Research Projects

The proposed research seeks to address urgent global challenges related to decarbonization, circular chemistry, and sustainable fine chemical synthesis by developing next-generation multifunctional catalytic systems. At its core, this project unifies Single-Site Heterogeneous Catalysis (SSHC) with photocatalysis and magnetocatalysis to overcome current limitations in catalytic efficiency, selectivity, and scalability. SSHC uniquely combines the molecular precision of homogeneous catalysis with the durability and recyclability of heterogeneous systems, making it ideal for designing well-defined, atom-efficient catalytic sites. This project will focus on earth-abundant 3d transition metals (e.g., Co, Fe, Ni) supported on semiconducting (e.g., graphitic carbon nitride) and magnetically responsive materials to enable stimuli-responsive catalysis driven by visible light and alternating magnetic fields. The work will involve the rational design, synthesis, and anchoring of metal complexes via N-, O-, and P-donor ligands onto functionalized supports to achieve high selectivity and performance under mild conditions. Key targeted applications include photocatalytic CO₂ reduction, selective hydrogenation of multifunctional molecules, and biomass valorization, all of which are critical to the development of a low-carbon, circular chemical economy. The research will integrate advanced characterization (e.g., XAFS, STEM, operando spectroscopy) and mechanistic studies to understand structure–activity relationships and ensure stability under operational conditions. By bridging emerging catalytic technologies, particularly photocatalysis and magnetocatalysis, with molecularly defined SSHC platforms, this project aims to develop energy-efficient catalytic systems that respond to light and magnetic stimuli. Overall, it offers transformative advances in sustainable catalysis, contributing both to fundamental science and to scalable industrial applications aligned with climate and energy goals.