Motivation: PCET reactions are fundamental to biological and artificial energy conversion processes such as nitrogen fixation and photosynthesis.

Challenge: The complex reaction mechanisms of interfacial proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET) processes hinder the development of catalysts that generate a single desired product with high yield rate.

Question: Will tuning transmembrane proton transfer dynamics alter PCET mechanism?

Direction: The ET lab will construct lipid-modified electrodes to control the catalytic pathways and map the reaction energy landscape of PCET processes. The mechanistic understanding gained from this surface functionalization approach will guide the development of next-generation ​self-assembling catalytic materials.

Strategy: ​Non-precious alternatives
1. Earth-abundant metal
2. Inexpensive and scalable
3. Rational design and precise structure
4. Tunable composition