Led by Prof. Andrew Beale (University College London)
The project “Novel Structure–Activity Insights Enabled through Advanced Vibrational Spectroscopic Methods” brings together expertise from UCL, the University of Manchester, Bath, Diamond Light Source, ISIS and the Central Laser Facility (CLF) to develop next-generation laser-based techniques for catalytic research.
The first phase focuses on advancing and optimising cutting-edge vibrational spectroscopies—including time-resolved IR, 2D-IR, Kerr-gated Raman, sum-frequency generation and temperature-jump methods—to overcome key limitations such as fluorescence interference, spectral overlap and signal saturation. Closely aligned with the CLF’s HiLUX programme, the work will establish new experimental configurations, sample environments and data analysis approaches, enabling high-sensitivity, time-resolved interrogation of catalytic materials under operando conditions and providing a powerful new toolkit for the UK catalysis community.
In the second phase, these techniques will be applied to elucidate structure–activity relationships in porous catalysts, with a particular focus on zeolites for biomass conversion processes such as catalytic fast pyrolysis. Advanced spectroscopic methods will reveal the dynamics of adsorbates, hydroxyl groups and hydrocarbon intermediates, including the formation of aromatic species and coke precursors. Integration with X-ray (Diamond) and neutron (ISIS) techniques, alongside computational modelling, will enable a multiscale understanding of catalyst behaviour, including the role of metal sites such as Fe in promoting aromatic selectivity. By delivering both transformative methodology and application to Net Zero-relevant reactions, the project strongly advances the Hub’s Advanced Characterisation theme while contributing to Sustainability and Digital Chemistry, and establishes a lasting capability for ultrafast spectroscopic studies in catalysis.
