Stefan Vajda

• Dr. Habil., Experimental Physics, University teaching qualification (Lehrbefähigung) in Experimental Physics granted, Freie Universität Berlin (2003 )
• PhD, Chemistry, Charles University, Prague (1990)
• MS, Physical Chemistry, Charles University Prague (1985)

Research Synopsis

Stefan focuses on the physical and chemical properties of materials at the sub-nanometer to nanometer scale. Select highlights include the first studies of size selected cluster-based catalysts supported on technologically relevant oxide support, studied under realistic reaction conditions. The work led to the identification of highly active bond-selective sub-nanometer size-selected catalysts for a variety of chemical bonds. Another highlight is a joint development with Randall Winans et al. of a unique approach at the Advanced Photon Source that allows in-situ monitoring of the shape of size-selected catalysts at work under reaction conditions with simultaneous detection of reaction products. This approach is instrumental in understanding the size/shape/composition and function relationship in catalysis at the molecular level.

phone: 630/252-8123, fax: 630/252-4954, vajda@anl.gov

Nanocatalysis Research

Stefan Vajda’s current research interest is in the area of physical and chemical properties of size-selected sub-nanometer and nanometer size particles as well as nanostructured materials assembled of uniform clusters.

Specific areas of interest include nanocatalysis and nanophotocatalysis, where the size/shape/structure and function relationship is studied under realistic reaction conditions by employing a variety of in-situ characterization techniques. His other areas of expertise include the chemistry of size-selected clusters in the gas phase; femtosecond dynamics in clusters and molecules; coherent control of ultrafast laser-induced processes, ultrafast time-resolved spectroscopy on solvated molecular systems (e.g., organo-inorganic complexes in confined space, conformational changes in macromolecules, micellization of block copolymers, solvation dynamics and ionic sphere relaxation, energy transfer, substrate binding to enzymes, conformational changes of polymers, excitation energy transfer); steady state UV-VIS absorption, fluorescence and anisotropy spectroscopies; and synchrotron-based x-ray scattering techniques. He serves on review panels, is involved in national and international research projects, and is a member of the Advisory Board of the Marcel Dekker Encyclopedia for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology.

He has more than 60 publications and has presented approximately 80 lectures and 70 posters.

Education

• Habilitation, Freie Universität Berlin, Germany (2003), university teaching qualification (Lehrbefähigung) for Experimental Physics granted
• PhD, Chemistry, Charles University, Prague, Czechoslovakia (1990)
• MSc, Physical Chemistry (1985)

Professional Background

• 2007–present, Adjunct Full Professor, Department of Chemical Engineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, Yale University
• 2007–present, Chemist, Argonne National Laboratory, Chemical Sciences and Engineering Division
• 2006–present, joint with the Center for Nanoscale Materials, Argonne National Laboratory
• 2002–2007, Chemist, Argonne National Laboratory, Chemistry Division, Argonne National Laboratory
• 2000–2002 University Senior Assistant (C1), group and project leader, Freie Universität, Berlin, Germany
• 1995–2000, Researcher, group and project leader, Freie Universität Berlin, Institut für Experimentalphysik
• 1992–1995, Researcher, Charles University Prague, Departments of Physical Chemistry and Chemical Physics
• 1991–1992, Fulbright Fellow, The University of Chicago, Department of Chemistry (Prof. G.R. Fleming)
• 1989–1991, Research Assistant, Charles University, Department of Physical Chemistry

Teaching Experience

• 1995–2000, courses and seminars on Atomic and Molecular Physics I and II, Physics Laboratory courses, Freie Universität Berlin
• 1985–1994 Photochemistry course and General Physical Chemistry Laboratory courses, Charles University, Prague
• 1985–present, supervisor and cosupervisor of undergraduate students, graduate students and postdoctoral employees

Research Stays

• 1994, Freie Universität Berlin, Institut für Experimentalphysik, Germany
• 1990, Universität Göttingen, Institut für Physikalische Chemie, Germany

Honors and Recognition

• Fulbright/USIA grant for postdoctoral research stay in the group of Prof. Graham R. Fleming, The University of Chicago, Department of Chemistry (1990)
• Invited chapters in “Femtochemistry” (Wiley 2001), “Femtochemistry and Femtobiology” (World Scientific 2003), Advanced Series in Physical Chemistry  Vol.13, "Progress in Experimental and Theoretical Studies of Clusters“ (World Scientific, 2003) and Dekker Encyclopedia of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (2008)