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ABOUT ME

  • 2022 –    Chairman, Department of Chemistry, NCHU, Taiwan

  • 2010 –    Distinguished Professor, NCHU, Taiwan

  • 2005 –    Professor, Department of Chemistry, NCHU, Taiwan

  • 2018 – 2019      Director, Center of Big Data, NCHU, Taiwan

  • 2018 – 2019      Associate University Librarian, NCHU Library, Taiwan

  • 2003 – 2009      Director, Center of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, NCHU, Taiwan

  • 2002 – 2005      Associate Professor, Department of Chemistry, NCHU, Taiwan

  • 1999 – 2002      Assistant Professor, Department of Chemistry, NCHU, Taiwan

  • 1993 – 1999      Post-Doctoral fellowship, Institute of Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei

HONORS and AWARDS

  • Excellence in Technology Transfer Award, Ministry of Science and Technology of Taiwan, 2020

  • Futuristic Breakthrough Technology Award, Ministry of Science and Technology of Taiwan, 2017

  • Excellence in Technology Transfer Award, Ministry of Science and Technology of Taiwan, 2016

  • International Inventor Prize lifetime achievement award, 2014

  • International Inventor Prize Academic Guoguang Medal, 2014

  • Outstanding Research Award,
    Ministry of Science and Technology of Taiwan, 2014

  • Y. Z. Hsu Outstanding Scientific Paper Award for Nanoscience and Technology, 2005 (Far Easterm Foundation)

  • Wu Da-Yuo Award, Ministry of Science and Technology of Taiwan, 2004

  • Academia Sinica Outstanding Research Award,  2000

RESEARCH GOAL

  • In pursuit of solar-derived photocatalysts for CO2 capture, storage, and utilizations

  • In pursuit of plasmonic quantum-antenna biosensors  for point-of-care test diagnostics

  • In pursuit of  carbon nanotubes-based thin films for fast-charging anodes of Lithium ion battery

EDUCATION

  • 1984-1988
    Department of Chemistry, Tankang University B.S.

  • 1988-1990
    Department of Chemistry, National Taiwan University  M.S.

  • 1990-1993
    Department of Chemistry, National Taiwan University  Ph. D.

Research Work

      Energy storage materials offer an outlook in the future of sustainable technology. Superior ion storage systems give a promising technology for secondary lithium battery, smart window and supercapacitor. High efficient light (photo)-harvesting antennae boost the photovoltaic cells.  Such a renewable technology is a significant but multidisciplinary research field, which requires competence and efforts in many different disciplines. To this end, our group enjoys a unique and strategic position of designing advanced architectures from nanocrystal-units: self-assembly, fabrication, and properties. On the other hand, we also build up a lot of new interfacial techniques to benefit energy convention performance for practical testing and industrial applications. In academia contributions, we published over 130 SCI papers and 48 patents. For the industrial impacts, we spinout two core-technologies: one is related to LED lighting technology and another is plasmonic biochips.

Research Field

Part I : TiO2 low-bang gap for energaing saving products, solar cells and smart windows

i.TiO2 Nanowire Electrodes with Antireflective and Electrochromic Properties

Our research key: the interfacial growth/fabrication crystals of nano-materials onto transparent substrates. Three kinds of nano-materials are focused on: semicondutor TiO2, mettalic Au, and conductive CNT. 

  • Advantages:

    • high transparency

    • low refractive index

    • good electrochromic property

  • Technique: hydrothermal method

  • Advantages:

    • simple

    • one-step

    • cost-effective

  • Publications:
    ACS Nano, 2012, DOI: 10.1021/nn300787r. (IF=10.774)

ii.Anatase-TiO2 Chain-Networked Photoanodes

We propose a novel, sandwich-layered Ti/TiO2/Ti/TCO architecture for the fabrication of 1D pure-anatase-based photoanodes that possess the high optical transparency and superior electrical properties. The superior electron-transport characteristics of the TiO2 chain-network on FTO substrates as compared to the nanoparticle-based one may open up numerous possibilities for the use of solid-state DSSCs, highly efficient photocatalysis and electrochromic smart windows.

  • Publications:
    Adv. Mater. (2011), 23, 3970–3973. (IF=13.877)

  • Technique: hydrothermal method

  • Advantages:

    • expensive

    • low temperature reaction consition

    • easily be scaled up

Part II : Metallic Au NPs for LSPR sensing

Highly stable plasmonic metallic nanoparticles embedded in a glass surface are obtained. By measuring the optical response of LSPR, they show excellent sensitivity and selectivity for biomolecules as the biomolecules immobilized at interstices between particles, indicating their suitability in LSPR biochip applications.
 

  • Technique: quick microwave plasmon technique (~40 s)

  • Advantages for biochips:

    • low cost              ○ robustness

    • label free            ○ reusebility
    • versatility

  • Publications:

    • Lab Chip, (2012), DOI: 10.1039/c2lc40590c. (IF=5.670)

    • Chem. Comm. (2011), 47, 872–874. (IP=6.169) (Cover story)

    • Nanotechnology, (2010), 21, 035302. (IF=3.979)

    • J. Chin. Chem. Soc., (2009), 56, 935-939. (IF=0.678)

  • Patterns:

    • “Microwave plasma generator”，US7768185B2

    • “Method of producing inorganic nanoparticles”，US2010/0206720 A1

    • “Method of forming a metal pattern”， US2010/0209617 A1

    • “Method for fabrication a biosensor chip and biosensor made thereby”， US2010/0209617A1

  • Technical transfers to 希華晶體科公司: 7,952,918 NT$

Part III : CNT for touch-screen

i.Highly stable CNT dispersions

  • Publications:

    • J. Chin. Chem. Soc. (2009), 56(5), 935-939. (IF=0.678)

Since 2005, we have developed the synthesis of highly stable CNT aqueous solution with the aid of surfactants and demonstrated that CNTs can also be highly dispersed in various polymers such as PVA, PAA, PSS, PU, PMMA, Epoxy, and Silicone.

  • Technique: high power tip sonication combined with the surfactants and polymers

  • Advantages:

    • simple                  ○ individually dispersed CNTs

    • fast                       ○ long stability (several years)
    • inexpensive

  • Patterns:

    • 分散奈米碳管於水中之方法及其檢測試劑，2005，中華民國專利

    • 分離奈米碳管的方法及其應用裝置，2008，中華民國專利

ii.CNT-based flexible transparent conducting thin films

CNT and metallic NPs@CNT based flexible transparent conducting films (TCFs) with low electric resistance and high optical transmittance were successfully performed, showing their remarkable flexibility compared to other related transparent conducting materials such as ITO and SWCNTs.

  • Technique:

    • two-step polyol process to synthesize metallic metallic NPs@CNT

    • ultrasonic atomization-spin coating method to form film

  • Advantages:

    • high transparency (> 80 % at 550 nm)

    • high electrical conductivity (< 100 Ω/sq)
    • extraordinary mechanical flexibility (bending cycles over 500 times)

  • Publications:

    • Carbon, (2012), 50, 2244 – 2251. (IF=5.378)

    • Thin Solid Films, (2011), 519, 7717–7722. (IF=1.890)

    • Chem. Comm. (2009), 44, 6777-6779. (IF=6.169)

    • Carbon Nanotubes Applications on Electron Devices, (2011) InTech, ISBN978-953-307- 496-2, Chapter 14, P333 – 350

  • Patterns:

    • 可撓式奈米碳管轉印基版, 2008, 中華民國專利

    • 聚乙烯醇輔助曲撓式電極製備, 2008, 中華民國專利

    • 奈米碳管導電薄膜的製造方法, 2008, 中華民國專利

    • 轉印式奈米碳管導電薄膜的製造方法, 2008, 中華民國專利

    • 具優良可撓性之奈米碳管導電薄膜的製造方法, 2008, 中華民國專利

    • 結合有金屬奈米粒子之奈米碳管複合物導電薄膜的製法, 2009, 中華民國專利

    • 銀碳複合材料水溶液的製備方法、銀碳複合材料水溶液、銀碳複合單元、導電體，及導電體的製備方法,
      2017, 中華民國專利

    • 银碳复合材料水溶液的制备方法, 2019, 中國大陸專利

Selected publications
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Enhancing the performance of dye-sensitized solar cells based on TiO2 nanotube/nanoparticle composite photoanodes

Goal:

Make a high efficiency DSSCs using TiO2 nanotube/nanoparticle composite.

Experiment:

P25 TiO2 nanoparticles in alkaline and calcine to make nanotube and TiO2 NPs with average size of 16nm+Pure anatase structure paste on FTO then soak dye.

The best result:

Form the 0.1ml NT suspension into 1.0 mL NP suspension to form the hallow and open ended structure.

Break through:

  • NT/NP combination volume ratio: 10%

  • Thickness of 12μm

  • Optimized conversion efficiency:
        oligo-PEGDME : 2.14%
        liquid electrolyte:10.27%

  • under AM 1.5 sunlight (100 mWcm−2), compared to those of pure TiO2 NPs efficiency improvement:
        oligo-PEGDME : 12.6%
        liquid electrolyte: 10.5%

Enhancing the performance_pic1.jpg

Hydrothermally Processed TiO2 Nanowire Electrodes with Antireflective and Electrochromic Properties

Mild alkali hydrothermal

Experiment:

5M NaOH solution 80°C for 1 hour then anneal in air at 500 °C For 1 hour.

The best result: 

5M NaOH solution form 600nm TiO2NW

Break through: 

  • Mostly refractive index were 1.5, but we use the simple one step hydrothermally processed method to form 600nm TiO2NW and get the index of 1.22. 

  • Cross linked ↑, porosity ↑, reflective↓, transparency ↑.

  • Optical transmittance greater than 70%

Hydrothermally Processed_pic.jpg

Fabrication of self-standing Si–TiO2 web-nanowired anodes for high volumetric capacity lithium ion microbatteries

Goal:

Fabricate high volumetric capacity lithium ion microbatteries.

Experiment:

Hydrothermal Ti film to make it to 3D porous TiO2 nano-scaffolds (TNS) then sputtered Si onto TNS.

The best result:

  • For volumetric capacities: TSi-WNW-4.5 reach up to 3860 mAh/cm3

  • For retention+ volumetric capacities: TSi-WNW-3.0

pic.Fabrication of self-standing-2.jpg
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Break through:

compare to TNS and pure Si, we achieve to increase the volume capacity and capacity retention individually.

Plasmon-Enhanced Photocurrent using Gold Nanoparticles on a Three-Dimensional TiO2 Nanowire-Web Electrode

Au/TiO2 ARHN
anatase/rutile mixed-phase titanium dioxide hierarchical network 

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Chain-network anatase/TiO2 (B) thin film with improved photocatalytic efficiency

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Green synthesis of carbon quantum dots embedded onto titanium dioxide nanowires for enhancing photocurrent

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High sensitivity and selectivity of human antibody attachment at the interstices between substrate-bound gold nanoparticles

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  • Surface-enhanced Raman scattering should be achieved single-molecule detection at the so-called hot spots.

  • Uniform spacing may enhance local electromagnetic field that increases Raman excitation and emission.

  • The reliability of LSPR sensing dependent on the same surface density of gold nanoparticles without any detachment or deformation.

  • Using a one-step microwave-plasma de-wetting process, we prepared durable substrate-bound gold nanostructures, denoted Au-LSPR.

  • Investigating LSPR transduction signals of the selective attachment of IgG when chemical immobilization at the interstices.

  • Spatial constraint of molecules plays a significant role in increasing contribution to optical sensitivity.

  • Our chips adopt the right conformation in the case of sorbent human antibody only.

  • The optical response of LSPR is dependent on the molecule binding.

  • The ‘‘hot spots’’ conception is suitable for detecting single molecules smaller than 10 nm owing to the decay of the local E-field with distance from the gaps between particles.

  • A huge increase in the extinction of the IgG-based chips owing to IgG binding in the interstice regions that arise as the local refractive index increases.

  • Anti-IgG were located above the interstices, which largely decreased the coupling with an electromagnetic field between interparticles

Green technique solvent-free fabrication of silver nanoparticle–carbon nanotube flexible films for wearable sensors

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Ultrasensitive label- and amplification-free photoelectric protocols based on sandwiched layer-by-layer plasmonic nanocomposite films for the detection of alpha-fetoprotein

  • Photoelectric biosensing, through the usage of light and electrical energy on photoactive electrodes for sensor excitation and determination, has been demonstrated to minimize the background noise and increase sensitivity.

  • Antireflective photoelectrode assembled by anatase TNWs with a high-porosity cross-linked geometry through a one-step alkaline hydrothermal.

  1. Narrow visible light response range
    (~ 3.2 eV)

  2. Low separation efficiency of electron-hole pairs

  3. High interfacial charge-transfer resistance

§Drawback§

  • Integration of Au nanoparticles with TiO2 improving the photoelectric effect.
    ◎LSPR    ◎Enhance light harvesting
    ​◎Reduce electron-hole recombination

  • The photocurrent enhancement mainly arose from the promotion of interfacial charge transfer induced by electron accumulation.

  • AuNP/ TNW/AuNP ultra-thin film on FTO substrates for detection of cancer biomarker α-fetoprotein (AFP) exhibited a high sensitivity and good selectivity.

  • AFP Detection limit of 0.001 ppb

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Extraordinary Mechanical Flexibility in a Nanocomposite Thin Films Composed of AgPt Bimetallic Nanoparticle-decorated Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes

Ag Pt–MWCNT–PET films 

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Ag Pt bimetallic NPs

  1. Reduction in the poisoning effect

  2. Improvement in the catalytic and optical properties

  3. Silver is much more cost-effective than other noble metals

  4. Lead-free solder materials

Ag Pt alloys reduce the thermal stability catalyzing the oxidation of MWCNTs with O2.

MW plasma irradiation for Ag Pt–MWCNT–PET films 

  1. enhance the flexibility

  2. excellent electrical conductivity 

​

Ag Pt – MWCNT ( under MW plasma irradiation )

  1. optical transmission : optical transmittance of 80% at 550 nm 

  2. electrical properties : 154.36 Ω 

After 500 bending cycles, the sheet resistance still remained approximately : 154.36 (±1%)  Ω/sq

Towards the Development of Electrical Conduction and Lithium-Ion Transport in a Tetragonal Porphyrin Wire

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Leraning from the naturally occurring membranes,the porphyrin wire proposed by the author is self-assembled into a strong porous organic solid through π one-dimensional tetragonal -facial hydrogen bonds and van der Waals and electrostatic interaction, and has the ability to transmit lithium ions and electrons at the same time. Porphyrin Wire itself has poor conductivity. PANI@1 is obtained by encapsulating conductive polyaniline, which has good conductivity. Then the PANI@1 was immersed in the lithium ion solution, 7 Li NMR was used to confirm that the lithium ions were indeed inserted, and the battery was used as a positive electrode material to form the battery. The cyclic voltammetry measurement showed that the lithium ions can involve intercalation– deintercalationin in Li.PANI @1.

A Pearl-Chain-like Anode Composed of Silicon−Porphyrin Hits Peaks in Lithium-Ion Capacity

pic.A pearl-Chain.png

  • Our laboratory applies TCPP to the TiO2 anode, and uses it to manufacture a pearl chain-like anode material based on silicon-porphyrin hybridization.  

  • This negative electrode material significantly increases the lithium ion flux and slows down the  volume expansion of silicon during the cycle. TCPP is also used to further increase the capacitance, reaching a large capacitance value of 4752 mAh g-1 when C rate = 0.1.Improved rate performance and excellent capacity recovery can be obtained during reversible charging/discharging.

  • Our process can be adapted to build the platform technology for efficient  fabricating Li-ion anodes in mass production for future industrial applications.

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