An Inside Job: Designing the Next Generation of Catalysts through Exsolution
Supported nanoparticle systems have attracted significant attention due to their high catalytic activity in chemical conversion processes; however, their long-term durability often remains a major challenge. The emergence of the exsolution concept over the last decade has provided a transformative route to overcoming many of these limitations while opening new opportunities in materials design. Exsolution enables the formation of anchored nanoparticles directly from the host lattice through a simple, single-step synthetic process, producing systems with exceptional resistance to agglomeration, coking, and poisoning, while maintaining high catalytic performance. Moreover, embedding nanoparticles within oxide bulk structures offers exciting opportunities for strain engineering and the tuning of key material properties, including ionic and electronic transport, catalytic reactivity, and magnetic behaviour. The Kousi Lab adopts a holistic approach when it comes to research, combining materials design, preparation, advanced in and ex situ characterisation as well as testing to develop next-generation catalysts for sustainable applications. Focus is on the production of synthetic fuels, chemicals, and hydrogen, via the conversion of greenhouse gases and waste, developing more efficient and low-carbon energy conversion technologies.
Biography
Dr Kalliopi (Kelly) Kousi is a Senior Lecturer in Chemical Engineering at the University of Surrey, with expertise in heterogeneous catalysis, materials synthesis, and sustainable energy technologies. She obtained her BSc in Chemistry (2011), MRes (2013), and PhD (2016) from the University of Patras, Greece before undertaking research positions in both academia and industry. Her research focuses on the nanoengineering of catalytic materials for greenhouse gas conversion, CO2 utilisation, hydrogen production, and clean energy applications, with expertise in advanced catalytic systems for low-carbon technologies. Alongside her research, Dr Kousi is actively engaged in science communication and equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) initiatives, and has been recognised for her contributions to widening participation and supporting women in STEM.