Surface Chemistry of Catalysts
The surface properties of materials play a crucial role in determining their functionality, impacting applications ranging from catalysis to batteries and electronics. At the Gross Lab, we investigate how surface characteristics influence the reactivity of functional materials, with a particular focus on catalysts. Using advanced spectroscopy and microscopy techniques, we aim to uncover fundamental chemical principles that guide the development of greener, more efficient catalysts with enhanced reactivity, improved yields, and a reduced environmental footprint.
Addressing the major energy challenges of the 21st century requires the design of optimized catalysts with precise control over their reactivity and selectivity. We explore the fundamental factors governing catalytic performance by designing nanostructures with tailored size, composition, and morphology. Our expertise lies in single-particle analysis, utilizing high-resolution infrared nanospectroscopy to map catalytic reactivity at the nanoscale with an exceptional spatial resolution of 20 nm.
Self-Assembly and Functionality of Molecular Monolayers Self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) consist of atoms or molecules that spontaneously adsorb onto solid surfaces, offering a powerful strategy for tuning the properties of functional materials such as sensors, catalysts, and molecular switches. Among SAMs, N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) have emerged as a promising molecular framework for creating thermally and chemically robust organic monolayers on metal surfaces. In the Gross Lab, we synthesize diverse NHCs, characterize their properties using both in-house and synchrotron-based spectroscopy techniques, and explore their functional applications.
Research areas
Latest News
Papers
New publication:
Using silyl protecting group to enable post-deposition C–C coupling reactions of alkyne-functionalized N-heterocyclic carbene monolayers on Au surfaces
New publication:
Electrochemical deposition of N-heterocyclic carbene monolayers on metal surfaces
Nat Commun 11, 5714 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-020-19500-7
Front Cover in physical chemistry chemical physics,
Volume 22 Number 34, 14 September 2020
Pages 18725–19378
"Site-Dependent Selectivity in Oxidation Reactions on Single Pt Nanoparticles"
"Electrochemical Deposition of Addressable
N-Heterocyclic Carbene Monolayers"
Scholarship & Prize
Congratulation to our Shahar Dery for winning the 2021 ICS-Uri Golik Prize for an Excellent Graduate Student
Congratulation to our Barak for receiving the Nano scholarship.
Congratulations to our Iris Berg for receiving The Clore Israel Foundation Scholarships
Congratulations on the ERC prize for High spatial resolution mapping of catalytic reactions
on single nanoparticles
Congratulations to Shahar Dery for receiving the 2020 NANO HUJI Award
Congratulations to our Iris Berg for winning the Dean Academy Award
Poster awardeds
Congratulation to Shahar Dery for his poster prize on the faculty chemistry day and in the Nano conference.
Congratulation to Iris Berg for her poster prize on the faculty chemistry day for the “Etgar” program for excellent students in Life Sciences.
Congratulation to Einav Amit for her poster prize on the faculty chemistry day.
Congratulation to Mazal Carmiel for her poster prize in the IVS conference.
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Los Angeles 40, Givat Ram
Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel
