Associate Professor
Classification: Faculty
Degrees and Appointments
- Associate Professor, 2026, University of Arizona
- Postdoctoral Fellow, 2010, University of California at Berkeley and Lawrence Berkeley National Lab
- PhD, 2006, Princeton University
Field of Study: Physical Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry
Research Specialties: Catalysis, energy science, physical chemistry, analytical chemistry, surface science, materials science, in-situ/operando characterization method and technology.
Awards and Honors
- University Scholarly Achievement Award, 2019
- Bellow Scholar Award, 2018
- Elected Fellow of American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), 2017
- Miller Research Award, University of Kansas, 2015
- National Science Foundation CAREER Award, 2014
- Elected Fellow, Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC), 2013
- Paul Holloway Award, American Vacuum Society, 2012
- Gerhard Ertl (Nobel Laureate 2007) Young Investigator Award (Finalist Prize) for Research Excellence in Surface Science, 2010
- Eugene P. Wigner (Nobel Laureate 1963) Fellow, Oak Ridge National Lab, 2010
Research
The primary research interests of Tao Group are catalytic chemical transformations, energy science, physical chemistry, semiconducting process-relevant chemistry, and development of advanced in-situ and operando techniques for materials and surface characterization. Our research focuses on designing novel catalytic materials and integrating chemical processes with innovative material systems to enable sustainable fuel production, energy conversion, and environmentally responsible chemical manufacturing.
To achieve a fundamental understanding of the underlying science governing these materials and processes, we employ a wide range of state-of-the-art analytical techniques, including photoelectron spectroscopy, vibrational spectroscopy, electron microscopy, and scanning tunneling microscopy. Through these approaches, we investigate the structure, composition, dynamics, and functionality of materials under in-situ/operando conditions.
Students in the Tao Group receive training in physical chemistry, materials synthesis, catalyst preparation, advanced characterization techniques, data analysis, and the interpretation of structure–property relationships. They develop expertise in interpreting structure–property–function relationships, gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge instrumentation, and acquire interdisciplinary skills spanning chemistry, materials science, physics, and engineering that are highly valuable for their careers.
Independent Career:
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PhD and Postdoc Work:
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