Inorganic Chemistry

The Section of Inorganic Chemistry conducts research in catalysis, molecular and solid-state synthesis, and the design of functional inorganic and metal–organic materials.

Core activities span carbon capture and utilization (CCU), biomass valorization, hydrogen-based energy systems, and the development of ionic liquids, porous frameworks, and coordination solids with tailored electronic, magnetic, and catalytic properties.

Key themes cover CO₂ conversion and sustainable catalysis, the discovery of quantum and strongly correlated materials, and the design of advanced functional systems. Emerging directions focus on electrocatalysis, photocatalysis, and AI-driven discovery, supported by digital and automated laboratory platforms for high-throughput synthesis and data-driven research. Research integrates synthesis, advanced characterization, and mechanistic studies, with strengths in heterogeneous and homogeneous catalysis, spectroscopy, and materials science. Infrastructure includes the DTU Electron Crystallography Facility and departmental X-ray diffraction laboratories, with strong use of synchrotron and neutron sources.

The section combines fundamental inorganic chemistry with applied research to address global challenges in energy, climate, and sustainability. It houses five research groups and collaborates closely across DTU, with international partners, and with industry, contributing to the co-development of green technologies. Faculty are also active in innovation and entrepreneurship, with research leading to patents and spinouts. Strengths include catalysis, materials chemistry, and the development of functional inorganic and metal–organic systems, with growing activities in electrocatalysis, photocatalysis, and AI-driven materials discovery.

Section publications

Head of Section

Søren Kegnæs

Søren Kegnæs Professor Phone: +45 45252402

Groups and fields of research

Anders Riisager

Anders Riisager

Anders Riisager Professor Department of Chemistry Phone: +45 45252233

Advanced Materials for Catalytic and Environmental Technologies

Our main research directions focus on promoting sustainable chemistry and environmental protection through the development of advanced catalytic systems and functional materials. Central to our work is the design and application of catalysts that drive efficient, selective, and eco-friendly chemical processes.

Key areas of focus include the use of ionic liquids as innovative solvents and catalysts in a variety of chemical reactions, offering unique advantages in terms of tunability and environmental compatibility. We also work on the catalytic upgrading of biomass-derived compounds and carbon dioxide (CO₂) into high-value products such as fuels, chemicals, and polymer precursors - contributing to the transition toward a circular and carbon-neutral economy.

In addition, our research aims to improve technologies for carbon capture and pollution mitigation, particularly through the development of more effective catalytic and absorption systems. A significant part of our efforts is dedicated to the synthesis and application of nanocatalysts - including metal nanoparticles, zeolites, and mesoporous materials-engineered for enhanced performance across a wide range of catalytic processes.

These integrated research activities aim to increase the efficiency, sustainability, and environmental compatibility of modern chemical manufacturing.

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Søren Kegnæs

Søren Kegnæs

Søren Kegnæs Professor Department of Chemistry Phone: +45 45252402

Inorganic Materials and Heterogeneous Catalysis

In my research group, we focus on the design and synthesis of inorganic materials for applications in heterogeneous catalysis. We specialize in developing functional nanomaterials and high-surface-area materials with controlled porosity, aiming to optimize their performance in sustainable chemical processes.

Our work spans from fundamental investigations of catalyst structure and reactivity to industrial applications, including CO₂ conversion and biomass valorization. With strong expertise in materials characterization and catalytic reaction engineering, we strive to bridge the gap between academic innovation and commercial implementation.

Current projects explore the origins of selectivity in CO₂ hydrogenation and the development of novel heterogeneous catalysts for CO₂ utilization. Recent contributions include the direct conversion of CO₂ and biogas into chemicals and fuels, the use of operando spectroscopy to study reaction mechanisms, and the development of new zeolite and porous material

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Susanne Mossin

Susanne Mossin

Susanne Mossin Professor Department of Chemistry Phone: +45 45252391

Applied Spectroscopy, Materials and Catalyst

In-situ and operando spectroscopy, EPR spectroscopy, deNOx catalysis, NO oxidation and O2 activation, magnetic and electronic structure determination of catalysts, coordination compounds and bioinorganic molecules, dynamic nuclear polarization applied to following reaction intermediates, catalytic mechanisms.

Key findings are: The conceptualization of a new consistent reaction scheme for NH3-SCR reaction. The application of in-situ EPR to a range of heterogeneous catalyst materials and the elucidation of reactivity on copper zeolite materials. The application of DNP NMR in homogeneous catalyst systems. The discovery and characterization of a novel iron(III) compound which is a single molecule magnet performing a spin-crossover. The elucidation of the correlation between magnetic anisotropy and structure in manganese(III) compounds.

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Martin Nielsen

Martin Nielsen

Martin Nielsen Associate Professor Department of Chemistry

Coordination Chemistry and Molecular Catalysis

In my group, research is primary focused on organometallic complexes, often used to catalyze reactions relevant to sustainable chemistry.

We investigate homogeneous organometallic catalysis by designing of novel catalysts for renewable chemistry, with ongoing (unpublished) findings in biomass valorization, carbon capture and utilization, and hydrogen storage. We also place strong emphasis on homogenous polynuclear chemistry. In this area, we study the design of well-defined polynuclear transition metal complexes and explore their unique features. Our key findings include insights into ligand design and complexation.

Furthermore, our group works on supramolecular cages, particularly the synthesis of new supramolecular cages that serve as secondary coordination spheres for encapsulated organometallic complexes, functioning as pseudo-enzymatic entities.

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Jerrik Mielby

Jerrik Mielby

Jerrik Mielby Associate Professor Department of Chemistry

C1 Chemistry, Catalysis, and Operando Spectroscopy

My research focuses on the design, synthesis, characterization, and testing of solid catalysts within the field of C1-chemistry, particularly CO₂ hydrogenation and reforming processes. A key aim is to develop cost-effective catalysts that support the green transition—an effort that demands a deep understanding of material properties and surface chemistry.

Grounded in inorganic chemistry, my work spans several interconnected areas, including advanced nanostructured materials, heterogeneous catalysis, and operando spectroscopy. Current research projects involve mechanistic studies to uncover the origins of selectivity in CO₂ hydrogenation, as well as the development of high-entropy oxide catalysts for the reverse water-gas shift reaction.

To tackle these challenges, we integrate advanced spectroscopic techniques, isotope-labeled kinetic experiments, and data-driven tools to gain insight into structure–activity relationships under realistic operating conditions.

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Kasper Steen Pedersen

Kasper Steen Pedersen

Kasper Steen Pedersen Professor Department of Chemistry

Molecule-Based Materials Chemistry & Discovery

Research in my group focuses broadly on inorganic chemistry and related disciplines covering the synthesis of exotic complexes of the d- and f-blocks, advanced spectroscopies, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), and inorganic solids.

We focus primarily on materials discovery and the development of redox non-innocence in MOFs with the goal of synthetically tailoring the electronic, optical, and magnetic properties of metal-organic materials. Whilst the concepts in question are well established for molecules, the translation to polymeric materials is largely unexplored. Recently, we have shown that several ligands — previously considered entirely innocent — may become redox-active when brought into the vicinity of reducing metal ions. The resulting (and otherwise highly reactive) radical ligands are stabilized to a noteworthy extent in the rigid frameworks, which, in addition, are commonly air-stable.

The realization of simplistic materials allows for detailed physical characterization aiming at correlations between molecular structure, electronic structure, and macroscopic physical properties. For this purpose, we apply a plethora of advanced spectroscopic methods at synchrotrons as well as neutron and muon facilities.

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