Photocatalysis
1. Hydrogen production via photoelectrochemical water splitting
Hydrogen generation from photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting represents a holy grail in chemistry and energy science. Compared to bulk semiconductors, nanostructured photoelectrodes could potentially improve the solar-to-hydrogen conversion efficiency due to their large surface area and short diffusion length for minority carriers. We conduct a new line of research directed towards (1) designing PEC devices using dense and vertically aligned metal oxide nanowire arrays as photoanodes, and (2) creating novel hybrid semiconductors with high solar-to-hydrogen conversion efficiency.
Current projects include:
●Rational design of self-assembled colloids as photoanodes
●Hierarchical bottom-up approach to a new generation of photoanodes
●Fabrication of nanostructured photoanodes via reactive angle deposition
2. Organic upgrading through photoelectrochemical reactions
The selective conversion of organic feedstocks into value-added chemicals and fuels represents a pivotal strategy for achieving carbon neutrality and sustainable energy storage. Compared to conventional water splitting limited by the sluggish kinetics of the oxygen evolution reaction (OER), substituting OER with the thermodynamically favorable organic oxidation reaction could significantly improve the solar-to-fuel conversion efficiency while co-producing high-value fine chemicals instead of low-value oxygen. We conduct a line of research directed towards (1) engineering high-performance semiconductor photoelectrodes via bandgap and surface regulation (e.g., doping, defect engineering) to enhance carrier separation, and (2) elucidating the molecular-level mechanisms of C-H/C-C bond activation to precisely control product selectivity.
Current projects include:
●Designing photoelectrodes to realize anodic organic oxidation coupled with hydrogen production
●Deciphering interfacial charge transfer and bond evolution mechanisms via in situ spectroscopy
3. Quantum Dot Synthesis technology
Quantum dots, as significant semiconductor nanomaterials, exhibit optical and electrical properties that are directly influenced by their size uniformity, making precise control essential for high-performance optoelectronic devices. Currently, a key challenge hindering further enhancement of material performance is the unclear thermodynamic and kinetic mechanisms involved in the synthesis of both emerging perovskite quantum dots and traditional covalent quantum dots. Our research focuses on: (1) revealing the control mechanisms of size distribution and crystal structure in different systems, and (2) elucidating the intrinsic principles governing cation exchange behavior.
Current projects include:
●Thermodynamic and Kinetic Regulation in Quantum Dot Synthesis.