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Horst Complex

dr.ir. G. Katsoukis (Georgios)

Assistant Professor
TNW-CE-PCS
Horst Complex ME227
g.katsoukis@utwente.nl
+31534896016
Business card

Welcome to my profile!

As an Assistant Professor, I lead a research group dedicated to pushing the boundaries of photo- and electrochemical conversion science. Our mission is to pioneer innovations in sustainable energy, with a focus on advancing water splitting, CO2, and N2 conversion technologies. We excel in using time-resolved operando and in-situ infrared spectroscopy to uncover catalytic reaction mechanisms in unprecedented detail, and our expertise in nanofabrication allows us to engineer nanoscale materials that precisely control mass and charge transport at the shortest possible length scales to minimize efficiency degrading side-reactions.

Research Journey

My research journey has been shaped by invaluable experiences across leading institutions. During my postdoctoral research I was fortunate to work research in the group of Prof. Heinz Frei at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL). There, I explored artificial photosynthesis, focusing on cutting-edge operando and in-situ spectroscopic techniques to unravel fundamental mechanisms of electrochemical and photochemical reactions.

PBefore that, I earned my PhD from The Friedrich-Alexander University (FAU) of Erlangen-Nuremberg under the mentorship of Prof. Dirk Guldi. My doctoral research focused on combining molecular and quantum dot light absorbers with catalysts on graphene, enabling in-depth investigations into charge transfer processes. This experience fueled my passion for sustainable research.

Throughout my academic career, I have embraced interdisciplinary collaboration. One highlight was working within the joint program of the Energy Biosciences Institute at UC Berkeley and Shell, which allowed me to explore innovative energy technologies.

Teaching and Mentoring Philosophy

I am deeply committed to mentoring and teaching the next generation of scientists. My approach emphasizes creating a supportive, collaborative, and intellectually stimulating environment. I believe that education should empower students to develop critical thinking skills, fostering curiosity and creativity. In my teaching, I aim to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, which I integrate into my courses like Electrochemical Fundamentals & Techniques and Molecular Structure & Spectroscopy and Electrocatalysis: Materials & Spectroscopy. I encourage students to actively engage with complex scientific concepts through real-world applications. These courses are designed to help students connect fundamental principles to real-world scientific challenges, such as sustainable energy and electrochemical technologies.

I place a strong emphasis on mentorship, using a hands-on approach during the early stages of student research projects. Through weekly meetings and continuous feedback, I help students develop their independence and confidence, guiding them toward becoming self-sufficient researchers. Over time, I reduce supervision as students gain expertise, fostering an environment where they can take ownership of their work while still receiving tailored guidance.

I am also a strong advocate for interdisciplinary learning, believing that some of the most exciting discoveries happen at the intersections of fields. I encourage students to collaborate across disciplines, thinking beyond the boundaries of their field to solve complex problems. This interdisciplinary approach is critical in today’s scientific landscape, especially in areas like electrochemical conversion and sustainable energy solutions.

Lastly, I view teaching as a mutual learning experience. I continuously seek feedback to refine my methods and keep the learning experience engaging and effective. By fostering a supportive and stimulating environment, I hope to inspire the next generation of scientists to pursue scientific inquiry with passion, creativity, and a deep sense of responsibility toward addressing global challenges.

Research Focus: Nature-Inspired Innovation

I am fascinated by how Nature captures sunlight and transforms it into energy-rich biomass, surpassing humanity’s energy needs many times over. Nature achieves this remarkable feat using nanoscale building blocks, finely tuned to integrate incompatible catalytic environments while controlling mass and charge transport.

My research group is investigating how to replicate these natural systems. We focus on the hierarchical integration of inorganic oxide-based catalysts, light absorbers, and membranes to develop robust nano-scale photoreactors, akin to artificial leaves. Our work is guided by four key principles:

  • Ultrathin Membrane Integration: A base layer of less than 5 nm that supports catalysts and light absorbers.
  • Selective Permeability: Membranes that allow proton transport but block oxygen.
  • Catalyst Separation: Oxidation and reduction catalysts positioned on opposite sides of the membrane.
  • Electron Transport Chain: A Z-scheme that enables electronic communication across the membrane.

Our ultimate goal is to develop ultrathin insulating oxides capable of proton permeation, oxygen blocking, and electronic communication between catalysts and light absorbers. We complement this research with advanced spectroscopic techniques to study interfaces and catalytic mechanisms in real-time.

Expertise

  • Material Science

    • Graphene
    • Electron Transfer
    • Quantum Dot
    • Silicon Dioxide
    • Carbon Nanotubes
    • Oxidation Reaction
    • Surface (Surface Science)

  • Chemistry

    • Electron Transport

Organisations

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