The Heterogeneous Catalysis group at Empa focuses research on the understanding of processes at catalytic solid-gas and solid-liquid interfaces relevant to the environment and to energy production. Spectroscopic methods are the main tools used to characterize the catalytic material under conditions very similar to those encountered during reaction.

The research of the nature, the structure and the reactivity of active sites and active species is the main scientific goal, which should lead to the improvement of present catalytic materials.

Beside the spectroscopic characterization of the structure and of the reactivity of the catalyst, novel synthetic routes are explored for the preparation of nanostructured materials.

The main class of materials taken into account is that of perovskite-based catalysts, where the reactivity and stability can be tuned by partial or total substitution of one of the elements. Noble metal-free and –doped perovskites are applied in exhaust aftertreatment, photocatalytic and energy-related gas-phase reactions.

Additionally, aging phenomena on real and model three-way catalysts are also considered.

Novel photocatalysts, acid/base and bifunctional catalysts for green chemistry (for example one-pot synthesis or eco-friendly chemical processes) are the materials of choice for catalytic solid-liquid interfaces. The surface properties of these materials are yet unexplored under reaction conditions.

The activity of the group is embedded within the Empa's Research Focus Area Natural Resources and Pollutants.