Dr. Juan J Bravo-Suárez

Over 70% of all current chemical processes involve heterogeneous catalysis. Catalysts will continue to play a decisive role in advancing a more sustainable chemical industry, developing new conversion technologies, and reducing waste and pollutants. To contribute to these goals, the Bravo-Suárez Group focuses on the understanding and development of catalytic materials for the conversion of renewable biomass derived feedstocks, abundant natural gas components, and for environmental applications. To develop active and selective new and improved catalysts, we study reaction pathways, mechanism, and catalyst requirements by combining tailor-made nanomaterials, experimental kinetics, and in situ/operando spectroscopic characterization at reaction conditions. We develop and improve both experimental tools and methodologies that enable these mechanistic studies.