Pengyu Liu

Ph.D. Candidate in Chemistry | Materials Scientist

Shanghai, CN.

About

Highly accomplished Ph.D. Candidate and Materials Scientist with extensive expertise in operando/in-situ spectroscopy, electrocatalysis, and advanced materials synthesis. Proven track record of driving innovation in interfacial structural evolution and electron-transfer processes, evidenced by over 16 high-impact publications in top-tier journals and 1000+ citations. Seeking to leverage deep research acumen and hands-on experience in cutting-edge characterization and device development to contribute to pioneering scientific advancements.

Work

Shanghai Jiao Tong University

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Ph.D. Candidate in Chemistry

Shanghai, Shanghai, China

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Summary

Leading advanced research in in-situ spectroscopy and electro-/photocatalytic conversion of inert molecules, driving innovation in materials science and energy applications.

Highlights

Pioneered the application of operando/in-situ XAS, AP-XPS, Raman, and SFG spectroscopy to investigate interfacial structural evolution and electron-transfer processes under reaction conditions, significantly advancing mechanistic understanding.

Authored and co-authored over 16 peer-reviewed publications in prestigious journals, including Science, Nat. Synth., Nat. Catal., Nat. Energy, Nat Commun, and Angew Chem, demonstrating significant contributions to the field.

Achieved an H-index of 15 with over 1000 citations, reflecting substantial impact and recognition within the scientific community.

Developed and optimized advanced materials synthesis techniques, including controlled fabrication of metal/metal oxide nanomaterials, SACs, MOFs, and hybrid composites for enhanced performance.

Conducted comprehensive device fabrication and testing for AEM/PEM electrolyzers, photoelectrochemical (PEC) cells, flow cells, and Zn-air batteries, ensuring robust experimental validation of new materials.

Executed extensive data analysis using Origin, CasaXPS, Athena/Artemis, VESTA, ChemDraw, and Python, extracting critical insights from complex spectroscopic and electrochemical datasets.

Inner Mongolia University

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M.Sc. in Chemistry (Graduate Researcher)

Huhhot, Inner Mongolia, China

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Summary

Conducted master's research focused on electrocatalytic water splitting and ammonia synthesis, advancing fundamental understanding of sustainable energy conversion and chemical production.

Highlights

Investigated and optimized electrocatalytic water splitting and ammonia synthesis processes, contributing to the development of more efficient and sustainable chemical reactions.

Developed and applied various spectroscopic and surface analysis techniques, including SEM, TEM, XRD, and elemental mapping, to characterize material properties and reaction mechanisms.

Contributed to research that resulted in multiple peer-reviewed publications, demonstrating proficiency in scientific inquiry and dissemination.

Managed experimental design, data collection, and analysis for thesis research, culminating in a comprehensive master's thesis on critical electrocatalytic processes.

Education

Shanghai Jiao Tong University

Shanghai, Shanghai, China
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Ph.D. Candidate Chemistry

Inner Mongolia University

Huhhot, Inner Mongolia, China
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M.Sc. Chemistry

Publications

Nat. Synth., In revision.

Nat. Synth.

Work on advanced synthesis techniques currently under revision for publication.

Nat. Catal., Under review.

Nat. Catal.

Research on catalytic processes currently under review for publication.

Enhanced Li-ion diffusion improves N2-to-NH3 current efficiency at 100 mA cm²

Science

Co-authored publication demonstrating improved N2-to-NH3 current efficiency through enhanced Li-ion diffusion.

Electrosynthesis of ethanol via CO–CHx cross-coupling on copper alloy catalysts with engineered oxygen affinity

Nat. Synth.

Published research on novel copper alloy catalysts for efficient ethanol electrosynthesis via CO–CHx cross-coupling.

High-performance NH3 production from NO electroreduction over NiO nanosheets

Chem. Commun.

Contributed to research on high-performance ammonia production from NO electroreduction using NiO nanosheets.

Enhanced NRR via interfacial engineering of MOF-based FeNi2S4/NiS heterojunctions

Appl. Catal. B

Published work on enhancing nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) through interfacial engineering of MOF-based heterojunctions.

Polyaniline/MOF composites for enhanced supercapacitor behavior

J. Alloys Compd.

Authored publication on polyaniline/MOF composites demonstrating enhanced supercapacitor behavior.

Skills

Spectroscopy & Surface Analysis

Operando XAS, In-situ XAS, Ambient Pressure XPS, Raman Spectroscopy, ATR-FTIR, SFG Spectroscopy, SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy), TEM (Transmission Electron Microscopy), XRD (X-ray Diffraction), Elemental Mapping, Porosity Measurements.

Electrocatalysis & Interface Chemistry

CO2/CO Reduction, ORR (Oxygen Reduction Reaction), NRR (Nitrogen Reduction Reaction), NORR (Nitric Oxide Reduction Reaction), HER (Hydrogen Evolution Reaction), OER (Oxygen Evolution Reaction), Photo/Thermo Gas-Liquid Continuous Flow Reaction.

Device Fabrication & Testing

AEM/PEM Electrolyzers, Photoelectrochemical (PEC) Cells, Flow Cells, Zn-Air Batteries.

Materials Synthesis

Metal Nanomaterials, Metal Oxide Nanomaterials, SACs (Single-Atom Catalysts), MOFs (Metal-Organic Frameworks), Hybrid Composites.

Software & Data Analysis

Origin, CasaXPS, Athena/Artemis, VESTA, ChemDraw, Python.

References

Prof. Jun Li

Associate Professor, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, P. R. China | Email: lijun001@sjtu.edu.cn