OUR RESEARCH
Engineering Materials.
Controlling Chemistry.
We investigate how materials, molecular environments, and energy inputs control chemical reactions and ion transport.
THE SCIENCE THAT CONNECTS OUR WORK
One scientific question. Many possibilities.
How can we design materials and their surroundings to control how molecules and ions interact, move, and react?
Molecular understanding guides every step.
OUR FUNDAMENTAL THEMES
Four themes. A shared approach.
Defect & Active-Site Engineering
Design and control material defects and active sites to tune reactivity and ion transport.
Interfaces & Molecular Environments
Understand how solvents, ions, and interfacial environments shape molecular interactions and reaction pathways.
Non-Thermal Energy &
Bond Activation
Use non-thermal energy (e.g., plasma) to activate chemical bonds and drive selective transformations under mild conditions.
Reaction Mechanisms & Molecular Understanding
Elucidate reaction pathways and molecular-level mechanisms to establish design principles for better materials and processes.
WHERE THE SCIENCE LEADS
Fundamental discoveries. Real-world possibilities.
STORE — Energy storage
How can we design materials and interfaces to store and move ions more efficiently, stably, and selectively?
Developing materials and interfacial strategies for higher-performance, longer-lasting, and more sustainable energy storage.
TRANSFORM — Waste and renewable resources
How can we convert waste and renewable resources into useful chemicals and materials with high selectivity and efficiency?
Designing materials and processes that upcycle plastics, biomass, and other carbon resources into valuable products.
REMEDIATE — Water pollutant removal and transformation
How can we remove and transform persistent pollutants in water, such as PFAS, safely and effectively?
Developing material- and plasma-enabled approaches to break down, capture, and mineralize water contaminants.