We develop and test catalysts for light alkane activation, including ethane and propane. Our work focuses on improving selectivity, efficiency, and stability using atomic-scale design principles and surface science. We use tools like ALD, synchrotron X-ray techniques, and kinetic modeling to understand how nanostructures affect reaction behavior — especially in selective oxidation and dehydrogenation pathways. 

Representative work:

• Synthesis of Pt3Zn1 and Pt1Zn1 intermetallic nanocatalysts for dehydrogenation of ethane
  Z. Gan, Z. Lu, M. Bunian, L. B. Lagria, C. L. Marshall, R. M. Banish, S. Lee, Y. Lei
  Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics, 25 (2023) 7144-7153

• Structure and reactivity of single site Ti catalysts for propylene epoxidation

Z. Lu, X. Liu, B. Zhang, Z. Gan, S. Tang, L. Ma, T. Wu, G. J. Nelson, Y. Qin, C. H. Turner, Y. Lei

Journal of Catalysis, 377 (2019) 419-428

In collaboration with Prof. Tingting Wu (Environmental Engineering), we develop catalysts and reactive surfaces to break down emerging water contaminants, including PFAS and pharmaceuticals. Our approach emphasizes robustness, selectivity, and compatibility with real water systems. Many of these materials are based on metal-oxide coatings applied via ALD or solution methods. 

Representative work:

• Plasmon-enhanced Catalytic Ozonation for Efficient Removal of Recalcitrant Water Pollutants

W Yang, M Bunian, X Chen, S Heald, L Yu, J Wen, Y Lei, T Wu

ACS ES&T Engineering, 5 (2021) 874-883

• Enhancement of Copper Catalyst Stability for Catalytic Ozonation in Water Treatment

W. Yang, Z. Lu, B. Vogler, T. Wu, Y. Lei

ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, 10 (2018) 43323-43326

We contribute to mission-driven research through the design of materials that perform reliably in extreme environments — including high temperatures, corrosive media, and rapid thermal cycling. While project details are confidential, our work often focuses on surface engineering, materials stability, and reactive layer design in collaboration with national laboratories and other research partners. 

Themes include:

• ALD coatings for thermal or chemical resistance

• Catalyst performance under high-temperature cycling

• Materials selection and modeling for rugged applications