Jingguang Chen

Jingguang Chen

Thayer Lindsley Professor of Chemical Engineering

Jingguang Chen has made pioneering contributions to the understanding and use of novel catalytic materials for catalysis and electrocatalysis.

Chen investigates the physical and chemical properties of bimetallic and metal carbide and nitride catalysts. His research has inspired fundamental studies in thermochemical and electrochemical processes, including the exploration of ways to reduce the use of precious platinum-group metals in catalysts.

Chen's group also applies advanced synchrotron techniques to identify and characterize reactive species in catalysts under reaction conditions. This knowledge can help develop less expensive, more stable catalytic materials for a wide range of applications, including water electrolysis, carbon dioxide mitigation, hydrocarbon upgrading, and biomass utilization.

Chen joined Columbia Engineering in 2012 after starting his faculty career at the University of Delaware, where he was the Claire D. LeClaire Professor of Chemical Engineering and served as the director of the Center for Catalytic Science and Technology. He co-founded, and is the director of, the Synchrotron Catalysis Consortium at the National Synchrotron Light Source, Brookhaven National Laboratory. In addition to serving on a wide range of professional committees, he is the president of the North American Catalysis Society and served as the chair of the Catalysis Division of the American Chemical Society. He earned his BS in chemistry from Nanjing University, China, and PhD from the University of Pittsburgh. 

Research Areas

  • Chemical Reactions and Kinetics
  • Chemical Reaction Engineering
  • Electrochemical Engineering
  • Energy Storage and Conversion Technology
  • Sustainability
  • Renewable Energy

Additional Information

  • Professional Experience
    • Thayer Lindsley Professor of Chemical Engineering, Columbia University, 2012 –
    • Senior Chemist, Joint Appointment at Chemistry Department, Brookhaven National Lab, 2012 –
    • Claire D. LeClaire Professor of Chemical Engineering, University of Delaware, 2008 – 2012
    • Co-Director, Energy Frontier Research Center on Biomass Conversion, 2009 – 2012
    • Interim Director, University of Delaware Energy Institute, 2008 – 2010
    • Director, Center for Catalytic Science and Technology (CCST), 2000 – 2007
    • Professor of Chemical Engineering, University of Delaware, 2002 – 2007
    • Professor of Materials Science and Engineering (courtesy appointment), 2002 – 2005
    • Associate Professor of Materials Science and Engineering and Chemical Engineering, University of Delaware, 1998 – 2001
    • Spokesperson for Exxon U1A Beamline at Brookhaven National Laboratory, 1994 – 1998
    • Staff Scientist, Exxon Corporate Research Laboratory, Annandale, New Jersey, 1990 – 1998
  • Professional Affiliations
    • President, North American Catalysis Society (2017 – Present)
    • Member, DOE Basic Energy Sciences Advisory Committee (BESAC) (2017 – 2018)
    • Chair, Catalysis Division of American Chemical Society, 2014 –  2015
    • Co-Founder and Team Leader, Synchrotron Catalysis Consortium for DOE, 2005 –  Present
    • Member, Council for DOE/BES Chemical and Biochemical Sciences, 2012 –  2016
    • Director-at-Large, North American Catalysis Society, 2005 – 2017
    • Director-at-Large, Catalysis Division of American Chemical Society, 2008 – 2012
    • Executive Committee, Catalysis and Reaction Engineering Division of AIChE, 2010 – 2012
    • Executive Committee, Surface Science Division of American Vacuum Society, 2008 – 2010
    • Advisory Board, Photon Sciences Division of BNL, 2013 – 2016
    • Advisory Board, DOE Center for Functional Nanomaterials, 2007 – 2011
    • Advisory Board, DOE Energy Frontier Research Center at LSU, 2009 – 2011
    • Catalysis Secretariat, American Chemical Society, 2006 – 2007
    • Elected Chair, Philadelphia Catalysis Club, 2004
    • Elected Chair, Gordon Research Conference on Catalysis, 2002
  • Honors & Awards
    • Elected Member, National Academy of Engineering (2024)
    • Fellow, Royal Society of Chemistry (2023)
    • Fellow, American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) (2021)
    • Robert H. Wilhelm Award in Chemical Reaction Engineering, AIChE (2020)
    • R.B. Anderson Award, Canadian Catalysis Division, 2019
    • Robert Burwell Lectureship in Catalysis, North American Catalysis Society (2017)
    • George Olah Award in Hydrocarbon Chemistry, American Chemical Society, 2015
    • Fellow, American Chemical Society, 2013
    • Herman Pines Award in Catalysis, Chicago Catalysis Club, 2011
    • Excellence in Undergraduate Advising and Mentoring, University of Delaware, 2011
    • Excellence in Catalysis Award, New York Catalysis Society, 2008
    • Fellow, American Vacuum Society, 2008
    • Engineer, Delaware Chapter of Tau Beta Pi, 2007
    • Catalysis Award of Philadelphia Catalysis Club, 2004
    • Alexander von Humboldt Fellow (Germany), 1988 – 1989
    • Leybold-Heraeus Award (Leybold-Heraeus Corporation), 1987
    • Russell and Siguard Varian Fellow (American Vacuum Society), 1986
    • Graduate Student Award (American Vacuum Society Conference), 1986
    • Andrew W. Mellon Predoctoral Fellow (University of Pittsburgh), 1985 – 1987
    • USA-China Chemistry Graduate Program Fellowship, 1982 – 1984
  • Education
    • PhD, Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh
    • BS, Chemistry, Nanjing University

Jingguang Chen in the News

Students
Columbia Engineers Prepare for Careers at Sea
May 29, 2025
Faculty & Staff
Jingguang Chen and Jeannette M. Wing Elected to the National Academy of Engineering
Feb 06, 2024