Research Interests & Skills
Research Interests & Skills
My research interest is centered on the rational design and fundamental understanding of advanced functional materials, with a particular emphasis on electrocatalytic applications. It is structured around three interconnected pillars:
1) Precision Synthesis of Advanced Nanomaterials
I possess extensive expertise in the tailored synthesis of nanostructured electrocatalysts. My work encompasses a diverse portfolio of materials, including:
Low-dimensional carbon allotropes (e.g., graphene, carbon nanotubes, and defect-engineered carbons)
Layered double hydroxides (LDH) and non-layered two-dimensional nanosheets
Layered transition metal sulfides (such as WS₂, MoS₂, CuS, CoS₂)
Molecular-scale 3d transition metal systems, including single-atom catalysts
Noble metal-based alloy systems (e.g., RuFe, PdAu, PdCu)
Porous coordination materials
2) Multimodal Characterization of Structure and Dynamics
I employ a comprehensive suite of techniques to probe material structure across multiple length scales. Bulk and surface analyses are conducted using X-ray diffraction (XRD), electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy (UPS). At the atomic scale, I specialize in X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS)—including XANES and EXAFS—to determine valence states, coordination environments, and bond distances. A key focus of my research involves capturing transient structural dynamics under operational conditions through in situ and operando methods, leveraging synchrotron radiation, IRFEL, Raman spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry to provide real-time insights into catalytic mechanisms.
3) Theoretical Modeling and Mechanistic Elucidation
Building on experimental observations, I employ theoretical calculations and multiscale simulations to establish structure-property relationships and unravel reaction mechanisms. This synergistic approach bridges experimental findings with fundamental physical principles, enabling predictive catalyst design and a deeper understanding of catalytic processes.