(2kc) Realizing the Untapped Potential of Solar-Driven Catalysis

Transitioning to zero-carbon emission solar processes to make fuel and chemicals requires both efficient conversion of sunlight into heat and catalytic materials to perform chemical reactions. However, today's processes are not yet efficient enough due to low conversion efficiency and poor selectivity of desired products. If we can use sunlight to access new chemical pathways, we can perform the same chemical conversion at lower temperatures, thus increasing the energy efficiency of an overall process. Moreover, through light-driven engineering of catalytically active sites and in-situ generation of reactive species, we can attain unprecedented selectivity of desired products, unattainable in traditional methods (CO₂ reduction, electrocarboxylation, selective oxidations). Realizing this ambitious goal requires rethinking ways to perform solar-driven chemical conversion beyond what is already known in the field (plasmonic catalysis and Fabry-Pérot cavity). Therefore, the mission of my lab is to develop novel solar-driven catalytic processes that outperform current approaches. The initial research directions are

(1) Light-driven functionalization of photomaterials to control selectivity of photoelectrochemical processes

(2) Solar-driven CO₂ reduction under a temperature gradient

(3) Light-induced generation of reactive oxygen species for noble metal-free selective oxidations

Through precise synthesis and characterization of catalytic materials, my lab will conduct fundamental studies to reveal mechanisms and establish frameworks in the proposed directions. Through reactor engineering, we will use this knowledge to develop impactful applications.

Doctoral Research

My Ph.D. work with Associate Professor Matteo Cargnello at Stanford University focused on developing novel materials for thermocatalytic applications. By synthesizing catalysts with well-defined properties (size, shape, and composition) and tracking their dynamic nature using X-ray absorption spectroscopy, I studied how a property of a catalyst affects its performance. I then used this knowledge to develop more efficient catalysts for CO₂ conversion and automotive exhaust emission control.

Postdoctoral Research

As a Kavli Nanoscience Institute Postdoctoral Fellow under the tutelage of Professor Harry Atwater at the California Institute of Technology, I develop sunlight-driven processes through catalyst design and reactor engineering.

(1) I fabricate metal/semiconductor photocathodes and functionalize them with molecular additives. By understanding a local environment around the photocathodes, I have discovered a promoting effect of the additives on suppressing an unwanted hydrogen evolution reaction and boosting selectivity of the CO₂ reduction reaction

(2) I perform a solar-driven ethylene oligomerization process in which heat required to run the chemical reaction is provided by sunlight using a photothermal reactor with a selective solar absorber. Operating such a reactor under sunlight requires maximizing the light-to-heat conversion and minimizing heat losses. We accomplish this goal by simultaneously optimizing the absorber's optical properties, the reactor's geometry, and insulation.

(3) As a Liquid Sunlight Alliance DOE Energy Innovation Hub Member, I use my expertise in catalyst synthesis and reactor engineering to contribute to the development of an unassisted two-step tandem photoelectrochemical/photothermal system to convert CO₂ and water into liquid fuels.

My expertise in catalyst synthesis and reactor engineering for thermo- and solar-driven catalysis uniquely positions me to accomplish the ambitious goal of realizing the untapped potential of solar-driven catalysis to develop novel processes outperforming currently existing technologies and to produce low- and zero-emission fuel and chemicals.

Teaching Interests

My training in chemical engineering prepared me to teach engineering courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels. I would be particularly enthusiastic about teaching Thermodynamics and Reactor and Reaction Engineering. Realizing the importance of efficient conversion of sunlight into heat and catalytic materials to perform unassisted solar-driven generation of products beyond solar fuels, I would be delighted to develop a course focusing on novel catalyst synthesis and reactor engineering approaches to overcome the limitations of currently existing technologies. My efforts in providing quality teaching and mentorship is exemplified by my pursuit of pedagogical training and numerous teaching opportunities throughout my academic career. As a teacher and mentor, I am committed to helping students cultivate their vision of success and achieve these goals by leveraging their strengths and interests. In recognition of my efforts, I received a Distinguished Student Lecturer award and was selected for Stanford's Mentor in Teaching program.

Realizing the importance of quality mentorship and my educational status, I have always wanted to serve as a bridge to graduate school for students from all backgrounds. Over the last eight years, I have participated in and led several mentorship and outreach initiatives (Graduate Pathways to STEM, Science PenPals, Accountability Partners Program). My most outstanding achievement is establishing an Accountability Partners Program to help undergraduate students of color and their allies apply to graduate school.