(6ca) Mechanistic Study and Engineering of Vapor/Solid Interface in-Operando: Applications in Heterogeneous Catalysis for Energy Upgrading Reactions

I obtained my PhD in physical chemistry at the University of Notre Dame in 2016, followed by postdoctoral research in the Department of Chemistry at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and Department of Chemical Engineering at UC Berkeley and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. I have expertise in heterogeneous catalysis, surface science, and reaction kinetics under in-operando conditions. Below my research and teaching interests are outlined. It is appreciated that AIChE could offer me a platform showing my research and teaching plans while meeting recruiters/searching committee members in person.

Research Interests: My lab aims to advance the fundamental understanding and modulation of general vapor/solid interface in terms of their chemical and electronic properties at molecular levels. In particular, reactant (vapor)/catalyst (solid) interfaces in thermal and photo-assisted heterogeneous catalysis will be investigated in-operando, i.e., characterization while a catalytic event is occurring. Information regarding adsorption energetics, elementary steps that mediate catalytic sequences, identity and evolution of kinetic-relevant surface species, and electronic characteristics (band bending, working function, valence band, etc.) will be obtained to unravel the reaction mechanism for design and engineering of better catalysts for energy upgrading-related chemical processes.

Mechanistic study of heterogeneous catalysts in-operando, assisted by vigorous kinetic analysis, offers a robust venue to unambiguously capture, elucidate and manipulate the physiochemical processes at the vapor/solid interface. Information regarding elementary steps that mediate catalytic sequences, identity, adsorption/desorption energetics and evolution of kinetic-relevant surface species, and electronic characteristics including band structure at the vapor/solid heterojunction will be obtained to elucidate the reaction mechanism and develop better catalysts in energy upgrading-related chemical processes.

Teaching Interests: Teaching perpetuates knowledge and inspires learning. Being able to teach drives me to apply for a professorship over a research-only position. Here, teaching as a professor has a two-fold format, passing knowledge to college students in classrooms and training of future chemists in research-based environments.

For classroom teaching, I believe in customized teaching tailored to individuals or individual groups within an audience. Unambiguous descriptions of ideas maximize the engagement of audience and allow one to intellectually challenge and inspire learners. A variety of approaches including schematics, videos, and texts with a combination of textbook and examples from publications or even my own research will be employed, as long as they serve to teach efficiently and enjoyably. In a research team, the passion and learning efficiency of students are largely driven by the communicating style of the principle investigator, where teaching customized down to individuals becomes indispensable. Teaching becomes a fulfilling process if the teacher is able to (and willing to) apply the most inspiring approach towards an individual and maximize his/her potential.

Given my expertise in physical chemistry, surface science, and heterogeneous catalysis, I am confident and excited to teach general chemistry, physical chemistry and related courses concerning topics on heterogeneous catalysis, surface science, vacuum science and scientific instrumentation. I am also interested in developing advanced courses in surface chemistry, solid state physics and heterogeneous catalysis (reaction kinetics and thermodynamics), bridging together three interconnected areas and introducing students to the world of surface and catalysis. For undergraduate courses I plan to follow departmental established syllabi and ensure the coverage of required concepts and knowledge. For advanced level courses I will use a highly research-oriented approach with a combination of introductions to general concepts and intellectually deep understandings of a particular research area.