Dr. Shahar Dery

Unveiling Catalysis at the Nanoscale

Our research lies at the intersection of heterogeneous catalysis, inorganic chemistry, and high-resolution spectroscopy, aiming to uncover why and how chemical reactions occur on solid surfaces at the nanoscale. We integrate advanced spectroscopic techniques, tailored material synthesis, and computational modeling to understand how structure and dynamics govern catalytic behavior. Our work centers on three main themes:

Nanoscale Mapping of Surface Reactivity

We develop and apply cutting-edge vibrational nanospectroscopies, including AFM-IR, sSNOM, and tip-enhanced Raman (TERS), to visualize chemical activity across individual catalyst nanoparticles. Using selective probe molecules, we generate spatially resolved maps that reveal how reactivity varies across different surface sites, shedding light on the role of surface heterogeneity in catalysis.

Structural Dynamics at Metal–Metal Interfaces

We investigate the structural evolution of bimetallic catalysts under reaction conditions. Through surface organometallic chemistry and in situ spectroscopy, we study how alloying, segregation, and interfacial restructuring impact catalytic behavior. These insights are essential for understanding the often-hidden role of dynamic interfaces in driving selectivity and activity.

ssNMR and NQR spectroscopy for studying single-site catalysts

We probe the local environments of active sites in both molecularly defined and nanoparticle-based catalysts via ssNMR and NQR spectroscopy. These methods provide unique fingerprints of oxidation states, ligand environments, and electronic structure. Coupled with isotope labeling and DFT calculations, we use these tools to connect local electronic features with catalytic performance in real-world systems.