Research Interests
Our team is committed to researching and developing catalysts and catalytic methods that will change the way we create and produce molecules and materials.
Single-Atom Catalysis: Understanding their Structure and Expanding their Reactivity
Single-atom catalysts represent the frontier of catalyst design, offering unprecedented levels of selectivity and efficiency. We have pioneered some of the first stable single-atom catalysts and we are now exploiting micro- and nano-engineering to design novel and improved single-atom catalysts for pharmaceutical and fine chemical synthesis. We are also interested in getting at the bottom of the physico-chemical properties that control their function and reactivity.
Next-Generation Synthesis Unifying Catalysis Concepts
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 (biogenic) waste chemicals as starting materials. In doing so, we integrate catalyst development with flow chemistry. We employ molecular modeling, microkinetics, and life cycle assessment to optimize reaction efficiency while minimizing environmental impact.
Microfluidic & Microstructured Reaction Engineering
Microstructured reactors enable precise reaction control and process intensification. We are developing 3D-printed catalytic microreactors to optimize reaction conditions, improve scalability, and integrate novel catalysts into structured architectures. These advances facilitate on-demand, decentralized chemical manufacturing, a key step toward the future of sustainable production. We are also interesting in optimizing the micro- and nano-structure of these devices for new photochemical and electrochemical transformations.
Continuous Manufacturing of Fine Chemicals
Continuous manufacturing is transforming pharmaceutical and specialty chemical production, enabling real-time, adaptive control over reaction environments. Together with industry partners, our group is developing continuous-flow protocols for high-value molecules, integrating nanostructured reactor platforms and enhanced reaction control. We are also interested in new solvent-free methods, to redefine the efficiency and sustainability of pharmaceutical manufacturing.
