Shang-Fu Yuan | Inorganic Chemistry | Chemical Scientist Award

Published on by Chemical Scientist

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 Profile 

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.

Experience 

Dr. Shang-Fu Yuan’s 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. Yuan’s 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 Yuan’s 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 Yuan’s 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. Yuan’s 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 Notes 

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.

Fa-Feng Xu | Materials Chemistry | Chemical Scientist Award

Published on by Chemical Scientist

Dr. Fa-Feng Xu | Materials Chemistry | Chemical Scientist Award

assistant researcher, Qinghai Institute of Salt Lakes, Chinese Academy of Sciences in  China.

🔬 Short Biography 🌿💊📚

Dr. Fa-Feng Xu 🧪 is an accomplished researcher specializing in photonic materials and microlasers. He currently serves as an Assistant Research Fellow at the Key Laboratory of Green and High-End Utilization of Salt Lake Resources, Qinghai Institute of Salt Lakes, Chinese Academy of Sciences 🇨🇳. He earned his Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry from the Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences in 2020 🎓, following his bachelor’s degree in Material Chemistry from Jilin University in 2014. His postdoctoral work at the same institute focused on material engineering under the supervision of renowned scholars. Dr. Xu’s interdisciplinary research integrates chemistry, materials science, and photophysics to develop advanced optical devices such as microlaser arrays for applications in displays and encryption. With multiple high-impact publications and patents, Dr. Xu is a rising talent in the field of optoelectronic materials 🌟.

PROFILE 

Orcid 

🔍 Summary of Suitability:

Based on the provided CV, Dr. Fa-Feng Xu is a highly suitable candidate for the Chemical Scientist Award. His academic training and professional journey demonstrate a profound command over physical chemistry, material science, and photochemistry—disciplines central to the chemical sciences. Dr. Xu holds a Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry from the Chinese Academy of Sciences and has engaged in impactful postdoctoral research in materials engineering. He has consistently worked on the synthesis and functionalization of advanced photonic materials, particularly organometallic complexes and organic microlasers, which are at the cutting edge of chemical innovation.

🔹 Education & Experience 

Dr. Xu’s academic journey began at Jilin University, where he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Material Chemistry in 2014 🎓. He then pursued a Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry at the Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, mentored by distinguished professors including Academician Jiannian Yao 🧬. His research focused on photochemistry and organic photonic materials. After earning his doctorate in 2020, Dr. Xu continued as a Postdoctoral Fellow in Material Engineering at the same institute, collaborating with Prof. Yu-Wu Zhong. Since November 2023, he has been serving as an Assistant Research Fellow at the Qinghai Institute of Salt Lakes, Chinese Academy of Sciences, contributing to the sustainable utilization of salt lake resources 🧫. His career reflects deep expertise across disciplines including chemistry, optics, and nanomaterials, shaping innovations in photonic applications 💡.

🔹Professional Development

Dr. Fa-Feng Xu has developed a robust professional skill set grounded in multidisciplinary science 🧪. His expertise spans organic synthesis, materials design, and photonic device fabrication. With a strong foundation in chemistry and materials science, he designs and synthesizes organometallic and liquid crystal systems with high-performance photonic properties 🌈. He is skilled in fabricating organic microlasers and constructing patterned microlaser arrays for advanced applications like laser displays and information encryption 🔐. Dr. Xu is adept in characterizing materials using techniques such as UV-Vis, SEM, TEM, XRD, and AFM. His practical experience extends to the use of cutting-edge instrumentation including electron beam lithography and femtosecond lasers for device testing. Through collaborations and continuous research, he brings innovation to organic photonics, contributing significantly to applied optical science and advanced materials development 🎯.

🛠️ Skills & Expertise

Dr. Fa-Feng Xu possesses a diverse set of interdisciplinary research skills that bridge the fields of chemistry, photophysics, and materials science 🧪🔬. He is proficient in the synthesis, purification, and analysis of organic and organometallic compounds, including platinum and iridium complexes and liquid crystal systems 🌈. His expertise extends to designing and fabricating organic microlaser arrays—such as microdisks, microspheres, and microplates—for applications in laser displays and information encryption 🖥️🔐. Dr. Xu is skilled in preparing polymer-based microstructures using materials like PS and PMMA for high-performance waveguiding and lasing functions ⚡. He is also experienced in constructing and characterizing inorganic nanostructures, such as silver nanowires 🧫. Technically adept, he operates advanced instruments including SEM, TEM, AFM, XRD, and UV-Vis for structural and optical characterization 🛠️. Furthermore, his familiarity with cutting-edge device fabrication techniques—such as vacuum deposition, lithography, and femtosecond lasers—enables innovative work at the frontier of organic photonics and materials science 🚀.

🔬 Research Focus

Dr. Xu’s research is centered on the intersection of organic photonics, microlasers, and advanced optical materials 🌟. He focuses on the rational design and synthesis of organometallic compounds (notably Pt and Ir complexes), liquid crystal systems, and polymeric microstructures for photonic applications. His work includes fabricating two-dimensional microcrystals and wavelength-tunable microlaser arrays, which find use in full-color laser displays and encrypted information systems 🖥️🔒. Dr. Xu also explores waveguiding phenomena and the development of photonic materials with thermal and optical responsiveness, bridging chemistry, optics, and device engineering. His contributions reflect a broader interest in next-generation optoelectronics, nonlinear optics, and nanostructured materials. The integration of organic systems into functional devices highlights his forward-thinking approach in applied physical chemistry and materials innovation 🔬✨.

🏆 Awards & Recognitions

  • 🥇 Excellent Paper Certificate, 8th CAST Excellent Scientific Paper Selection Program

  • 🎓 Merit Student, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS), 2014–2015

  • 🏆 Outstanding Student Leader, UCAS, 2015–2016

  • 💰 Academic Scholarships, UCAS (2014–2019)

  • 🎖️ National Encouragement Scholarships, Jilin University (2010–2012)

  • 🌟 Excellence Scholarship Student, Jilin University, 2010–2011

Publications & Citations 📚

  1. 📝 Organoplatinum(II) Cruciform: A Versatile Building Block to Fabricate 2D Microcrystals with Full-Color and White Phosphorescence and Anisotropic Photon Transport, Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 📅 2022 | 🔁 Cited by: [citation data needed] 🌈📸

  2. 📝 Wavelength-Tunable Single-Mode Microlasers Based on Photoresponsive Pitch Modulation of Liquid Crystals for Information Encryption, Research 📅 2020 | 🔁 Cited by: [citation data needed] 🔒📡

  3. 📝 Flat-Panel Laser Displays Based on Liquid Crystal Microlaser Arrays, CCS Chem. 📅 2020 | 🔁 Cited by: [citation data needed] 🖥️🎯

  4. 📝 Thermo-Responsive Light-Emitting Metal Complexes and Related Materials, Inorg. Chem. Front. 📅 2020 | 🔁 Cited by: [citation data needed] 🔥🔬

  5. 📝 Molecular Cocrystals with Hydrogen-Bonded Polymeric Structures and Polarized Luminescence, Materials 📅 2022 | 🔁 Cited by: [citation data needed] 💎💡

  6. 📝 Research Progress of Cesium-Based Photonic Materials, J. of Salt Lake Research 📅 2024 | 🔁 Cited by: [citation data needed] 🧂🔍

🔍 Conclusion:

Dr. Xu’s contributions lie at the intersection of synthetic chemistry, optics, and functional materials. His creative solutions to complex challenges in organic photonics and his strong publication and patent record mark him as an emerging leader in chemical research. His profile exemplifies the innovation and interdisciplinary excellence the Chemical Scientist Award aims to recognize.