CEE at UC Riverside is pleased to highlight two recent research achievements from Prof. Fudong Liu’s catalysis group, published in JACS Au and JACS. Together, these studies advance fundamental understanding and rational design of catalysts for emission control and ammonia-based hydrogen production.

One study (JACS Au, 2026, https://doi.org/10.1021/jacsau.5c01664), in collaboration with BASF, provided new mechanistic insights into N2O formation and suppression strategy on Pt-based emission control catalysts, guiding the development of more selective and environmental-friendly exhaust aftertreatment systems for H2 internal combustion engines. In parallel, in collaboration with Prof. Fanglin Che’s group at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, the team (J. Am. Chem. Soc., 2026, 148, 537-546, https://doi.org/10.1021/jacs.5c14652) demonstrated a machine learning-guided inverse design strategy that accelerated the discovery of efficient and cost-effective bimetallic catalysts for NH3 decomposition, enabling both NH3 emission control and potential scalable hydrogen generation.

These contributions highlight UCR CEE’s strength in fundamental catalysis, catalyst design, and experimental validation, addressing critical challenges in clean energy and sustainable transportation.