Zihao Zhang
Dr. Zhang has been actively engaged in research within heterogeneous catalysis since 2014, focusing on the transformation of biomass, automobile gas exhausts (CO, NOx, CH4), and hydrocarbons (or derivatives) at five different institutions: ETH Zurich, Paul Scherrer Institute, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, University of Tennessee, and Zhejiang University. As the chemical industry likely shifts from fossil-based resources to renewable carbon sources, Dr. Zhang is deeply interested in converting chemically inert small molecules—such as CO2 and CH4, derived from industrial pollutant streams and sustainable carbon feedstocks like biogas—into value-added chemicals, fuels, and materials through the development of efficient catalysts. His work emphasizes understanding catalytic reaction mechanisms by identifying active site descriptors, capturing reaction intermediates, and rationally designing well-defined catalyst structures to enable the valorization of these inert molecules.
Heterogeneous Catalysis; methane activation; biomass conversion; Operando spectroscopy; Reaction kinetics
- Our research is centered on Synthesizing well-defined catalysts, Evaluating targeted reaction, and Exploring structure-activity relationship via advanced catalyst characterizations for the valorization of sustainable carbon resources, such as hydrogenation of CO2 and (non-)oxidative coupling of CH4. Using the bottom-up 'SEE Catal' strategy, we aim to uncover the fundamental principles of heterogeneous catalysis, guiding the precise engineering of active sites and their surrounding environment. Our goal is to develop efficient catalysts and optimal reaction systems based on the in-depth understanding of catalytic reaction mechanism, advancing the industrial catalytic utilization of CO2 and CH4. We believe that advancing heterogeneous catalysis for CO2 and CH4 valorization requires in-depth understanding of catalytic reaction mechanisms to shift from traditional "coke-and-look" approaches to rational catalyst design. This transition depends on collaboration among scientists from diverse fields and bridge the gap to real-world applications. We therefore welcome collaborations with experts in material synthesis, advanced characterization techniques, and theoretical modeling.
2506 Jacob Drive
Knoxville, TN 37996
- Postdoctoral fellow, ETH Zurich, Issued 12/8/2024
- Postdoctoral fellow, Paul Scherrer Institute, Issued 12/31/2023
- Postdoctoral fellow, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Issued 10/31/2021
- DE, Chemical Engineering, Zhejiang University, 2019
Zihao Zhang
2506 Jacob Drive
Knoxville, TN 37996
- Postdoctoral fellow, ETH Zurich, Issued 12/8/2024
- Postdoctoral fellow, Paul Scherrer Institute, Issued 12/31/2023
- Postdoctoral fellow, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Issued 10/31/2021
- DE, Chemical Engineering, Zhejiang University, 2019
Dr. Zhang has been actively engaged in research within heterogeneous catalysis since 2014, focusing on the transformation of biomass, automobile gas exhausts (CO, NOx, CH4), and hydrocarbons (or derivatives) at five different institutions: ETH Zurich, Paul Scherrer Institute, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, University of Tennessee, and Zhejiang University. As the chemical industry likely shifts from fossil-based resources to renewable carbon sources, Dr. Zhang is deeply interested in converting chemically inert small molecules—such as CO2 and CH4, derived from industrial pollutant streams and sustainable carbon feedstocks like biogas—into value-added chemicals, fuels, and materials through the development of efficient catalysts. His work emphasizes understanding catalytic reaction mechanisms by identifying active site descriptors, capturing reaction intermediates, and rationally designing well-defined catalyst structures to enable the valorization of these inert molecules.
Heterogeneous Catalysis; methane activation; biomass conversion; Operando spectroscopy; Reaction kinetics
- Our research is centered on Synthesizing well-defined catalysts, Evaluating targeted reaction, and Exploring structure-activity relationship via advanced catalyst characterizations for the valorization of sustainable carbon resources, such as hydrogenation of CO2 and (non-)oxidative coupling of CH4. Using the bottom-up 'SEE Catal' strategy, we aim to uncover the fundamental principles of heterogeneous catalysis, guiding the precise engineering of active sites and their surrounding environment. Our goal is to develop efficient catalysts and optimal reaction systems based on the in-depth understanding of catalytic reaction mechanism, advancing the industrial catalytic utilization of CO2 and CH4. We believe that advancing heterogeneous catalysis for CO2 and CH4 valorization requires in-depth understanding of catalytic reaction mechanisms to shift from traditional "coke-and-look" approaches to rational catalyst design. This transition depends on collaboration among scientists from diverse fields and bridge the gap to real-world applications. We therefore welcome collaborations with experts in material synthesis, advanced characterization techniques, and theoretical modeling.