Prof. Johannes Lercher

Curriculum Vitae

Research

Catalysis at Interfaces

Our research addresses fundamental aspects of catalysis that enable the transition to carbon neutrality.  We use atomistically defined oxide, sulfide, and metal catalysts to catalyze the synthesis of energy carriers with renewable power, at significantly lower reaction temperatures and with higher selectivity than currently possible. 

The steric and chemical environment of active sites is used to tailor the excess chemical potentials of reacting species to facilitate hydrogen storage in molecules, synthesis of fuels from renewables and polymers, and activation and conversion of small molecules such as CH₄, NO_x, and CO₂. In-depth characterizations of the elementary reactions by spectroscopic and kinetic interrogation are used to guide research.