Research

Advanced Manufacturing of Materials and Interfaces

Our research advances scalable manufacturing and micro/nanofabrication strategies for functional materials and engineered interfaces, bridging nanoscale materials design with practical device and system applications. We develop and integrate vapor-phase growth, solution-based processing, mechanochemical synthesis, interfacial polymerization, and micro/nanofabrication approaches to produce inorganic, polymeric, and hybrid materials with precisely controlled structures and properties. Particular emphasis is placed on understanding and controlling processing–structure–property relationships, interfacial interactions, and defect evolution across length scales. By combining materials chemistry, nanomanufacturing, micro/nanofabrication, and process engineering, our work seeks to develop scalable and sustainable manufacturing platforms for advanced materials used in energy conversion and storage, critical mineral recovery, and environmental technologies.

Photo- and Electrocatalysis for Waste-to-Energy Conversion 

Our research develops advanced photo- and electrocatalysts for converting waste and abundant resources into fuels and value-added chemicals. We engineer nanostructured materials and catalytic interfaces to control charge transport, reaction pathways, and catalytic activity. By integrating materials design, mechanistic understanding, and scalable manufacturing—from nanoscale catalysts and interfaces to device-level and larger-scale systems—we aim to develop efficient, durable, and scalable technologies for sustainable waste-to-energy conversion and resource utilization. 

Critical Mineral Recovery and Sustainable Resource Management 

We develop advanced inorganic–polymer hybrid membranes for selective separation, critical mineral recovery, and sustainable resource management. Our research integrates materials design, interfacial engineering, and scalable manufacturing to enable efficient recovery of critical minerals and valuable resources from complex feedstocks, including aqueous streams. By connecting resource recovery with water treatment and environmental remediation, we aim to develop transformative membrane technologies for a circular and sustainable economy. 

Advanced Energy Storage Materials 

Our research focuses on developing advanced materials for next-generation energy storage. We explore polymer–inorganic hybrids, two-dimensional materials, and engineered interfaces to enhance energy density, charge transport, cycling stability, and sustainability. By integrating innovative materials synthesis with mechanistic understanding, we aim to develop high-performance and durable materials for batteries and emerging energy storage technologies.