Federal Grant Award Summary

Professor Yao Yang at Cornell University is conducting fundamental research on catalyst structural evolution under operating conditions through a five-year CAREER grant awarded by the National Science Foundation's Division of Chemistry under the Mathematical and Physical Sciences program (CFDA 47.049). The project, funded at $799,848 and extending from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2031, delivers real-time nanoscale imaging and analysis of catalytic processes using multimodal operando electron microscopy and correlative X-ray methods. The research focuses on understanding dynamic evolution of copper-based catalysts from pristine atomic structures to active heterogeneous nanostructures during electrochemical reactions performed under strongly reducing or oxidizing potentials, with the goal of identifying key catalytic activity descriptors and advancing mechanistic understanding of molecule-catalyst interactions across multiple length scales.

In addition to research deliverables, the project includes integrated educational outreach designed to increase public engagement with electrochemistry and catalysis. The award supports development of hands-on educational experiments at multiple levels, including K-12 activities such as tomato batteries, alongside undergraduate and graduate student training. These educational components address a critical gap in workforce development by making electrochemistry and catalysis more accessible and intuitive to broader audiences, thereby supporting the National Science Foundation's emphasis on broader impacts and advancing knowledge crucial to advanced manufacturing needs.