Surface processes at metal interfaces underpin most chemical transformations in modern society, from energy conversion to materials synthesis. Despite their importance, these processes are still poorly understood under realistic operating conditions, where catalysts are exposed to high temperatures, pressures, and reactive environments that drive rapid structural and chemical changes.
At the Vogt group, we investigate how catalytic reactions actually operate under working conditions. Our central premise is that catalytic interfaces are not static structures, but dynamic, time-dependent systems whose evolving states govern reactivity.
We focus on uncovering these transient interfacial states and understanding how they form, evolve, and control chemical transformations. This perspective challenges conventional views that treat catalysts as fixed entities with intrinsic properties, and instead frames reactivity as emerging from the interaction between the catalyst and its environment.
To access this level of detail, we develop advanced spectroscopic methodologies capable of probing catalytic processes under operando conditions, capturing phenomena that are typically hidden due to their complexity, short lifetimes, or non-equilibrium nature.
Our work spans key reactions central to global challenges, including ammonia synthesis, carbon dioxide conversion, and the transformation of waste into valuable chemicals. By revealing the fundamental mechanisms governing these systems, we aim to enable a transition from empirical catalyst discovery toward rational, predictive control of chemical processes.
Ultimately, our research is driven by the goal of addressing major societal challenges, including sustainable energy, carbon management, and the development of circular chemical systems.