(1) Nanotechnology

• Developing new methods for synthesis of functional inorganic and inorganic-organic nanomaterials with novel structures; 

• Specific design and fabrication of new nanoscale materials and structures with an emphasis on rational control of morphology, size, structure and compositions; 

• In situ characterization of the crystal structure, micro-structure and surface-Interface structure of nanomaterials; Surface modification, disturbation and functionalization of the nanostructures; 

• Investigation and in-depth understanding of the fundamental correlations between the nanostructure and their specific catalytic and optical properties, photo-electronics, environmental sensing and biomedical researches. 

The ultimate goal is to predict and tuning their fundamental properties through controlled synthetic variation of structures and build a scientific base for large-scale production of nanostructured materials. 

(2) Chemical and biological nano based-sensors

• Synthesis and characterization of nanomaterials and nanostructures for chemical and biological sensors, including nanoparticles, nanorods, nanowires, nanofibers, nanotubes, quantum dots, and nanostructured films, arrays and patterns as well as their composites, made from polymers, fullerene derivatives, noble metals and metal oxides; 

• Detection and monitoring of variety of targets (inorganic ions, organic molecules, proteins, nucleic acids, biological toxins, microorganisms and cells) in various environments (air, water, soils, and in vitro or in vivo body fluids); Development of novel concepts and new technologies for integrating a nanosensor into a device, (such as microfluidics and nanofluidics, sensor cartridges, and lab-on-a-chip); 

• Demonstration of robust portable and handheld devices or prototypes for simple, rapid and inexpensive but sensitive and reliable chemical and biological sensing in the field. 

(3)Sustainable Energy

• Advanced novel functional materials such as low dimensional hybrid and/or multi-junction assemblies for utilizing renewable energy resources, energy conversion, hydrogen and green fuel production. 

(4) Catalytic engineering

• Catalytic remediation of pollutants in wastewater using advanced oxidation processes (e.g., photocatalysis, photo-electrocatalysis, sonocatalysis and electrocatalysis) and heterogeneous catalysis strategy; 

(5)green catalysis

• Green catalytic process for carbon capture, fine chemical production and air pollution (NO_x, NH₃, CO, SVOC and Emerging Contaminants) remediation; 

• In situ characterization of the kinetics and mechanism of the environmental catalytic reactions at molecular level by using in situ spectroscopy with specific accessories such as in situ ATR-FTIR, in situ UV-Raman, in situ EPR, in situ TOF-SIMS, in situ Laser Flash Photolysis, and in situ Surface Transient Photovoltage (TRV) various techniques.