Insoo Ro

Heterogeneous supported metal catalysts are critical for a wide range of chemical conversion technologies. While the fundamental properties of extended metal surfaces are well understood and active sites on such systems can be designed for targeted applications, much less is known about the properties of active sites formed at the interface of nanometer-scale metal structures and their underlying oxide support. The goal of this Perspective is to highlight recent progress in understanding and con

Well-defined Cu catalysts containing different amounts of zirconia were synthesized by controlled surface reactions (CSRs) and atomic layer deposition methods and studied for the selective conversion of ethanol to ethyl acetate and for methanol synthesis. Selective deposition of ZrO 2 on undercoordinated Cu sites or near Cu nanoparticles via the CSR method was evidenced by UV–vis absorption spectroscopy, scanning transmission electron microscopy, and inductively coupled plasma absorption emissio

Atomically dispersed late-transition-metal catalysts exhibit distinct catalytic reactivity and selectivity compared to metal clusters in many reactions. Realizing the potential benefits of these catalysts requires active site uniformity and control of their local environment. Here, we propose a catalyst synthesis route for manipulating the local environment of atomically dispersed metal-active sites. This was achieved via the targeted deposition of Rh precursors near atomically dispersed ReOx on

Conventional methods for developing heterogeneous catalysts are inefficient in time and cost, often relying on trial-and-error. The integration of machine-learning (ML) in catalysis research using data can reduce computational costs and provide valuable insights. However, the lack of interpretability in black-box models hinders their acceptance among researchers. We propose an interpretable ML framework that enables a comprehensive understanding of the complex relationships between variables. Ou

The surge in global plastic production, reaching 400.3 million tons in 2022, has exacerbated environmental pollution, with only 11% of plastic being recycled. Catalytic recycling, particularly through hydrogenolysis and hydrocracking, offers a promising avenue for upcycling polyolefin plastic, comprising 55% of global plastic waste. This study investigates the influence of water on polyolefin depolymerization using Ru catalysts, revealing a promotional effect only when both metal and acid sites,

Abstract Depolymerizing plastic waste through hydrogen‐based processes, such as hydrogenolysis and hydrocracking, presents a promising solution for converting plastics into liquid fuels. However, conventional hydrogen production methods rely heavily on fossil fuels, exacerbating global warming. This study introduces a novel approach to plastic waste hydrogenolysis that utilizes in situ hydrogen generated via the aqueous phase reforming (APR) of methanol, a biomass‐derived chemical offering a mor

Plastics are widely used materials in our daily lives and various industries due to their affordability and versatility. The massive production of plastic waste, however, has recently emerged as a pressing environmental concern across all media. To address this, emerging technologies are being explored for the sustainable valorization of postconsumer plastic wastes including thermochemical, physical, and catalytic processes aimed at transforming them into higher value-added products. However, th