Research Projects
Our research philosophy is that technological breakthroughs are underpinned by advances in the fundamental understanding of any chemical system. Hence, a major component in all our research projects is to uncover the underlying chemical principles that govern how a system operates, especially how its properties and functions are affected by its atomic/molecular structure. We also emphasise scientific rigor in our research: all members are trained in correct experimental techniques, understand the limitations of each methodologies, and can critically assess research results to draw the likeliest conclusions.
In addition to training in technical skills, we aim to instil in all research students the spirit of a sense of learning independence and scientific curiosity, in accordance with the University's motto 窮理致知: intellectual development through the lifelong exploration of knowledge,.
Porous materials for ion recognition & transport
Ionic transport is a process crucial to many chemical systems, including separative membranes and quantitative analysis, electrochemical devices such as batteries and fuel cells, and biological functions. Inspired by cellular ion channels and pumps, which display both high ion selectivity and transport velocity using Earth-abundant elements, this project aims to emulate their mechanisms of operation in artificial materials. Specifically, periodic porous materials derivatised with specific functional groups will be employed as models here to identify the molecular and morphological features critical to the operation of cellular ion channels.
Using the insights acquired, this project then aims to develop porous materials tailored for specific applications. Here, applications to be explored will include (quasi-)solid state electrolytes for electrochemical devices such as batteries, and ion-selective membranes for separation applications such as analytical tools for ion quantification, hydrometallurgical systems for recovering expensive elements (e.g. lithium and gold from recycled batteries and electronics, respectively), and exchange membranes for devices such as fuel cells.
Skills taught for research students: • synthesis of periodic porous materials, and post-synthetic functionalisation thereof • characterization methodologies for molecular materials and porosity • electrochemical characterisation • chemical transport and diffusion • battery chemistry
Tri-/heptazine molecular materials
Triazine and heptazine are the building blocks of the class of materials known as graphitic carbon nitride. Due to their photoelectrochemical activity, these materials have been widely studied for applications covering solar energy conversion and storage. However, much still remains unknown about these materials as they are difficult to investigate using conventional characterisation methods, making rational material design a difficult prospect.
This project takes a molecular approach to understanding the origin of their many interesting photochemical and electrochemical properties by preparing structurally well-defined materials. Delineating their structure-property-function relationships is expected to lead to improvement in photocatalysis and electrocatalysis, broaden their scope of applicability, and possibly enable new chemical technologies in solar-energy conversion, batteries, and catalytic processes.
Skills taught for research students: • synthesis of tri-/heptazine molecules and materials • characterization methodologies for molecules and materials • catalytic reactions • electrochemical characterisation and reactions • photochemical reactions • battery chemistry