Researching
next-generation synthesis & reaction technologies

Single-atom catalysis

Single-atom catalysts represent the frontiers of catalyst design, and combine the advantages of both homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis. We have contributed to the design of the first stable single-atom catalysts and we are now designing novel and improved single-atom catalysts for synthetic applications. We are interested in the synthesis of those materials and we are also getting at the bottom of the physico-chemical properties that control their function and reactivity.

New synthetic chemical methods

We are developing synthetic catalytic methods to optimize resource efficiency across the chemical value chain. In particular, we are interested in developing novel methodologies for the synthesis of organic molecules, to circumvent the use of traditional homogeneous catalysts and eventually exploit (CO2 and bio-based) waste chemicals as starting materials. In doing so, we integrate catalyst development with flow chemistry.

Flow chemistry technologies

Flow chemistry is changing small molecule synthesis by expanding the reaction toolbox. We are developing continuous-flow synthetic protocols for the synthesis (and one-pot purification) of small molecules and materials intermediates. We are also interested in new approaches to design microreactors for flow applications, in order to exploit catalysts in a structured manner.