The Porosoff Group develops next-generation catalysts to transform C1 and C2 resources — CO₂, CO, CH₄, C₂H₆ — into plastics, chemicals, and fuels. We combine precision synthesis, in situ characterization, Joule heating, and AI-driven discovery.
Understanding the relationships between chemical reactivity and catalyst properties — using controlled synthesis, in situ techniques, pulsed Joule heating, and AI-guided discovery.
Novel dual-functional catalysts to selectively produce hydrocarbons from CO₂ via RWGS and Fischer-Tropsch synthesis. Recent work establishes β-W₂C as a phase-selective, high-performance RWGS catalyst rivaling platinum at a fraction of the cost.
RWGS · FT · Tungsten CarbideWe exploit the ultra-rapid heating rates of Joule reactors to access previously inaccessible catalyst phases — including entropically favorable WC phases — and to electrify high-temperature catalytic processes for compatibility with intermittent renewable energy sources.
Joule Heating · Phase Control · ElectrificationWe represent catalysts using the text of synthesis procedures and reaction conditions, combining NLP with Bayesian optimization to accelerate discovery of earth-abundant active catalysts — without expensive structural characterization. Funded by NSF CAREER Award #2345734.
NLP · LLMs · Bayesian OptimizationWe use upconverting nanoparticle-based luminescence thermometry to directly measure catalyst surface temperatures in situ, revealing thermal gradients of 10–100°C relative to bulk readings. This enables precise coupling of exothermic and endothermic tandem reactions for improved energy efficiency.
Luminescence Thermometry · Tandem Catalysis · DFMs