The Critical Role of Catalysis

Catalysts shape how efficiently and selectively chemical reactions produce desired products. In this webinar, we’ll focus on electrocatalysis and the materials behind catalyst performance, exploring challenges in efficiency, durability and cost. We’ll show how electron microscopy can help investigate catalyst structure, composition and changes during operation.

We’ll apply this approach to use cases in Green H₂ electrolysis and catalytic CO₂ conversion. See how electron microscopy can help connect catalyst materials to activity, selectivity and degradation.

Join the free webinar with certification of attendance now. 

Attend the Webinar to Learn: 

• Explain how catalysts influence conversion, product selectivity and performance.
• Identify common catalyst challenges, including efficiency, durability and cost.
• Match characterization questions and methods to changes in catalyst structure, composition and surface chemistry.
• Apply this approach to materials used in Green H₂ electrolysis and catalytic CO₂ conversion for CCU.

This Webinar is Ideal For:

• Researchers and scientists working in catalysis, CO₂ utilization, green hydrogen, sustainable chemistry, materials science, and energy research.
• Laboratory managers and R&D leaders developing or optimizing catalytic materials and processes.
• Academic and government/national laboratory researchers focused on energy transition, carbon management, hydrogen technologies, alternative fuels, and advanced materials.
• Corporate R&D teams working in catalyst development, chemicals, energy, CCU/CCUS, Power-to-X/e-fuels, and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
• Anyone developing materials or processes that convert carbon and hydrogen into useful molecules and needs to understand why those materials perform - or why they fail.

Meet the Webinar Speakers

Dirk Laeveren is the Market Development Manager for Catalysis and Green Hydrogen at Thermo Fischer Scientific Analytical Instruments Group – Materials and Structural Division. With a background in imaging and extensive experience collaborating with leading microscopy companies, Dirk's current focus lies in leveraging analytical techniques to enhance the production of Clean Hydrogen through electrolysis and catalysis in general.
Dirk possesses a genuine passion for unraveling complex problems with straightforward solutions. His combined expertise in engineering and marketing enables him to approach challenges with a unique perspective. He thrives on engaging with individuals to exchange innovative ideas and foster collaboration.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Dirk embraces the spirit of adventure as a globetrotter. He calls Antwerp, Belgium, his home base while overseeing global operations from the Thermo Fisher office in Eindhoven, The Netherlands.

Dr. Chen Li is a Market Development Manager at Thermo Fisher Scientific, specializing in materials characterization and electron microscopy for advanced materials. She previously worked as a TEM Application Development Engineer and currently focuses on connecting emerging materials characterization needs with advanced analytical technologies. She has extensive experience applying advanced electron microscopy techniques to investigate the structure, composition, and properties of nanomaterials.    
Before joining industry, Chen held research positions at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, the University of Vienna, the Max Planck Institute for Solid State Research, and the University of Antwerp. Her research covered a broad range of functional materials, including nanomaterials for catalysis, photovoltaics, battery materials, and semiconductors, with a particular focus on understanding materials at the nanoscale and their structure–property relationships. Chen holds a PhD in Condensed Matter Physics from the Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, and has authored more than 60 peer-reviewed publications with over 5,000 citations.