Topological Quantum Catalysis: Quantum Materials for Sustainable Energy Conversion - X. Wang
Catalysis plays a central role in sustainable energy technologies and chemical synthesis. Traditionally, catalytic materials have been designed using real-space descriptors such as atomic arrangements and chemical compositions. In our group, we pursue a fundamentally different approach exploring how momentum-space quantum properties can actively control catalytic reactions.
Our research focuses on topological quantum materials, including chiral semimetals, magnetic topological systems, and non-collinear antiferromagnets. These materials host exotic electronic states characterized by Berry curvature, spin texture, spin-orbit coupling, and electronic chirality. We investigate how these quantum properties influence catalytic activity, selectivity, charge transfer, and reaction pathways under operating conditions.
A central goal of our work is to establish “quantum catalysis” as a new interdisciplinary research direction bridging condensed matter physics and heterogeneous electrocatalysis. In particular, we study how quantum topology and spin-related phenomena can be utilized to control key energy-related reactions, including oxygen evolution and reduction (OER/ORR), CO2 reduction (CO2RR), nitrogen reduction (NRR), and chiral molecular synthesis.
To address these questions, our group combines quantum material synthesis, magneto-transport characterization, spectroscopy, microscopy, and operando electrochemical techniques. By integrating concepts and methodologies from physics, chemistry, and materials science, we aim to uncover the microscopic mechanisms linking electronic topology to catalytic functionality.
Beyond fundamental science, our long-term vision is to develop programmable catalytic systems in which electronic topology can be dynamically tuned by external stimuli such as magnetic fields, light, or strain to enable enhanced chemical reactions and sustainable energy conversion.
The group works in close collaboration with researchers across condensed matter physics, chemistry, materials science, and spectroscopy within the Max Planck Society and international partner institutions.
If you are interested in collaborations or joining the group, please do not hesitate to get in touch.