Team members

Head of the group


prof. dr. ir. Bert Weckhuysen

Inorganic Chemistry and Catalysis - Utrecht University

Room - David de Wied 4.82
+31 30 253 4328
b.m.weckhuysen@uu.nl

The central research theme of the Weckhuysen group is the development of structure-activity relationships and expert systems in the field of heterogeneous catalysis and materials science with special emphasis on >

Postdoctoral fellows


dr. Carolin Rieg

Inorganic Chemistry and Catalysis - Utrecht University
Room - David de Wied, 4.88
c.c.rieg@uu.nl

In this work, I use spectroscopic and microscopic methods to elucidate the formation of coke deposits on solid catalysts used in the processing of biomass pyrolysis oil to obtain chemicals >

dr. Laurens Mandemaker

Inorganic Chemistry and Catalysis - Utrecht University
Room - David de Wied, 4th floor study area
L.D.B.Mandemaker@uu.nl

In this project, we will focus on the physico-chemical processes of crystalline catalytic solids, like Metal-organic Frameworks and zeolites. Using advanced in-situ Scanning Probe Microscopy techniques, like liquid-phase Atomic Force >

dr. Chunning Sun

Inorganic Chemistry and Catalysis - Utrecht University
Room - Vening Meinesz-C 2.27
C.Sun@uu.nl

During my postdoctoral research, I will focus on the conversion of undesired chlorinated products into value-added chemicals. Stable catalysts will be developed to enable selective conversion. Meanwhile, operando Raman spectroscopy >

dr. Xinwei Ye

Inorganic Chemistry and Catalysis - Utrecht University
Room - David de Wied, 4th floor study area
X.Ye1@uu.nl

Copper exchanged zeolites are efficient catalysts for catalytic reaction like SCR (selective catalytic reaction) and selective oxidation of methanol. Different copper exchanged zeolites are synthesized and the structure-reactivity relationship is >

PhD candidates


Vaishnavi Ganesh

Inorganic Chemistry and Catalysis - Utrecht University
Room - David de Wied, 4th floor study area
v.ganesh@uu.nl

In recent years, the application of polyurethanes as insulation in residential and commercial settings has emerged as a significant driver for their growth, leading to enhanced energy efficiency and decreased >

Martijn Hut

Inorganic Chemistry and Catalysis - Utrecht University
Room -Vening Meinesz building-C 2.06
m.f.p.hut@uu.nl

During my research I will focus on the mechanistic consequences of alloying on Cobalt catalysts for CO/CO2 hydrogenation and I will attempt to identify trends in the alloys that may >

Haoxiang Yan

Inorganic Chemistry and Catalysis - Utrecht University
Room - David de Wied, 4th floor study area
h.yan1@uu.nl

In this research, advanced active, and robust catalyst materials for highly selective and precise metathesis of PE (LDPE, LLDPE, etc.), into a range of medium-sized alkanes (C6-C18) will be developed. >

Jan den Hollander

Inorganic Chemistry and Catalysis - Utrecht University
Room Vening Meinesz building-C 2.06
j.denhollander1@uu.nl

Hydrogen is an important future energy carrier and heavily needed in hydrogenation processes in the chemical industry. Traditionally, it is produced by steam methane reforming (SMR) over a Ni/Al2O3 catalyst >

Roy Maas

Inorganic Chemistry and Catalysis - Utrecht University
Room - David de Wied, 4th floor study area
r.b.maas@uu.nl

In my research, I will investigate radical-initiated plastic cracking. Our society makes use of many products (partly) made from plastics. The most important attribute of plastic in its applications is >

Hanya Spoelstra

Inorganic Chemistry and Catalysis - Utrecht University
Room Vening Meinesz-C 2.08
h.y.spoelstra@uu.nl

This research is part of a multilateral ARC CBBC project and investigates the development of new catalysts for methane decomposition. The decomposition of methane in hydrogen and functional solid carbon >

Bas den Hartigh

Inorganic Chemistry and Catalysis - Utrecht University
Room Vening Meinesz-C building, room 2.06
b.j.denhartigh@uu.nl

The CO2 hydrogenation reaction is a promising technique to produce value-added chemicals such as methane and other hydrocarbons and is simultaneously an interesting pathway towards a more circular economy. Recently >

Roos Grote

Inorganic Chemistry and Catalysis - Utrecht University
Room Vening Meinesz Building C, 2.10
r.l.grote@uu.nl

Roos Grote will work during her PhD within ICC on the CATlight project, which is a collaboration with NWO AMOLF in Amsterdam. She mainly works on the fabrication of photonic/catalytic >

Mariangela Biggiero

Inorganic Chemistry and Catalysis - Utrecht University
Room - David de Wied, 4th floor study area
M.Biggiero@uu.nl

As a pioneer in the industry of renewable and sustainable chemistry, Avantium patented the Indium-Bismuth catalyst for formate production. Understanding the catalytic behavior of these metals as single catalysts and >

Jelle Bos

Inorganic Chemistry and Catalysis - Utrecht University
Room - David de Wied, 4th floor study area
J.W.Bos@uu.nl

Investigation and optimization of the iso-oleic acid hydrogenation process by coupled in-situ spectroscopies and bifunctional catalysis Promotors: Prof. dr. ir. B. M. Weckhuysen & Prof. dr. E.T.C. Vogt Sponsors: Croda, >

En Chen

Inorganic Chemistry and Catalysis - Utrecht University
Room - David de Wied, 4th floor study area
E.Chen@uu.nl

My research focuses on the chemical recycling of plastics. I aim to develop a novel strategy to break down polyolefin backbone under mild reaction conditions. I am focusing on the >

Joren Dorresteijn

Inorganic Chemistry and Catalysis - Utrecht University
Room - David de Wied, 4th floor study area
J.M.Dorresteijn@uu.nl

His project is a collaboration with Total entitled ‘Synthesis, characterization & fragmentation behavior of porous metallocene supports for the production of impact copolymers of polypropylene.’

Albaraa Falodah

Inorganic Chemistry and Catalysis - Utrecht University
Room - David de Wied, 4th floor study area
A.S.M.Falodah@uu.nl

Better olefin polymerization catalysts are needed in our quest for polymers with superior properties and better recyclability.  Metallocene catalysts hold great promises that are yet to be fulfilled. A major >

Sofie Ferwerda

Inorganic Chemistry and Catalysis - Utrecht University
Room - Vening Meinesz-C
S.Ferwerda@uu.nl

My project, which is part of ARC CBBC and in collaboration with BASF, will focus on dry reforming of methane (DRM), in which greenhouse gasses CH4 and CO2 are converted >

Mirjam de Graaf

Inorganic Chemistry and Catalysis - Utrecht University
Room - Vening Meinesz-C, 2.08
M.E.deGraaf1@uu.nl

Mirjam de Graaf is PhD student under the supervision of Prof. Weckhuysen and Dr. Eline Hutter. Her research focuses on developing a coating for the removal of harmful and/or odorous >

Daan Groefsema

Inorganic Chemistry and Catalysis - Utrecht University
Room - David de Wied, 4th floor study area
D.W.Groefsema@uu.nl

The focus of Daan's project is the (further) development of Luminescence Thermometry and shell-isolated nanoparticle enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SHINERS), ultimately leading to a widely applicable analytical toolset for operando spectroscopy >

Christia Jabbour

Inorganic Chemistry and Catalysis - Utrecht University
Room - David de Wied, 4th floor study area
C.Jabbour@uu.nl

Her project will be focused on using recently acquired photoinduced force microscopy (PiFM) to chemically image metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). In the first phase, focus will be directed towards the synthesis >

Thimo Jacobs

Inorganic Chemistry and Catalysis - Utrecht University
Room - David de Wied, 4th floor study area
T.S.Jacobs@uu.nl

One of the largest CO2 emitting industries is the metallurgical industry, including steel producers. Tata Steel recently developed a new process, called HIsarna, in which the CO2 emissions are reduced >

Michael Jenks

Inorganic Chemistry and Catalysis - Utrecht University
Room - David de Wied, 4th floor study area
M.J.F.Jenks@uu.nl

My PhD project is going to focus on developing approaches that are able to tackle the challenges plastic waste represents for a circular economy. Since 2014, up to 30 % >

Bram Kappé

Inorganic Chemistry and Catalysis - Utrecht University
Room - Vening Meinesz-C 2.08
B.T.Kappe@uu.nl

Bram’s project is part of ARC CBBC, and in collaboration with BASF Bram will investigate structure sensitivity in nickel catalyzed (de)hydrogenation reactions, such as CO2 methanation. To study structure sensitivity, >

Joris Koek

Inorganic Chemistry and Catalysis - Utrecht University
Room - David de Wied, 4th floor study area
J.G.Koek@uu.nl

Raman spectroscopy is a powerful method for solid catalyst characterization under operando conditions. In recent years Shell isolated Raman spectroscopy (SHINERS) has attracted interest as it improves on SERS by >

Jelle Kranenborg

Inorganic Chemistry and Catalysis - Utrecht University
Room - Vening Meinesz-C 2.10
J.Kranenborg@uu.nl

Catalytic CO2 hydrogenation to methanol is one of the most promising routes for CO2 utilization [1]. This reaction is known to be structure sensitive. That is, for this reaction not >

Joyce Kromwijk

Inorganic Chemistry and Catalysis - Utrecht University
Room - David de Wied, 4th floor study area
J.J.G.Kromwijk@uu.nl

The goal of this project is to investigate two solid catalysts for a two-staged thermochemical CO2 hydrogenation reaction: CO2 will be converted into methane and subsequently into aromatics. An autothermal >

Angela Melcherts

Inorganic Chemistry and Catalysis - Utrecht University
Room - David de Wied, 4th floor study area / Vening Meinesz-C
A.E.M.Melcherts@uu.nl

Angela will focus on understanding the thermocatalytic conversion of CO2 into valuable base chemicals. She will investigate the structure-performance relationships of various supported metal catalysts as well as the influence >

Jochem van de Minkelis

Inorganic Chemistry and Catalysis - Utrecht University
Room - David de Wied, 4th floor study area
J.H.vandeMinkelis@uu.nl

Due to the increasing amount of plastic waste and the associated environmental problems, the development of the recycling process has become of great importance. Chemical recycling can be used to >

Sebastian Rejman

Inorganic Chemistry and Catalysis - Utrecht University
Room - David de Wied, 4th floor study area
S.Rejman@uu.nl

Due to insufficient recycling and incineration, plastic waste has become a global problem. In my research, I'm trying to find economically viable ways to convert polyolefin waste to a value >

Romy Riemersma

Inorganic Chemistry and Catalysis - Utrecht University
Room - David de Wied, 4th floor study area
R.L.Riemersma@uu.nl

In this project the genesis of nanobubbles at the surface of thin-film zeolites and MOFs will be studied. This will be done using scanning probe microscopy techniques, such as liquid-phase >

Jim de Ruiter

Inorganic Chemistry and Catalysis - Utrecht University
Room - David de Wied, 4th floor study area
J.deRuiter@uu.nl

Carbon dioxide (CO2) could be a promising carbon source for the production of chemical building blocks. As big chemical processes release significant amounts of CO2 in the atmosphere, it would >

Kordula Schnabl

Inorganic Chemistry and Catalysis - Utrecht University
Room - David de Wied, 5th floor study area
K.B.Schnabl@uu.nl

Kordula will work on the controlled catalytic breakdown of humin and chitin to waterborne building blocks for coatings, including spatially-resolved spectroscopy of film formation and drying processes.

Sibylle Schwartmann

Inorganic Chemistry and Catalysis - Utrecht University

S.M.K.Schwartmann@uu.nl

Hydrogen production via the electrochemical splitting of water is limited by the evolution of oxygen at the anode. Oxygen as a product is not much needed, and the OER is >

Joëlle Siewe

Inorganic Chemistry and Catalysis - Utrecht University
Room - Vening Meinesz-C
J.Siewe@uu.nl

The shift away from combustion-only car engines to hybrid cars results in much lower temperatures of the exhaust gasses, for which existing Platinum Group Metal (PGM) exhaust catalysts, such as >

Fieke Sluijs

Inorganic Chemistry and Catalysis - Utrecht University
Room - Vening Meinesz-C
F.Sluijs@uu.nl

I conduct research through design on the refinery of the future in order to understand what future scenarios would be ideal and what interventions in the socio-economical system could work >

Tom Smak

Inorganic Chemistry and Catalysis - Utrecht University
Room - David de Wied, 4th floor study area
T.J.Smak@uu.nl

In recent years, the urgency of the plastic of the plastic waste problem has become more and more clear. In my research I will focus on the production of economically >

Ellen Sterk

Inorganic Chemistry and Catalysis - Utrecht University
Room - David de Wied, 4th floor study area
E.B.Sterk@uu.nl

During my research I will focus on support, alloying and promoter effects and active sites in CO2 hydrogenation in order to spatially resolve the activity of CO2 hydrogenation over supported >

Caroline Versluis

Inorganic Chemistry and Catalysis - Utrecht University
Room - David de Wied, 5th floor study area
W.C.Versluis@uu.nl

The overall aim of this research project is the development of a powerful camera to determine the complex pore space of single FCC catalyst particles. By making molecular movies of >

Robin Vogel

Inorganic Chemistry and Catalysis - Utrecht University
Room - Vening Meinesz-C
R.Vogel@uu.nl

Light olefins, such as propylene and ethylene are key building blocks in the chemical industry for the production of polymers, oxygenates and other chemical intermediates. Dehydrogenation of propane, facilitated by >

Hui Wang

Inorganic Chemistry and Catalysis - Utrecht University
Room - David de Wied, 4th floor study area
H.Wang4@uu.nl

The electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2RR) offers a compelling route to energy storage and high-value chemical manufacturing, which reduces our dependence on fossil fuels and helps to mitigate net >

Xiang Yu

Inorganic Chemistry and Catalysis - Utrecht University
Room - David de Wied, 5th floor study area
X.Yu@uu.nl

The goals of my research are to establish high performing single-atom catalyst systems for the selective conversion of methane, and to obtain the fundamental insights into the catalytic mechanism and >

Florian Zand

Inorganic Chemistry and Catalysis - Utrecht University
Room - David de Wied, 5th floor study area
F.Zand@uu.nl

In his project, Florian will focus on the characterization of bimetallic catalysts, including their size, structure and composition during synthesis and CO2 hydrogenation.

PhD candidates of Dr. Matteo Monai co-supervised by Bert Weckhuysen


Floor Brzesowsky

Inorganic Chemistry and Catalysis - Utrecht University
Room -Vening Meinesz building-C 2.06
f.a.brzesowsky@uu.nl

This project will focus on achieving and understanding Resonant Catalysis (RC). RC is an emerging field of catalysis in which catalysts are stimulated by an intermittent stimulus, such as light, >

Nicolette Maaskant

Inorganic Chemistry and Catalysis - Utrecht University
Room Vening Meinesz-C 2.08
D.N.Maaskant@uu.nl

Efficient valorization of CO2 through e.g. CO2 hydrogenation reactions is needed to create a circular and sustainable CO2 economy.1  A possible route towards improving catalysis for CO2 hydrogenation is by >

PhD candidates of Dr. Florian Meirer co-supervised by Bert Weckhuysen


Kirsten Siebers

Inorganic Chemistry and Catalysis - Utrecht University
Room - Vening Meinesz-C 2.08
K.B.Siebers@uu.nl

According to recent estimates, we cannot account for ~99% of plastic waste that escapes into the oceans. A significant portion of this missing plastic is hypothesized to result from plastic >

Laura Zoutendijk

Inorganic Chemistry and Catalysis - Utrecht University
Room - Vening Meinesz-C 2.08
L.M.Zoutendijk@uu.nl

It is widely known that large amounts of plastic waste are finding their way into the environment. These macroplastics can break down into so-called microplastics, or even smaller, nanoplastics. Little >

Adriaan Duijndam

Inorganic Chemistry and Catalysis - Utrecht University
Room - Vening Meinesz-C, 2.26
A.J.A.Duijndam@uu.nl

Recently, the environmental presence of micro- and nanoplastics (MNP), which are plastic particles with a size of

PhD candidates of Dr. Ina Vollmer co-supervised by Bert Weckhuysen


Adrian Hergesell

Inorganic Chemistry and Catalysis - Utrecht University
Room - David de Wied, 4th floor study area
a.h.hergesell@uu.nl

The unsatisfactory recycling rate of plastic waste is an urgent problem which we need to overcome on our way to a sustainable society. Hence, suitable technologies for the conversion of >

Technical Staff


ir. Hannie van Berlo-van den Broek

Advanced Research Center-Chemical Building Blocks Consortium
Room - Vening Meinesz-B 4.50
J.M.vanBerlo-vandenBroek@uu.nl

Hannie van Berlo-van den Broek is research technician at the Advanced Research Center Chemical Building Blocks Consortium.

Joris Janssens

Inorganic Chemistry and Catalysis - Utrecht University
Room - David de Wied, 4th floor
J.C.L.Janssens@uu.nl

Joris Janssens works as the electrocatalysis technician in the Weckhuysen group, assisting in the electrocatalytic conversion of CO2. He will (help to) design and construct electrochemical cells that can be >

Oscar Kerkenaar

Utrecht University
Room - David de Wied, 4th floor
+31 6 28 834 451
O.Kerkenaar@uu.nl

Jules van Leusden

Inorganic Chemistry and Catalysis - Utrecht University
Room - Vening Meinesz-C
J.F.vanLeusden@uu.nl

dr. Ramon Oord

Advanced Research Center-Chemical Building Blocks Consortium
Room - Vening Meinesz-B 4.50
+31 6 39 015 426
R.Oord@uu.nl

Ramon Oord works as Research Technician and Lab-responsible for ARC CBBC.

dr. Peter de Peinder

Inorganic Chemistry and Catalysis - Utrecht University
Room - DdW 4th floor and Vening Meinesz B/C
Peter.de.Peinder@vibspec.com

My research is all about vibrational spectroscopy, infrared & Raman spectroscopy, in all of its forms. The most challenging part is the interpretation of vibrational spectra to understand what happens during >

Tim Prins

Inorganic Chemistry and Catalysis - Utrecht University
Room Kamer 4.50
P.T.Prins@uu.nl

ir. Fouad Soulimani

Utrecht University
Room - David de Wied 4.19
+31 6 22 736 141
F.Soulimani@uu.nl

I take care of the Raman and Infrared Spectroscopy instruments in the lab and give training to researchers in operating the instruments and how to correctly perform experiments. Colleagues can >

Support Staff


Pauline Blokdijk

Inorganic Chemistry and Catalysis - Utrecht University
Room - David de Wied 4.78
p.m.blokdijk@uu.nl

Pauline Blokdijk is a management/office assistant for the Inorganic Chemistry and Catalysis Group.

Kelsey Helm

Inorganic Chemistry and Catalysis - Utrecht University
Room - David de Wied 4.78
k.l.helm@uu.nl

Kelsey Helm is a management assistant for the Inorganic Chemistry and Catalysis Group.

Edith Veldmeyer

Inorganic Chemistry and Catalysis - Utrecht University
Room - David de Wied 4.78 (Mon, Tue & Wed) and VM-C (Thu & Fri)
E.W.E.Veldmeyer@uu.nl

Edith Veldmeyer is the Personal Assistant to Prof. Weckhuysen.

Marijke Badings

Advanced Research Center-Chemical Building Blocks Consortium
Room - Vening Meinesz-C 2.15
M.L.Badings@uu.nl

Marijke Badings is communication officer at ARC CBBC.

Sabine Frediani

Netherlands Center for Multiscale Catalytic Energy Conversion
Room – Vening Meinesz-C 2.07
S.P.R.Frediani@uu.nl

Sabine Frediani works as a Team Assistant at the Netherlands Research Center for Multiscale Catalytic Energy Conversion (MCEC).

dr. Nathan Coutard

Inorganic Chemistry and Catalysis - Utrecht University
Room - Vening Meinesz-C 2.01
n.coutard@uu.nl

Nathan Coutard is the manager of the SUNER-C project.

dr. ir. Saeed Saedy

Inorganic Chemistry and Catalysis - Utrecht University

s.saedy@uu.nl

Saeed is the research manager of the Inorganic Chemistry and Catalysis group

Anita ter Haar

Advanced Research Center-Chemical Building Blocks Consortium
Room - Vening Meinesz-C / Hans Freudenthal
A.terHaar@uu.nl

Anita ter Haar is the financial controller to ARC CBBC and the Weckhuysen group.

dr. Thomas Hartman

Inorganic Chemistry and Catalysis - Utrecht University
Room - David de Wied 4.88
T.Hartman@uu.nl

As a Research and Education Designer, I am combining the fields of science, education, and arts. I am involved in our various scientific and educational projects by explaining the complex >

Anita den Heijer

Advanced Research Center-Chemical Building Blocks Consortium
Room - Vening Meinesz-C
A.E.W.denHeijer@uu.nl

Anita den Heijer is Office Manager at ARC CBBC.

Bram van Reemst

Advanced Research Center-Chemical Building Blocks Consortium
Room - Vening Meinesz-C 2.15
B.vanReemst@uu.nl

Bram van Reems is communication officer at ARC CBBC.

Hannah Thuijs

Advanced Research Center-Chemical Building Blocks Consortium
Room - Vening Meinesz-C
H.G.Thuijs@arc-cbbc.nl

Hannah Thuijs is community manager for ARC CBBC.