Catalysis

Catalysis faculty use fundamental knowledge of catalysts to discover new reactions and to develop new catalytic materials derived from traditional and biomass feedstocks. Catalysis plays a critical role in solar light harvesting, energy storage and the synthesis of new biologically active compounds. In addition, Catalysis faculty study the mechanisms of catalytic reactions to further the efficiency and decrease the environmental impact of current reaction technologies. Moreover, the study of enzymatic mechanism of action allows the rational development of enzymatic inhibitors that are useful as probes in chemical biology or as potential pharmaceuticals.