Our Work
The Chavez Lab works at the interface of nanophotonics and heterogeneous catalysis to design materials that use light to drive chemical reactions at lower temperatures with unique selectivity and improved stability compared to thermal catalysts. By integrating precisely engineered nanomaterials, rigorous kinetic measurements, photo-electrodynamic simulations, and operando spectroscopy, we aim to develop photochemical conversion systems that can ultimately help decarbonize chemical production processes. See examples of major focus areas below.
Plasmonic Photocatalyst Design and Implementation
Plasmonic photocatalysis is becoming increasingly popular in catalysis research because it can achieve selectivities and efficiencies inaccessible in thermal catalysis. We use our background in materials chemistry, quantum electrodynamics, and chemical reaction engineering to design plasmonic metal-based photocatalysts for industrially relevant chemistries.
U. Aslam, S. Chavez, S. Linic. Nature Nano. 2017.
Fundamentals of Plasmonic Photocatalysis
Understanding the nanoscopic mechanisms underpinning energy and charge flow in multicomponent plasmonic nanostructures is critical for designing efficient photocatalysts. We use our expertise in plasmonics, spectroscopy, and nanofabrication to investigate the interplay between light-harvesting, energy transport, and photochemistry in plasmonic catalysis.
S. Linic, S. Chavez, R. Elias. Nature Materials. 2021.
S. Chavez*, et al. J. Phys. Chem. C. 2021.
Understanding and Leveraging Catalyst (Photo)Dynamics
Nanoparticle-based catalysts undergo dynamic chemical and morphological changes when exposed to reaction conditions. Characterizing these dynamic changes it important since they can drastically affect catalyst performance. We use our experience in operando spectroscopy and microscopy to characterize these during thermocatalytic and photocatalytic reactions.