Prof. Frank de Groot
Frank de Groot is Professor of Synchrotron and Theoretical Spectroscopy of Catalytic Nanomaterials in group of Inorganic Chemistry and Catalysis of the Department of Chemistry at Utrecht University. His work reflects a concern with both the theoretical and the experimental aspects of X-ray spectroscopy, including both fundamental studies and applications. His current interest is in the use of X-ray spectroscopies for the study of the electronic and magnetic structure of condensed matter, in particular for transition metal oxides, nanoparticles and heterogeneous catalysts under working conditions.
Catalyst systems are studied under working conditions and are tracked with x-ray spectroscopy and microscopy. The main focus is on the new possibilities that arise due to the application of resonant inelastic x-ray scattering (RIXS). This includes the study of the electronic structure of the interface between nanoparticles and surfactants. The 2013 ERC advanced grant is focused on the usage of RIXS to study the active sites in a chemical reaction that is usually concealed by the silent majority of in-active sites.