Porous Materials for Separation

We are interested in applying porous materials to address the top global environmental challenges with a particular focus on water scarcity, energy resources, and air pollution. We exploit molecular engineering to functionalize polymer backbones and additives for water disinfection. We design biomass-derived materials for rapid moisture harvesting with high water uptake and easy water release as well as structured polymeric composite electrodes for electro-swing carbon capture and direct air capture. 

Check our publications below for more details:

• Nat. Commun. 2022, 13, 2761

• Adv. Mater. 2021, 33, 2102994

• Nano Lett. 2023, 23, 9697

• Adv. Mater. 2024, 36, 2407567

Structure–Property–Function Relation of Gel Composites

We exploit surface engineering to control topography and wettability, and structural design to tailor the porosity and mechanical properties of gels. This integrated approach transforms gels into a versatile material platform with deterministic physicochemical properties that provide insights into a wide range of interfacial phenomena in transport processes and chemical reactions. 

Check our publications below for more details:

• Adv. Mater. 2024, 36, 2407567

• Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2022, 61, e202114074

• Energy Environ. Sci. 2020, 13, 2087

• Nano Lett. 2019, 19, 2530

• Chem. Rev. 2020, 120, 7642

Solar Energy Conversion & Utilization

We innovate solar-to-thermal systems for sustainable environmental applications. For solar-driven water purification, we leverage the unique water states in hydrogels and the spatial distribution of solar-absorbing materials that enable fast evaporation with reduced energy demands. We also design novel photothermal/photochemical reactors with improved energy efficiency compared to conventional thermal processes.

Check our publications below for more details:

• Adv. Mater. 2020, 32, 190706

• Nat. Rev. Mater. 2020, 5, 388

• ACS Nano 2019, 13, 7913