Research in the Seitz lab focuses on fundamental understanding of catalytic reactions and materials using insights from electrochemistry and spectroscopy towards the development of catalysts with enhanced activity, selectivity, and stability. Our research lies at the interface of chemical engineering, materials science, and physics with the goal of improving the efficiency and technological viability of clean energy and chemical conversion processes. Electrochemical studies of controlled catalyst surfaces, with an emphasis on determining intrinsic catalyst activity, provide a basis from which to develop more in-depth knowledge of reaction mechanisms and limitations. In addition, we investigate physical, chemical, and electronic properties of catalysts at the surface and bulk using advanced material characterization techniques, including those available at the nearby synchrotron research facility (Advanced Photon Source) at Argonne National Lab. Emphasis of these studies are on the development and implementation of reactor cells for catalyst characterization under relevant operating conditions. The combination of these insights inform further catalyst tuning by adjusting various chemical and physical “knobs,” such as composition, morphology, and crystal structure, to develop the next generation of materials. It is the goal of this work to shift our global energy dependence away from fossil fuels towards renewable energy and ultimately reduce the negative impact of humans on our planet.