterisation of short-lived, catalytically active sites;
- Application of spectroscopic methodologies to provide detailed insights into the ageing mechanisms of art objects (e.g. sculptures, paintings), as well as their possible changes upon cleaning and conservation treatments in order to preserve them for future generations; and
- Development of a lab-based X-ray spectrometer.
Profile in Pan European Networks Science & Technology – issue 21
Profile in Pan European Networks Science & Technology – issue 24
- Operando spectroscopy;
- X-ray absorption and emission spectroscopy;
- Sustainable materials;
- Catalysis;
- Electrochemistry;
- Batteries;
- Energy materials;
- Photo-activation of materials and catalysts; and
- Conversation of arts.