Research

The Center for Advanced Materials for Environmental Solutions

We are initially focusing on porous materials, such as metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and covalent organic frameworks (COFs). They have the potential to address many important climate challenges due to their sponge-like capability to capture and release high concentrations of substances. These materials have begun to be used for purposes such as purifying air and water, harvesting water from desert air, producing sustainable fuel and chemicals, and extending the shelf life of produce.

Some of the Center’s projects include:
• Developing new porous materials for methane capture, gas separations, water harvesting, and catalytic reactions
• Creating AI-driven algorithms for rapid material discovery and optimization, significantly reducing development timelines
• Advancing public engagement in climate science through partnerships with artists, educators, and community leaders

Catalyst Design for Decarbonization Center

An Energy Frontier Research Center funded by the United States Department of Energy. The central research mission of CD4DC is to discover new catalysts for the decarbonization energy transition and to optimize the key catalytic reactions involved.

Publications

Journal Article·Jul 24, 2025

Introducing metal–sulfur active sites in metal–organic frameworks via post-synthetic modification for hydrogenation catalysis

Nature Chemistry

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Journal Article·May 2, 2025

Symmetry is the Key to the Design of Reticular Frameworks

Advanced Materials

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Journal Article·Mar 18, 2025

Strongly Correlated States of Transition Metal Spin Defects: The Case of an Iron Impurity in Aluminum Nitride

The Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters

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