Welcome to ONG Research Group

Nanomaterials for Energy and Catalysis (NanoECats) Group

Welcome to Prof. Dr. Wee-Jun Ong's research homepage which contains my up-to-date research developments and works. 

Since 2021, I am the Director of Center of Excellence for NaNo Energy & Catalysis Technology (CONNECT) at Xiamen University Malaysia. At present, I am a Full Professor in the School of Energy and Chemical Engineering at Xiamen University, Malaysia, which is the first overseas branch campus of Xiamen University, China. Xiamen University is ranked 9th in China and 76th globally from the Nature Index 2017. Previously, for the past two years (2016-2018), I was a Staff Scientist in Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore. 

Thanks to the 2018 Merdeka Award Grant sponsored by the Shell, ExxonMobil and Petronas, Prof. Ong  underwent his short-term visits and attachment as a Visiting Professor at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) and the University of California, Berkeley, USA in order to search for more collaboration opportunities in research with the top-ranked institutes in the world. 

My research interests (NanoECats) include the development of organic and inorganic hybrid nanostructures for various energy and environmental applications via heterogeneous and homogeneous catalysis. This includes photocatalysis, photoelectrocatalysis, electrocatalysis and thermal catalysis. Photocatalytic reduction of carbon dioxide, water splitting, N2 fixation, degradation of pollutants and electrochemistry are within my research strength. The research targets at understanding the fundamental mechanisms of these processes with the aim of realizing practical benefits and commercialization. My research approach is multidisciplinary as it involves the collaboration from researchers of diverse backgrounds, namely (but not limit to) chemical engineering, materials engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, physics and chemistry. All in all, investigation into the scientific aspects of light-induced reactions and energy storage processes will undeniably merit vast interests for scientists and researchers working in the arena of materials science, chemical science and solar-to-chemical conversion by artificial photosynthesis.

* For the most recent updated news on my research progress and achievement, please refer to the "Publications" tab on my webpage.

- Opening Vacancies (Postdoc and Graduate Program in 2024) -

In my NanoECats group and CONNECT center, I have SEVERAL open positions (at least 4) on the level of postgraduate students (Master and PhD) and postdoctoral research fellows (PRFs) in 2024! Apply and join our group on our mission to explore the wonder of nanocatalysts for photocatalytic and electrocatalytic CO2 conversion to clean energy fuels. This will be in close collaboration with PETRONAS Research Sdn Bhd (PRSB) and local industry in Malaysia. 

Title #1: Electro- and Photo-Catalytic CO2 conversion to C1/C2+ Fuels

Title #2: From Plastic Waste to Treasure - Photocatalytic upcycling and valorization of waste plastics into value-added chemicals 

[Deadline for the application: 1 March 2024]


In my NanoECats group and CONNECT center, I am currently looking for several Master/PhD students (Intake: 2024 throughout the year) at Xiamen University Malaysia (XMUM). 

The nano-driven solar energy conversion project is funded by the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) Malaysia as well as other funders (MOSTI and industrial funds). This project will be in close collaboration with Xiamen University, China, and the Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore for advanced characterizations.


For interested applicants, please directly contact me and send your CV, cover letter and research statement to weejun.ong@xmu.edu.my

It is possible to support exchange graduate students to apply for other financial supports such as CSC scholarship if you are from China. Please join and look forward to a multidisciplinary research team and center! 

Government-supported PhD candidates are warmly welcome!

Prof Ong was recently featured in Malaysia Sin Chew Daily newspaper (马来西亚星洲日报) for his excellent and outstanding research achievements (printed news 4/5/2021; e-news 5/5/2021). Congratulations! 

This is a personalized news, which highlights his research journey over the past 8 years in Malaysia and abroad, as well as his research progression in the next 5 years. For more details, please click on the following LINK: https://www.sinchew.com.my/content/content_2471529.html