Dr. Chenyuan Zhu | Environmental and Sustainable Materials | Research Excellence Award

Dr. Chenyuan Zhu is an accomplished researcher in chemistry and chemical engineering, recognized for impactful contributions to electrocatalysis, interfacial chemistry, and sustainable energy conversion. His research centers on the rational design of catalytic interfaces and active-site motifs to enable efficient electrochemical transformations, particularly carbon dioxide reduction and nitrate-to-ammonia conversion, which are critical for carbon neutrality and green nitrogen cycles. Dr. Zhu’s work systematically explores how bimetallic interfaces, crystallographic facets, defect engineering, and ionomer regulation influence reaction pathways, selectivity, and catalytic efficiency. By combining precise materials synthesis with advanced electrochemical characterization, his studies reveal structure–function relationships that govern multi-electron transfer reactions. Notably, his research on Au/Cu and Ag/Cu biphasic interfaces has demonstrated selective tandem conversion of CO₂ into value-added C₂+ alcohols, offering new strategies for carbon utilization. His investigations into Cu-based catalysts have provided fundamental insights into dynamic surface restructuring and product-specific active sites, significantly advancing the understanding of electrochemical CO₂ reduction mechanisms. In the area of electrochemical nitrogen conversion, Dr. Zhu has reported innovative approaches for nitrate-to-ammonia synthesis using tandem and biphasic catalytic systems, achieving enhanced activity and selectivity. These works contribute to sustainable ammonia production pathways that bypass energy-intensive Haber–Bosch processes. His broader research portfolio also includes contributions to electrochemical methanation, battery materials, and photocatalytic membranes for water treatment, reflecting a strong interdisciplinary foundation spanning catalysis, energy storage, and environmental remediation. Dr. Zhu’s scholarly output includes publications in leading journals such as Chem, ACS Catalysis, Journal of the American Chemical Society, Nano Letters, Journal of Materials Chemistry A, ChemSusChem, and Journal of Energy Chemistry. Several of these works are highly cited, featured as reviews or highlights, and published in top-tier journals, underscoring their scientific influence and originality. His research is characterized by methodological rigor, innovative interface engineering concepts, and clear relevance to global sustainability challenges. Through sustained contributions to fundamental catalysis science and applied electrochemical technologies, Dr. Zhu’s research advances the development of high-efficiency catalytic systems for clean energy and chemical production. His work continues to shape emerging strategies for carbon management, green ammonia synthesis, and next-generation electrochemical processes, positioning him as a significant contributor to modern catalysis and sustainable chemical engineering research.

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