Charlotte Vogt

Homodyne Spectroscopy to Study Dynamic Gas- and Liquid-solid Interface Reactions

Technion Israel Institute of Technology, Israel

 charlottevogtlab.net.technion.ac.il

Abstract:

Surface processes occurring at complex material interfaces are crucial for various applications, particularly in heterogeneous catalysis. Nearly 90% of chemical processes, and consequently most human-made products, involve at least one catalytic step. Understanding these surface processes is key to designing new and improved catalysts and materials. However, studying them, especially under relevant conditions of temperature, pressure, and material complexity, poses challenges, leading to gaps in our fundamental understanding.
 
This challenge is particularly pronounced in catalysis at the gas-solid interface, and even more so in the case of the electrified solid-liquid interface relevant to electrocatalysis. To address this, we have developed operando homodyne spectroscopy, which involves using an external stimulus wave coupled with specialized data mining techniques. This approach allows us to study catalytic reactions in detail under conditions that were previously unattainable. Our goal is to gain the next generation of fundamental insights into surface processes.

Short Bio:

Dr. Charlotte Vogt (born 1991) is currently an assistant professor and principal investigator at the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology. Her laboratory focuses on the fundamental understanding of catalytic processes that will 'fuel the future,' including carbon dioxide capture and valorization, fuel cell technology, nitrogen fixation and utilization, hydrogen production, and the recycling of plastics and other waste. Studying fundamental concepts in catalysis through homodyne spectroscopy, with a strong focus on the capture and conversion of CO2 to useful fuels and materials, form the basis of her work. Through the development of novel spectroscopic approaches in combination with advanced data analysis focusing on unraveling non-linear dynamics in such systems, her group generates fundamental understanding of catalysts at work and employs this knowledge to develop new or improved processes. Her research is recognized in Nature's 'most impactful publications' list in the field of materials science and chemistry. In 2023, she was awarded the ERC Starting Grant. Dr. Vogt has received several awards, including being included in Forbes '30 under 30' list, winning the UniSysCat 'Clara Immerwahr Award' for achievements in catalysis research, the First EuroTech Future Award, the Beilby Medal and Prize, and recently being named one of C&EN's 'Talented Twelve.'