Nikolay Kosinov promoted Associate Professor in Heterogeneous Catalysis
Recently promoted CE&C scientists in the spotlight. They talk about their research line, impact and personal drive.
Recently 5 young scientists from our department have been promoted to the next level on the scientific ladder. Antoni Forner Cuenca has become Full Professor. Ghislaine Vantomme, Fernanda Neiro D鈥橝ngelo, Frank Peters and Nikolay Kosinov have been promoted to Associate Professor. Part of a research transition program in the department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, is encouraging the scientific development of its staff. In a series of portraits, we like to highlight their current research line and their personal drive to contribute to the department鈥檚 vision 鈥楥hemistry for a better world鈥�.
The next scientist we spoke to is Nikolay Kosinov. He is head of the Chemistry of Heterogeneous Catalysis Group and, at present, works with a team of around 10 researchers. Nikolay started his journey at 黑料福利网 15 years ago as a PhD student in the group of Emiel Hensen.
Nikolay, what are you working on in your research line?
鈥淚 study heterogeneous catalysts - solid materials that speed up chemical reactions. They are used in more than 80% of all chemical processes worldwide. Because of this enormous impact, even a small improvement to a catalyst can translate into big savings in energy, raw materials, and waste. Not only are heterogeneous catalysts important for the society, they are also fascinating chemical systems to study. We try to understand what happens on the surface of these materials at the atomic scale. If we know how and why a catalyst works, we can find ways to make it work better. Our team collaborates closely with many academic and industrial partners both inside and outside 黑料福利网.
One interesting project that we are currently exploring, looks at what happens when you apply mechanical stress to flexible nanoporous graphene-based catalysts. Potentially this new concept of force-responsive catalysis can offer a completely new way to fine-tune catalytic reactions.鈥�
Why did you get into your particular research field?
鈥淚 have loved chemistry since an early age, but I could never choose between classic chemical disciplines like inorganic, organic, or analytical chemistry. Catalysis lets me work in all these disciplines simultaneously.鈥�
What experience or connection outside 黑料福利网 has proven to be the most valuable for your growth?
鈥淎 few years ago, I spent a three-month sabbatical at Tohoku University in Japan. This period was really valuable for me. Working there, I learned a lot about scientific precision, how to approach scientific problems from a completely different perspective, and how to manage a scientific group. It also started a collaboration that continues to inspire my research today.鈥�
What impact for society do you hope to create with your research?
鈥淚 hope that my work will contribute to making chemistry more efficient and sustainable. If we can design better catalysts that require less energy and produce less waste, we can make a real difference in how chemicals are produced. For me, it鈥檚 also about showing to people that better chemistry can also mean cleaner chemistry.鈥�
In what role do you see for yourself in 10 years from now?
鈥淚 hope to still be exploring new original ideas, merging concepts from different chemical disciplines and, in doing so, helping the young researchers around me grow. Teaching is also important to me. I want to keep making it meaningful and inspiring for the next generation of chemists and chemical engineers.鈥�