Atomic catalysts (SACs and DACs) and cluster catalysts are emerging materials in environment and energy catalysis. Primarily due to their ultrahigh performances, environmental friendliness, structural/chemical robustness, and the maximum utilization of active metal sites. The metal single atom center, support, and local coordination environment can be tunned to determine the electronic structures of these catalysts, hence affecting their catalytic behaviours.

At Water Lab, we combine cutting edge material science with data science (AI) to create atomic- and nanomaterial- based catalysts for energy efficient environment and energy catalysis such as advanced oxidation processes (AOP), carbon dioxide reduction (CO2RR), and nitrate reduction (NH3RR). By properly designing these reactions, we aim to produce high-value C2+ chemicals while treating wastewater using renewable energy. We also employ a variety of physio-chemical techniques to understand the reaction mechanisms.