Led by Prof. Christopher Hardacre (University of Manchester)
The project “Developing Synchrotron Methods for Gas Phase Catalytic Processes for Net Zero Applications” brings together leading academic and facility-based researchers to advance next-generation operando synchrotron techniques for catalysis.
Led by a multidisciplinary team spanning the University of Manchester, UCL and Diamond Light Source, the programme focuses on developing highly sensitive X-ray absorption and emission spectroscopy (XAS/XES) methods, combined with modulation-excitation and multivariate analysis, to enable the direct observation of active sites and transient intermediates under realistic gas-phase reaction conditions. By integrating these approaches with surface infrared spectroscopy and optimised reactor environments, the project will significantly enhance time resolution and sensitivity, addressing long-standing challenges in distinguishing reactive species from dominant spectators. The work is closely aligned with the development of the new SWIFT beamline at Diamond, ensuring these capabilities are embedded within a flagship national facility and made broadly accessible to the catalysis community.
The newly developed methodologies will be demonstrated on two exemplar Net Zero-relevant processes: the conversion of biogas and CO₂ to higher hydrocarbons using non-thermal plasma catalysis, and the low-temperature production of ammonia from NOx and N₂O streams. In both cases, advanced operando characterisation will be used to correlate catalyst structure, electronic properties and surface speciation with activity, selectivity and deactivation pathways. By linking catalyst design with real-time spectroscopic insight, the project aims to guide the development of more efficient, lower-energy catalytic processes for carbon utilisation and nitrogen valorisation. Crossing the Hub’s Net Zero and Advanced Characterisation themes, this work will deliver a step-change in synchrotron-based catalysis research, establishing new experimental and analytical frameworks that will underpin future academic and industrial innovation.
