Catalysis

Developing catalysts for sustainable chemical production and a circular, climate-neutral future

Contact Information

Address

Het Kranenveld 14
Helix
5612 AE Eindhoven
Netherlands
View on map, opens in new tab

Phone

+31 402 472078

Email

[email protected]

Organisational Structure

•
Research
- •
  Materials for Electrochemistry, Catalysis and Separation
  - •
    Catalysis
    - •
      Computational Heterogeneous Catalysis
    - •
      Chemistry of Heterogeneous Catalysts

See full hierarchy

Introduction

The Catalysis subcluster develops fundamental understanding and innovative technologies for sustainable chemical manufacturing. By integrating catalyst synthesis, operando characterization, reaction engineering, computational chemistry, and AI, we establish structure-performance relationships and design advanced catalytic materials and processes for renewable feedstocks, circular carbon utilization, and a climate-neutral chemical industry.

Profile

<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW130237051 BCX0"> Catalysis is a cornerstone of modern chemical manufacturing and a key enabling technology for the transition to a climate-neutral and circular economy. The Catalysis subcluster at Eindhoven University of Technology investigates how catalytic materials function across scales, from atomic-scale active sites and reaction mechanisms to catalyst bodies, reactor systems, and industrial processes. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW130237051 BCX0"> Our research combines catalyst synthesis, operando spectroscopy and microscopy, kinetic analysis, reactor engineering, computational chemistry, and artificial intelligence to understand how catalyst structure and dynamics govern performance under realistic conditions. We uncover the origins of catalytic activity, selectivity, stability, and deactivation, and translate these insights into improved catalytic technologies. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW130237051 BCX0"> Research themes include renewable-feedstock valorisation, biomass and lignin conversion, carbon dioxide utilization, hydrogen technologies, Fischer-Tropsch synthesis, methanol-based processes, electrocatalysis, and the development of advanced porous, nanostructured, and single-site catalytic materials. A central objective is to establish quantitative structure-performance relationships that enable the rational design of next-generation catalysts. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW130237051 BCX0"> A defining strength of the subcluster is the close integration of experiment and theory. Advanced characterization techniques are combined with first-principles calculations, multiscale modelling, microkinetic analysis, and machine learning to understand catalytic phenomena across scales and accelerate catalyst discovery. By bringing together expertise in catalyst synthesis, characterization, modelling, reaction engineering, and AI, we create a unique environment in which catalytic systems can be conceived, developed, and optimized within a single research program. </div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW130237051 BCX0"> Through strong collaborations with academic and industrial partners, we contribute to sustainable chemical production, circular carbon utilization, industrial electrification, and renewable feedstock conversion, helping to develop technologies for a low-carbon future. </div>