Prof. Shang-Fu Yuan | Inorganic Chemistry | Chemical Scientist Award
Professor, Jinan University,China.
Dr. Shang-Fu Yuan is a distinguished chemist specializing in structural and materials chemistry, with significant contributions to the design, synthesis, and characterization of ligand-protected metal nanoclusters. In China, he earned his B.S. in Applied Chemistry from East China Jiaotong University and later completed his Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry (Structural Chemistry) under Prof. Quan-Ming Wang at Xiamen University. Following postdoctoral research at Tsinghua University, he joined Jinan University as a Professor at the College of Chemistry and Materials Science and the Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Functional Supramolecular Coordination Materials and Applications. His research spans metal nanoclusters, layered organic metal chalcogenides, and photocatalysis for energy and environmental applications. With over 25 high-impact publications in journals such as JACS, Angewandte Chemie, and Nature Communications, Dr. Yuan is recognized for advancing atomic-level understanding in catalysis and optoelectronics through precise molecular design and advanced crystallographic analysis.
Professional Profileย
Educationย ย
Dr. Shang-Fu Yuan began his academic journey at the School of Basic Science, East China Jiaotong University, where he obtained his B.S. degree in Applied Chemistry. His undergraduate studies provided a strong foundation in chemical principles and laboratory techniques, sparking his interest in structural chemistry and functional materials. He then pursued his doctoral studies at the College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, under the supervision of Prof. Quan-Ming Wang. He specialized in Physical Chemistry, with a focus on Structural Chemistry, exploring the synthesis and crystallographic analysis of ligand-protected metal nanoclusters. His Ph.D. research laid the groundwork for his expertise in atomic-precision design of materials for catalysis and optoelectronic applications. After earning his doctorate, he continued his scientific training as a Postdoctoral Fellow in the Department of Chemistry at Tsinghua University, further refining his skills in advanced structural analysis and molecular engineering.
Experienceย
Dr. Shang-Fu Yuanโs professional career reflects a trajectory of academic excellence and impactful research in chemistry. He served as a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, working under Prof. Quan-Ming Wang, where he investigated ligand-protected metal nanoclusters and their catalytic applications. He joined Jinan University as a Professor in the College of Chemistry and Materials Science and became a key member of the Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Functional Supramolecular Coordination Materials and Applications. In this role, he leads research projects funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China and institutional grants, focusing on atomic-level material design, photocatalytic energy conversion, and layered metal chalcogenides. Dr. Yuanโs leadership extends to mentoring graduate students, managing interdisciplinary collaborations, and contributing to international scientific discourse through publications in top-tier journals and presentations at leading chemistry conferences worldwide.
Professional Development
Throughout his career, Dr. Shang-Fu Yuan has consistently engaged in professional development to expand his scientific expertise and leadership skills. His postdoctoral fellowship at Tsinghua University was instrumental in honing advanced crystallographic techniques and applying them to the design of high-performance catalytic nanoclusters. As a faculty member at Jinan University, he has secured multiple competitive research grants, including from the National Natural Science Foundation of China, enabling him to establish a productive and innovative research group. Dr. Yuan actively collaborates with leading scientists nationally and internationally, fostering cross-disciplinary research in photocatalysis, nanomaterials, and structural chemistry. He stays at the forefront of scientific advancements by participating in international conferences, peer-reviewing manuscripts for high-impact journals, and engaging in academic exchanges. His dedication to continuous learning and collaborative networking has positioned him as an influential researcher and mentor in the field of functional nanomaterials and advanced coordination chemistry.
Skills & Expertise
Dr. Shang-Fu Yuanโs skills and expertise encompass a broad spectrum of chemistry and materials science, with a specialization in atomic-precision synthesis and structural characterization of metal nanoclusters. He is highly proficient in single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis, enabling detailed structural elucidation at the molecular level. His research extends to layered organic metal chalcogenides, ligand engineering, and the design of photocatalysts for energy conversion and environmental remediation. Dr. Yuan possesses advanced skills in molecular design, coordination chemistry, and catalysis, particularly in the context of visible-light-driven reactions. His expertise also covers the integration of nanomaterials into functional devices and the investigation of charge transfer mechanisms. With a proven track record of publishing in prestigious journals, he demonstrates strong capabilities in scientific writing, data analysis, and project management. Additionally, he is experienced in mentoring young scientists, managing interdisciplinary collaborations, and securing competitive research funding from national and institutional sources.
Resarch Focus
Dr. Shang-Fu Yuanโs research is centered on the design, synthesis, and application of ligand-protected coinage metal clusters and nanoclusters, with a focus on achieving atomic-level control over their structures and properties. He investigates single-crystal X-ray diffraction techniques to reveal precise structural details, which inform the development of high-performance photocatalysts and optoelectronic materials. His work extends to layered organic metal chalcogenides, exploring their potential in energy conversion, photocatalytic reduction, and the transformation of organic molecules under visible light. By integrating structural chemistry with materials science, Dr. Yuan aims to enhance charge transfer efficiency, catalytic activity, and stability in nanomaterials. His research addresses critical challenges in sustainable energy, green synthesis, and environmental remediation. Through interdisciplinary approaches, he seeks to bridge fundamental chemistry with practical applications, contributing to advances in nanotechnology, coordination chemistry, and molecular engineering for next-generation functional materials.
Awards & Recognitions
Dr. Shang-Fu Yuan has received significant recognition for his research excellence and contributions to the field of structural and materials chemistry. His work has been supported by prestigious funding bodies, including the National Natural Science Foundation of China, through multiple grants such as the General Program (22201103) and Joint Funds (U22A20432). He has also been awarded the Initiating Foundation of Jinan University, reflecting institutional recognition of his potential as a research leader. His publications in top-tier journals like Journal of the American Chemical Society, Angewandte Chemie International Edition, and Nature Communications have garnered international attention, further solidifying his reputation. Dr. Yuanโs research achievements have positioned him as an influential figure in nanocluster chemistry, leading to invitations for peer review and collaborative projects. His contributions not only advance scientific understanding but also have practical implications for sustainable catalysis, optoelectronic materials, and environmental applications.
Publication Top Notesย
Title: Carbonylmetallated Palladium Nanoclusters for Visible-Light-Driven Carbonylation under 1 atm of CO
Authors: L.-M. Zhang, H.-Z. Wei, H. Zhang, X.-H. Zhong, S.-F. Yuan*, B. Wang, J. Wei*, Q. Bai, Z. Zhang, K.-G. Liu, T. Wu*, D. Li*
Year: 2025
Citation: Journal of the American Chemical Society. 2025; 147: 28073-28084.
Title: Semiconductor Cluster with High Reduction Potential and Efficient Charge Transfer Enables Visible-Light-Driven Activation of Inert Organic Substrates
Authors: H. Ma, C.-K. Han, J.-X. Liu, Y.-L. Xu, C.-L. Chen, X.-H. Zhong, L.-Y. Chen, R. Zhou, B. Wang*, J. Wang, J. Zhu, K. Wu, D.-S. Li, T. Wu*, S.-F. Yuan*
Year: 2025
Citation: Angewandte Chemie International Edition. 2025; 64: e202509764.
Title: Semiconductor clusters enable high-efficiency extraction of hot electrons from gold nanorods for photocatalytic organic conversions
Authors: J.X. Liu, H. Ma, S.F. Yuan*, J.N. Zhang, J.G. Liang, R. Zhou, D.S. Li, W.B. Chen, M.D. Li, T. Wu*
Year: 2025
Citation: Science China Chemistry. 2025; 68: 3574-3585.
Title: Single electron transfer/hydrogen atom transfer synergistic catalysis for green synthesis of benzyl thioesters
Authors: H.-T. Gao, P.-L. Ou, H. Ma, H. Zhang, L.-M. Zhang, Y.-L. Xu, Y.-Z. Guo, D.-B. Hao, C.-L. Chen, D.-S. Li, S.-F. Yuan*, T. Wu*
Year: 2025
Citation: Green Chemistry. 2025. DOI: 10.1039/D5GC01733E.
Title: Atomic- and molecular-level modulation of Mnยฒโบ-related emission using atomically-precise metal chalcogenide semiconductor nanoclusters
Authors: Z. Wang, J.-X. Liu, H. Ma, Y.-L. Xu, R. Zhou, D.-S. Li, S.-F. Yuan*, T. Wu*
Year: 2024
Citation: Coordination Chemistry Reviews. 2024; 510: 215844.
Title: Highly intense NIR emissive CuโPtโ bimetallic clusters featuring Pt(I)โCuโโPt(I) sandwich kernel
Authors: R.-R. Zhong, M. Xie, C.-Z. Luan, L.-M. Zhang, D.-B. Hao, S.-F. Yuan*, T. Wu*
Year: 2024
Citation: Chemical Science. 2024; 15: 7552-7559.
Title: Semiconductor-cluster-loaded ionic covalent organic nanosheets with enhanced photocatalytic reduction reactivity of nitroarenes
Authors: J.-N. Zhang, J. Liu, H. Ma, X. Luo, C.-K. Han, R. Zhou, S.-F. Yuan*, D.-S. Li, T. Wu*
Year: 2024
Citation: Journal of Materials Chemistry A. 2024; 12: 14398-14407.
Title: Ligand-to-ligand charge transfer in anthracene-based cyclic trinuclear complexes enhanced photocatalytic deprotection of Weinreb amides
Authors: Y.-Z. Guo, H.-Z. Wei, X.-H. Zhong, C.-Z. Luan, R. Zhou, B. Wang, J. Zheng*, S.-F. Yuan*, T. Wu, D. Li
Year: 2025
Citation: Inorganic Chemistry Frontiers. 2025. DOI: 10.1039/D5QI01055A.
Title: Significantly enhanced NIR emission of solid-state clusters based on CuโPtโ triggered with volatile organic compounds
Authors: X.-N. Hu, X.-H. Zhong, R.-R. Zhong, L.-M. Zhang, D.-B. Hao, Q. Xu, H.-Z. Wei, R. Zhou, J. Wei, K.-G. Liu, S.-F. Yuan*, D.-S. Li, T. Wu*
Year: 2025
Citation: Nanoscale. 2025; 17: 5829-5837.
Title: N-heterocyclic carbene-stabilized Cuโ clusters with combined thermally activated delayed fluorescence and phosphorescence
Authors: L.-M. Zhang, M. Xie, H.-Z. Wei, S.-F. Yuan*, D.-S. Li, T. Wu*
Year: 2024
Citation: Inorganic Chemistry Frontiers. 2024; 11: 2498-2507.
Conclusion:
Dr. Shang-Fu Yuan is a highly competitive candidate for the Research for Chemical Scientist Award. His outstanding research output, innovation in atomically precise nanocluster design, and leadership in high-profile projects showcase the qualities sought in awardees. With continued emphasis on translating research to societal applications and broadening interdisciplinary collaborations, his profile could evolve from being an excellent award candidate to an undeniable leader in the global chemical sciences community.