Molecular behaviors in nanoscale channels

Behaviors of molecules across physical domains and length scales remain poorly understood despite intense efforts in integrating diverse nanochannels into soft/hard materials for separation and conversion. At the interface of physics, chemistry, materials science, and engineering, we mechanistically study the fundamental physicochemical properties of organic-inorganic and soft-hard hybrid materials and their structure-behavior relationship.

Effective translation of nanomaterials to macroscopic structures

Membrane- & sorption- based processes promise to provide efficient and economical separation solutions for addressing grand challenges at the water-energy nexus. Recent advances in synthesis and characterization of hierarchical materials allow for creative designs of functional membranes and electrodes with active nanoscale building blocks. Challenges however often involve the high cost, complicated processes, poor scalability and lifetime performance when translating these nanomaterials into macroscale structures for practical applications in realistically complex chemical environment.

Energy-efficient separation technologies under diverse driving forces

We then develop pragmatic applications of advanced functional materials in nontraditional water reuse, resource recovery, renewable energy, and environmental remediation. With scientific and engineering principles, we work toward innovating new technologies for sustainable separations with system-level assessments, eventually helping transform the future water, energy, and environment landscapes.