We are interested in several small molecules like oxygen, hydrogen, carbon dioxide, and alcohols, which play critical roles in energy conversion and storage systems. We are also interested in electrosynthesis of valuable chemicals from C1-C3 molecules as well as the functional group conversion. Our research strategy is to understand the reaction mechanisms and then to apply those understandings in developing better electrodes. The reproducibility and consistency of the electrochemical measurements are our top priority. Only with reliable measurements and results, one can make analysis and conclusions reliable and reproducible. We aim to develop robust electrode materials with desired activity, selectivity, and stability.

In situ characterizations is a class of most effective and popular tools for revealing fundamentals of electrochemical reactions and electrodes. We are interested in several in situ tools, like synchrotron X-rays absorption spectroscopy, Raman, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy for such studies. For example, we have employed X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) to monitor the Li storage and pseudocapacitive behaviors in transition metal oxides during operation. We perform these measurements in our collaborators' synchrotron radiation facilities (e.g., Advanced Photon Source of Argonne National Lab in USA, Singapore Synchrotron Light Source, etc.). The X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) probe the unoccupied electron state of elements, thus sensitive to the chemical states of the measured element as reflected from the XANES edge shift. The extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) reflects the X-ray scattering from the local arrangement of atoms, thus providing local atomic structure information such as bond distances and element coordination numbers of the measured elements. 

The increasing global demand for more efficient and larger scale energy storage has simultaneously initiated studies on future battery chemistries and the research of novel electrode materials. We are particularly interested in understanding fundamental problems/phenomenon behind alternative alkali battery chemistries through advanced characterization methods. This is especially important with the rise of Li-S and Na ion technologies where there are still underlying issues to be addressed before commercialization. Asides from that, what interests us is the development of nanostructured materials for energy storage applications. When the size of the material is reduced to the nano-dimension, physical, chemical and electronic properties change significantly. Precise control of the structure, porosity and density of the nanomaterials is essential for the development of electrode materials with enhanced cyclability, faster charging capabilities and higher energy/power density.

The nature of our research is highly interdisciplinary, emerging technologies from the fields of electrochemical biosensors, microelectrode fabrication, bioanalytical chemistry, and material science. Our research group leverage broad expertise in material synthesis. Our present attention is focused on synthesis of mesoporous metal oxides with regular pore structures. On these well-defined mesoporous materials, we are currently designing inexpensive modified electrode systems, which will let rapid on-site screening for food pathogens and toxins. Within this framework, we develop new bioanalytical methods based upon the use of novel materials.

Magnetic materials have been used in a variety of applications including information storage, magnetic imaging, drug delivery, radar absorption, etc. Our group are interested in developing magnetic nanocomposites for sensing and microwave attenuation. For example, we have designed several magnetic metal oxide / metal /carbon composites along with controlled dielectric interfaces for radar wave attenuation. These materials are able to absorb and attenuate the electromagnetic wave, and change the wave energy into heat or make the wave vanish by the way of interference. The absorbing properties can be tuned by adjusting the magnetic and electric properties of magnetic composites. 

We are interested in developing approaches to reuse and recycle waste materials to valuable products. Solid waste has become a major threats to our living environment. Solid waste occupy space and some of them are toxic. They cause the contamination of the environment and pose health risks to humans and livings. On the other hand, the solid waste contain high amount of precious elements. The content is usually much higher than minerals in nature. It is necessary to take the advantage and develop recycle process to reuse the materials in the waste. We are developing electrochemical approaches to recycle precious elements in solid waste. We are also interested in heterogeneous catalysis for waste gas treatment with a focus on the development of highly effective catalysts.