(4hn) Understand and Control Ions As Well As We Do for Electrons

Understanding the movement of ions and thus controlling materials processes and chemical reactions have long been outstanding fundamental goals in physics and chemistry. Classically, reactions and transport are considered the heart of physical science. More recently, advances in how we observe, model, and manipulate the migration / transport of ions in solids have opened up new avenues to design materials and make molecules. The central question unifying my endeavors is: how does ion transport impact the reactivity and stability of materials relevant to energy and climate technologies?

I envision controllable ionic engineering as a design principle to revolutionize the chemical transformation of molecules and energy transduction, whose material design and transport pathways remain difficult or even impossible with current technologies. As we advance these insights and toolkits, I see exciting opportunities to undertake several grand challenges, including removing and converting methane that is damaging our climate and facilitating the energy transition. The goals of my proposed research include:

1) Molecular engineering of clusters on supports for methane removal;

2) Transformation of natural resources for hydrogen and beyond;

3) Understanding and controlling protons in Li-ion batteries much as we do for Li+ ion

To revolutionize how we design and make functional materials, Projects #1 and #2 combine the motion of ions with thermal catalysis, two intriguing areas that have long remained separated; Projects #2 and #3 bridge the gaps between several vital disciplines (e.g., fluids and electrification; protons and batteries) that have been rarely interconnected.

The two projects described above leverage my expertise at the crossroads of materials physics and chemistry, catalysis, electrochemistry, and in situ X-ray analytical techniques. On the basis of these, my lab aims to address several targets identified by DOE Energy Earthshots Initiative, as well as Grand Challenges identified by National Academy of Engineering and Basic Research Needs identified by DOE Office of Science.

Teaching interests:

Given my research and teaching background spanning chemistry, physical characterization, and materials science, I will be able to contribute to a range of topics. For a graduate class, I am interested in teaching Transport Process in Materials and Reactors, Introduction to Interfacial Phenomena, Reaction Kinetics and Reactor Design, Electrochemical Energy Systems. For undergraduates, I am able to teach Introduction to Chemical Engineering, Energy Systems for Climate Change Mitigation, History and Chemical Engineering, as well as Spectroscopy for Chemical Engineers.