Make Every
Photon Count!
All Are Welcome!
Our Research
In Dr. Lyu's lab at UNC Asheville, our goal is to understand the fundamental mechanisms behind artificial photosynthesis and design better catalytic systems for converting solar energy to high-value chemicals. Specifically, we are interested in emerging affordable metallic nanoparticles (such as non-noble transition metals like Fe, Co, Ni, or semi-metals like Bi) for sustainable photocatalysis, starting from the solid-state physical interpretations of the metals (like band structure) and chemical kinetic analysis of model reactions for mechanistic study.
Photon
Wavelength-dependent study for mechanism
Nanoparticles
Catalysis
Size and shape matter!
Noble to Non-noble NPs
Thermodynamic &
Kinetic Evaluation
Our Value
Research Topics
Research interests:
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Synthesis of various metallic (or alloy) nanoparticles with uniform size and shape.
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Exploring novel photocatalytic mechanisms by metallic nanoparticles, especially interband transitions.
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Developing a better fundamental understanding of reaction mechanisms at the interface.
Latest Publication
Photocatalysis of Metallic Nanoparticles:
Interband vs Intraband Induced Mechanisms @ J. Phys. Chem. C
(Invited Featured Article and Selected as Supplemental Cover)
Highlights:
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Classifying the photoexcitation via intraband and interband transitions with well-defined physical states of hot carriers and identifying the reaction pathways accordingly.
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​Intraband transitions are featured by creating hot electrons above the Fermi level and suitable for reductive catalytic pathways, whereas interband transitions are featured by generating hot d-band holes below the Fermi level and better for oxidative catalytic pathways.
Pin Lyu
Mailing address:
Dr. Pin Lyu
​Zeis Hall 106, CPO #2010
Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry
University of North Carolina, Asheville
One University Heights,
Asheville, NC, United States 28804