RSA CE&C 2015-2021 Group descriptions

16 combining experimental and theoretical results; 1-4 (ii) new hierarchically organized zeolites for improved methanol to olefins/gasoline reactions; 5,6 and (iii) the formulation of a molecular mechanism for zeolite-catalyzed methane upgrading at high temperatures. The achievements in these areas are all based on a strong coordination between computational and experimental efforts. 7,8 In the last two years, the programs on CO x conversion have been coming to fruition with publications in high-impact journals. 9-13 2. Catalysis for bio-renewables. Many breakthroughs have been achieved in this domain. In the area of sugar conversion, the complex reaction mechanism of the conversion of glucose and fructose to dehydrated furfural compounds has been resolved. New materials, including zeolites and cheap metal oxides, have been proposed. 14 A recent work describes a way to protect common aldehydes against self-condensation as a generic approach to convert sugar-derived intermediates to biobased monomers, solvents and fuels. 15 The research on lignin valorization spans basic and applied research. Detailed mechanistic insight into the chemistry underlying the depolymerization of lignin biopolymers has led to several (patented) approaches to convert these networks into chemicals. 16 A highlight is the conversion of lignin in supercritical ethanol. 17 On the applied side, a spin-off company (Vertoro) has been established, which is involved in the scale-up of technologies developed in our lab, thereby creating new interfaces with the chemical industry. 3. Catalysis for renewable energy storage. This relatively new subprogram has focused on establishing a good research infrastructure and identifying a clear profile in this highly competitive area. We have focused on the atomic-scale understanding of functioning and structure-property relationships of electrocatalysts, including work on single crystal and individual particle model systems as well as thin-film model materials. Substantial progress has been made in exploring earth-abundant elements in alternative energy materials such as transition metal phosphides and sulfides, which can replace noble metal catalysts. Specific highlights are the characterization of the evolution of relevant surface structures over longer reaction times throughoperando synchrotron-basedcharacterization 18 and the roleof surface states and interfacial energetics in determining the photoelectrochemical and photovoltaic performance of oxide and sulfide photoabsorbers. 19 A new research program around the electrochemical conversion of nitrogen-based compounds is being developed. 20,21 Valorization and societal impact The societal relevance of the work in the Inorganic Materials and Catalysis group can be recognized in the chosen research themes that closely relate to the societal themes of renewable energy, clean environment and the circular economy. The research of the Inorganic Materials and Catalysis group impacts society through: 1. Close collaboration with the chemical industry (~50%projects with industry), addressing particular questions related to catalyst development for sustainable chemistry. 2. Strategic partnerships with industry – examples include programs like Smartmix Catchbio, CatC1Chem and ARC CBBC as well as part-time professor appointments in the IMC group (Weber, Shell). 3. Educating professionals for the industry – there is a strong demand for MSc and PhD graduates andpostdoctoral fellows coming from the IMCgroup, withmany of themobtaining jobs in the chemical industry (Shell, DSM, BP, Dow, SABIC, ASML, Johnson-Matthey, Trespa, DAF, Corbion, etc.), further spreading impact on society as a whole. 4. Educating academic researchers – a total of eight alumni successfully started an academic career, including four assistant, two associate and two full professor positions around the globe.