dr.ir. G. Katsoukis (Georgios)

Electro- and photocatalytic interfaces

My research group specializes in uncovering the mechanisms governing electro- and photocatalytic conversion processes. We develop and utilize advanced time-resolved and operando spectroscopic techniques, including UV-Vis, infrared (IR), and Raman spectroscopy, to identify and quantify chemical constituents (and intermediates) at catalytic interfaces. By translating these molecular-level insights, we design optimized catalytic systems and devices for sustainable energy conversion.

Towards 100% Selectivity

We also focus on ultrathin catalyst coatings that function as nanomembranes, engineered with nanopores that are selectively permeable only to the desired reactants. These coatings suppress parasitic side reactions and guide the system toward complete selectivity, enabling more efficient and durable catalytic performance.

Research Journey

Postdoctoral research at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Prof. Heinz Frei) focused on artificial photosynthesis and operando spectroscopy. My PhD at Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg (Prof. Dirk Guldi) centered on light absorbers and catalysts on graphene for charge-transfer studies. Earlier, I contributed to the UC Berkeley–Shell Energy Biosciences Institute on innovative energy technologies.

Teaching & Mentoring Philosophy

I am dedicated to preparing the next generation of scientists through engaging, supportive, and practice-oriented education. In courses such as Electrochemical Fundamentals & Techniques, Molecular Structure & Spectroscopy, and Electrocatalysis: Materials & Spectroscopy, I connect fundamental principles with real-world applications in sustainable energy and electrochemical technologies. Mentorship in my group combines close guidance with growing independence. We also welcome and support applicants for fellowships, providing guidance to shape competitive proposals and build independent research careers.

Expertise

• Material Science

  • Graphene
  • Electron Transfer
  • Quantum Dot
  • Silicon Dioxide
  • Carbon Nanotubes
  • Oxidation Reaction

• Chemistry

  • Electron Transport
  • formation

Organisations

projects

Dalia C. Leon Chaparro (PhD candidate) - April 2021 (on-going)

Ultrathin membranes for photo- and electrocatalytic applications

funded through NWO Electrochemical Conversion & Materials (ECCM)

D. Leon-Chaparro, M. D. Nguyen, C. Baeumer, G. Mul, G. Katsoukis, Mechanistic Insights Into Proton and Oxygen Transport Through Ultrathin Amorphous Al₂O₃ and Al₂O₃-SiO₂ Electrocatalyst Overlayers. Adv. Mater. Interfaces 2025, 12, 2400846. https://doi.org/10.1002/admi.202400846

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Adam Vass (postdoc) - August 2022- August 2023

Gas phase Electrocatalysis for methane valorization using Electrochemical FT-IRRAS

funded through NWO ECCM KICstart and NWO ECCM Tenure Track grant

Adam Vass, Guido Mul, Georgios Katsoukis, Marco Altomare Challenges in the selective electrochemical oxidation of methane: Too early to surrender https://doi.org/10.1016/j.coelec.2024.101558

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Max Berkers (PhD candidate) - February 2021 (on-going)

Robust and durable electrodes for the hydrogen-bromine redox flow battery

funded through RELEASE consortium and part of a collaboration with Arnhem-based company Elestor

W.M. Berkers, G. Mul, Ultrathin silica protective electrode coatings for the hydrogen-bromine redox-flow battery, in preparation. 

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Nathália Tavares Costa (PhD candidate) - February 2021 (on-going)

Catalytically Active Coatings for the Removal of Indoor Pollutants

funded through Advanced Research Center - Chemical Building Blocks Consortium (ARC-CBBC)

Nathália Tavares Costa, Annemarie Huijser, Georgios Katsoukis, Jitte Flapper, Guido Mul,  Catalytically Active Coatings for the Removal of Indoor Pollutants, submitted.

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Nathália Tavares Costa (PhD candidate) - February 2021 (on-going)

Catalytically Active Coatings for the Removal of Indoor Pollutants

funded through Advanced Research Center - Chemical Building Blocks Consortium (ARC-CBBC)

Nathália Tavares Costa, Annemarie Huijser, Georgios Katsoukis, Jitte Flapper, Guido Mul,  Catalytically Active Coatings for the Removal of Indoor Pollutants, submitted.

3. List of supervised master theses

Lukas Cino, Serge Lemay, Guido Mul, Dalia Leon Chaparro, Georgios Katsoukis, Li-mediated N2 electrochemical reduction to ammonia elucidated via rapid-scan FTIR spectroscopy, in preparation (January 2024).

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Willem Looman, Arian Nijmeijer, Leon Lefferts, Aayan Banerjee, Georgios Katsoukis, Performance analysis of a new nano-cell design for high-throughput low-temperature electrolysis, June 2023.

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Hilbert Heida, Mathieu Odijk, Guido Mul, Georgios Katsoukis, Rapid scan IR reflection-absorption spectroelectrochemistry to uncover the mechanism of electrochemical CO2 reduction on Cu, February 2023.

4. List of supervised bachelor theses

Jorik Bloemenkamp, Leon Lefferts, Aayan Banerjee, Georgios Katsoukis, Modelling High-Throughput Low-Temperature Electrolysis (HTLE) in a new cell design, July 2022.

Publications

Research profiles

Together with dr. Marco Altomare, dr. Chris Baeumer, and dr. Georgios Katsoukis,

we would like to inform you of a new elective course: “Electrocatalysis: Materials and Spectroscopy,” starting in Q2B.

Our world’s energy supply and the current chemical industry is based on fossil fuels which have a large carbon footprint and negatively impact our climate and health. In the last decades, however, renewable electricity won through photovoltaic panels and wind turbines has become so cheap that chemical reactions can be driven using electrochemistry. Electrochemical processes will need to run as efficient as possible to become sustainable, which is why electrocatalysis is essential. Electrocatalysis plays a major role for example in electrochemical water splitting to make H2, and in the synthesis of chemicals and fuels utilizing atmospheric CO2 or N2 as feedstock. 

Therefore, the success of the energy transition depends on the transformation of the global energy sector by the integration of sustainable electrocatalytic processes. Current and emerging electrochemical conversion processes, however, cannot be scaled-up sufficiently enough, because the materials used today are neither abundant, nor stable and efficient. But how do we find better materials?

This course provides fundamental knowledge on electrocatalysis, including materials, reaction pathways and spectroscopic characterization techniques that help understand and identify reaction mechanisms and key electrocatalyst design principles. We prepare students for performing research on electrocatalysis and electrochemical reactions, both in industry and academia.

Interested? You can find the content of the lectures in the Osiris Catalogue. 
For any specific course-related questions you can contact dr. G. Katsoukis, the contact person for this course.

Affiliated study programs

Courses academic year 2025/2026

Courses in the current academic year are added at the moment they are finalised in the Osiris system. Therefore it is possible that the list is not yet complete for the whole academic year.

Courses academic year 2024/2025

Address

University of Twente

Horst Complex (building no. 20), room ME227
De Horst 2
7522 LW Enschede
Netherlands

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Organisations