
Overview
Background
Prof. Dr Zhigang Chen is currently an Honorary Professor in the School of Mechanical & Mining Engineering, the University of Queensland, and a founding director for the ARC Research Hub in Zero-emission Power Generation for Carbon Neutrality (ZeroPC), ARC Future Fellow, Academic Reseach Lead, and a Capacity Building Professor of Energy Materials at the School of Chemistry and Physics, Queensland University of Technology (QUT). Dr Chen received his PhD from the Institute of Metal Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences in 2008 under the supervision of Professor Hui-Ming Cheng, and Professor Gaoqing (Max) Lu. His research focuses on thermoelectrics for power generation and cooling; next-generation optoelectronic devices and functional System; topological insulators for next-generation chips; and high-speed sensors. In total, Dr Chen received ~A$40,000,000 in research grants to support the research, including one prestigious UQ postdoctoral fellowship (2009), ARC APD Fellowship (2009), five ARC Discovery Grants (four as lead CI, one as ARC APD fellowship, and one as ARC Future Fellowship), two ARC Research hub, four ARC Linkage Grant (one as lead CI), four ARC LIEF Grant, >10 Industry Investments (eight as sole CI), two Queensland Smart Futures Funds (sole CI), and >10 University Grants. Currently, Dr Chen is leading one ARC Research Hub, two ARC discovery projects, one sub project at ARC Research Hub, one ARC Linkage project, and four industry investments. Dr Chen is one Clarivate Highly Cited Researcher (Top 0.1% researcher in the world). He has authored over 330 high-impact journal publications including 1 Nature Energy, 1 Nature Nanotechnology; 3 Nature Communications; 1 Chemical Reviews; 2 Progress in Materials Science; 4 Energy & Environmental Science; 1 Joule; 11 Advanced Materials; and 4 Journal of the American Chemical Society. These publications have attracted >35000 times (Scopus, www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=57188708630) and an H index of 70. His google scholar citation is >25,000 with an H index of 100 (https://scholar.google.com.au/citations?user=vkRX_vgAAAAJ&hl=en). Particularly, in the last three years, Dr Chen has published more than 40 articles per year and attracted over 5,000 citations per year. Dr Chen has delivered over 50 plenary/keynote/invited talks in the international/national conferences. Dr Chen has authored four commercialized patents, which have been attracted industry investments.
Availability
- Honorary Professor Zhi-Gang Chen is:
- Available for supervision
- Media expert
Fields of research
Qualifications
- Doctor of Philosophy, University of the Chinese Academy of Science
Research interests
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Design inexpensive, abundant, low-toxic and high-efficiency thermoelectric nanomaterials
Thermoelectric materials directly convert thermal energy into electrical energy, offering a green and sustainable solution for the global energy dilemma. This proposal aims to develop inexpensive, abundant, and low-toxic thermoelectric nanomaterials for high-efficiency energy conversion using novel industry-level approach, coupled with nanostructure and band engineering strategies.
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Topological Insulators
High-Speed Hard Drive: Topological Insulators Open a Path to Room-Temperature Spintronics
Research impacts
Thermoelectric materials for power generation and cooling
Identifying new approaches to develop energy-saving methods and tap into new renewable energy sources is set to be the greatest challenge of the 21st Century. Thermoelectric (TE) energy is one of the approaches that offers great promise as it can be used in multiple applications for power generation and refrigeration. It can create electricity from waste heat at any scale, it can significantly improve energy efficiency at a medium industrial scale, including significantly improving vehicular weight and emissions, and it can even generate electricity or cooling at the nanoscale. For instance, it could potentially be used to convert body heat into electricity in clothing or to charge a cell phone. The thermoelecric materials developed by Dr Chen have extremely high hopes for this technology.
Topological insulators for high speed chips
Imagine if the "information superhighway" had HOV lanes so that data could be stored, processed and disseminated many times faster than possible with today's electronics. New topological insulators developed by Dr Chen will be used for this new generation devices, such a speedway for future devices, an exotic type of electrical conductor.
Works
Search Professor Zhi-Gang Chen’s works on UQ eSpace
2020
Journal Article
Synergistic modulation of power factor and thermal conductivity in Cu3SbSe4 towards high thermoelectric performance
Wang, Boyi, Zheng, Shuqi, Wang, Qing, Li, Zhiliang, Li, Juan, Zhang, Zipei, Wu, Yue, Zhu, Bensheng, Wang, Siyu, Chen, Yuxuan, Chen, Liqiang and Chen, Zhi-Gang (2020). Synergistic modulation of power factor and thermal conductivity in Cu3SbSe4 towards high thermoelectric performance. Nano Energy, 71 104658, 104658. doi: 10.1016/j.nanoen.2020.104658
2020
Journal Article
Texture-dependent thermoelectric properties of nano-structured Bi2Te3
Bao, Deyu, Chen, Jie, Yu, Yuan, Liu, Weidi, Huang, Linsen, Han, Guang, Tang, Jun, Zhou, Dali, Yang, Lei and Chen, Zhi-Gang (2020). Texture-dependent thermoelectric properties of nano-structured Bi2Te3. Chemical Engineering Journal, 388 124295, 124295. doi: 10.1016/j.cej.2020.124295
2020
Journal Article
Bi0.5Sb1.5Te3/PEDOT:PSS-Based Flexible Thermoelectric Film and Device
Wang, Yuan, Hong, Min, Liu, Wei-Di, Shi, Xiao-Lei, Xu, Sheng-Duo, Sun, Qiang, Gao, Han, Lu, Siyu, Zou, Jin and Chen, Zhi-Gang (2020). Bi0.5Sb1.5Te3/PEDOT:PSS-Based Flexible Thermoelectric Film and Device. Chemical Engineering Journal, 397 125360, 125360. doi: 10.1016/j.cej.2020.125360
2020
Journal Article
Exploring thermoelectric performance of Ca3Co4O9+δ ceramics via chemical electroless plating with Cu
Liu, Taoyi, Bao, Deyu, Wang, Yuan, Gao, Han, Zhou, Dali, Han, Guang, Tang, Jun, Huang, Zhong-Yue, Yang, Lei and Chen, Zhi-Gang (2020). Exploring thermoelectric performance of Ca3Co4O9+δ ceramics via chemical electroless plating with Cu. Journal of Alloys and Compounds, 821 153522, 153522. doi: 10.1016/j.jallcom.2019.153522
2020
Journal Article
High-performance GeTe-Based thermoelectrics: from materials to devices
Liu, Wei-Di, Wang, De-Zhuang, Liu, Qingfeng, Zhou, Wei, Shao, Zongping and Chen, Zhi-Gang (2020). High-performance GeTe-Based thermoelectrics: from materials to devices. Advanced Energy Materials, 10 (19) 2000367, 2000367. doi: 10.1002/aenm.202000367
2020
Journal Article
High‐performance thermoelectric SnSe: aqueous synthesis, innovations, and challenges
Shi, Xiao‐Lei, Tao, Xinyong, Zou, Jin and Chen, Zhi‐Gang (2020). High‐performance thermoelectric SnSe: aqueous synthesis, innovations, and challenges. Advanced Science, 7 (7) 1902923, 1-51. doi: 10.1002/advs.201902923
2020
Journal Article
Synergistic effect approaching record-high figure of merit in the shear exfoliated n-type Bi2O2-2xTe2xSe
Pan, Lin, Liu, Wei-Di, Zhang, Jie-Yun, Shi, Xiao-Lei, Gao, Han, Liu, Qing-feng, Shen, Xiaodong, Lu, Chunhua, Wang, Yi-Feng and Chen, Zhi-Gang (2020). Synergistic effect approaching record-high figure of merit in the shear exfoliated n-type Bi2O2-2xTe2xSe. Nano Energy, 69 104394, 104394. doi: 10.1016/j.nanoen.2019.104394
2020
Journal Article
Promising and eco‐friendly Cu 2 X‐based thermoelectric materials: progress and applications
Liu, Wei‐Di, Yang, Lei, Chen, Zhi‐Gang and Zou, Jin (2020). Promising and eco‐friendly Cu 2 X‐based thermoelectric materials: progress and applications. Advanced Materials, 32 (8) 1905703, 1905703. doi: 10.1002/adma.201905703
2020
Journal Article
Scandium and phosphorus co-doped perovskite oxides as high-performance electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction in an alkaline solution
Xu, Meigui, Sun, Hainan, Wang, Wei, Shen, Yujuan, Zhou, Wei, Wang, Jun, Chen, Zhi-Gang and Shao, Zongping (2020). Scandium and phosphorus co-doped perovskite oxides as high-performance electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction in an alkaline solution. Journal of Materials Science and Technology, 39, 22-27. doi: 10.1016/j.jmst.2019.09.007
2020
Journal Article
Morphology and texture engineering enhancing thermoelectric performance of solvothermal synthesized ultralarge SnS microcrystal
Liu, Wei-Di, Shi, Xiao-Lei, Lin, Zi-Jie, Sun, Qiang, Han, Guang, Chen, Zhi-Gang and Zou, Jin (2020). Morphology and texture engineering enhancing thermoelectric performance of solvothermal synthesized ultralarge SnS microcrystal. ACS Applied Energy Materials, 3 (3) acsaem.0c00068, 2192-2199. doi: 10.1021/acsaem.0c00068
2020
Journal Article
Graphene oxide and adiponectin-functionalized sulfonated polyetheretherketone with effective osteogenicity and remotely repeatable photo-disinfection
Deng, Yi, Gao, Xiangyu, Shi, Xiao-Lei, Lu, Siyu, Yang, Weizhong, Duan, Chunyan and Chen, Zhi-Gang (2020). Graphene oxide and adiponectin-functionalized sulfonated polyetheretherketone with effective osteogenicity and remotely repeatable photo-disinfection. Chemistry of Materials, 32 (5) acs.chemmater.0c00290, 2180-2193. doi: 10.1021/acs.chemmater.0c00290
2020
Journal Article
Establishing the golden range of Seebeck coefficient for maximizing thermoelectric performance
Hong, Min, Lyu, Wanyu, Wang, Yuan, Zou, Jin and Chen, Zhi-Gang (2020). Establishing the golden range of Seebeck coefficient for maximizing thermoelectric performance. Journal of the American Chemical Society, 142 (5) jacs.9b13272, 2672-2681. doi: 10.1021/jacs.9b13272
2020
Journal Article
Correlation between the photocatalysis and growth mechanism of SnO<sub>2</sub> nanocrystals
Zhan, Hongquan, Deng, Ce, Shi, Xiao-lei, Wu, Chuanqi, Li, Xiaohong, Xie, Zhipeng, Wang, Chang-An and Chen, Zhigang (2020). Correlation between the photocatalysis and growth mechanism of SnO2 nanocrystals. Journal of Physics D: Applied Physics, 53 (15) 154005, 154005. doi: 10.1088/1361-6463/ab6b96
2020
Journal Article
Outstanding thermoelectric properties in solvothermal-synthesized Sn1-3xInxAg2xTe micro-crystals through defect engineering and band tuning
Moshwan, Raza, Liu, Weidi, Shi, Xiao-Lei, Sun, Qiang, Gao, Han, Wang, Yun-Peng, Zou, Jin and Chen, Zhi-Gang (2020). Outstanding thermoelectric properties in solvothermal-synthesized Sn1-3xInxAg2xTe micro-crystals through defect engineering and band tuning. Journal of Materials Chemistry A, 8 (7), 3978-3987. doi: 10.1039/c9ta11614a
2020
Book Chapter
Thermo-responsive nanomaterials for thermoelectric generation
Liu, Wei-Di, Zou, Jin and Chen, Zhi-Gang (2020). Thermo-responsive nanomaterials for thermoelectric generation. Responsive nanomaterials for sustainable applications. (pp. 269-293) edited by Ziqi Sun and Ting Liao . Cham, Switzerland: Springer. doi: 10.1007/978-3-030-39994-8_9
2020
Journal Article
Nanostructured monoclinic Cu2Se as a near-room-temperature thermoelectric material
Chen, Jie, Liu, Taoyi, Bao, Deyu, Zhang, Bin, Han, Guang, Liu, Can, Tang, Jun, Zhou, Dali, Yang, Lei and Chen, Zhi-Gang (2020). Nanostructured monoclinic Cu2Se as a near-room-temperature thermoelectric material. Nanoscale, 12 (39), 20536-20542. doi: 10.1039/d0nr05829g
2020
Journal Article
Two-dimensional nano-coating enables orthopedic implant for bimodal therapeutic applications
Wang, Song, Duan, Chunyan, Yang, Weizhong, Gao, Xiangyu, Shi, Jiacheng, Kang, Jianping, Deng, Yi, Shi, Xiao-Lei and Chen, Zhi-Gang (2020). Two-dimensional nano-coating enables orthopedic implant for bimodal therapeutic applications. Nanoscale, 12 (22), 11936-11946. doi: 10.1039/d0nr02327b
2020
Journal Article
Cracking behaviour and mechanism at grain boundary of gibbsite during calcination
Zhang, Jinxuan, Ge, Lei, Chen, Zhi-Gang and Zhu, Zhonghua (2020). Cracking behaviour and mechanism at grain boundary of gibbsite during calcination. Ceramics International, 46 (8), 12067-12072. doi: 10.1016/j.ceramint.2020.01.248
2020
Journal Article
Revealing cracking and breakage behaviours of gibbsite particles
Zhang, Jinxuan, Ge, Lei, Chen, Zhi-Gang and Zhu, Zhonghua (2020). Revealing cracking and breakage behaviours of gibbsite particles. Ceramics International, 47 (4), 4625-4632. doi: 10.1016/j.ceramint.2020.10.029
2019
Journal Article
Optimization of sodium hydroxide for securing high thermoelectric performance in polycrystalline Sn 1 − x Se via anisotropy and vacancy synergy
Shi, Xiao‐Lei, Liu, Wei‐Di, Wu, Ang‐Yin, Nguyen, Van T., Gao, Han, Sun, Qiang, Moshwan, Raza, Zou, Jin and Chen, Zhi‐Gang (2019). Optimization of sodium hydroxide for securing high thermoelectric performance in polycrystalline Sn 1 − x Se via anisotropy and vacancy synergy. InfoMat, 2 (6) inf2.12057, 1201-1215. doi: 10.1002/inf2.12057
Funding
Supervision
Availability
- Honorary Professor Zhi-Gang Chen is:
- Available for supervision
Before you email them, read our advice on how to contact a supervisor.
Available projects
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Design low-cost, low-toxic and high performance thermoelectric materials
The direct energy conversion between heat and electricity, based on thermoelectric effects without moving parts, has been considered as a green and sustainable solution to the global energy dilemma. This project aims to develop novel band-engineered metal selenides for high-efficiency energy conversion using novel microwave assisted wet chemistry approach, coupled with nanostructure and band engineering strategies. The key breakthrough is to design high performance metal selenide thermoelectrics for satisfying the high efficiency solid-state devices. The expected outcomes will lead to an innovative technology that waste heat recovery and refrigeration, which will place Australia at the forefront of practical energy technologies.
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Design low-cost and high performance two dimensional topological insulators
Superfast information technology had HOV lanes so that data could be stored, processed and disseminated many times faster than possible with today's electronics. This project aims to develop new topological insulators using chemical vapor depostion and coupling unique nanostructure and band engineering strategies. The ultimate target is to be used for this new generation devices, such a speedway for future devices, an exotic type of electrical conductor.
Supervision history
Current supervision
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Doctor Philosophy
Development of High-Performance Thermoelectric Materials and Devices for on-chip Applications
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Matthew Dargusch, Emeritus Professor Jin Zou
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Doctor Philosophy
Advanced Microscopy Technique for High-performance Thermoelectric Materials
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Emeritus Professor Jin Zou
Completed supervision
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2022
Doctor Philosophy
High-performance GeTe Thermoelectrics for Generation and Refrigeration
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Matthew Dargusch
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2021
Doctor Philosophy
High performance flexible thermoelectric materials and their device design
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Matthew Dargusch, Emeritus Professor Jin Zou
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2020
Doctor Philosophy
High-performance SnTe-based Thermoelectric Materials via Synergistically Band and Nanostructure Engineering
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Emeritus Professor Jin Zou
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2016
Doctor Philosophy
Development of High-efficiency Metal Chalcogenide Thermoelectric Nanomaterials by Nanostructure Engineering
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Emeritus Professor Jin Zou
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2012
Master Philosophy
Synthesis of Tellurium-based Thermoelectric Nanomaterials
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Emeritus Professor Jin Zou
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2018
Master Philosophy
The CVD growth and the characterization of MoxW1-xTe2
Joint Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Emeritus Professor Jin Zou
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2025
Doctor Philosophy
Atomic scale phase transition study in two-dimensional material heterostructures by in-situ transmission electron microscopy
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Emeritus Professor Jin Zou
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2022
Doctor Philosophy
Development of Layered Semiconductor Nanostructures and Understanding Their Growth Mechanisms
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Emeritus Professor Jin Zou
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2020
Doctor Philosophy
Development and Understanding of Solvothermal Synthesized Copper Chalcogenide Thermoelectric Materials
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Emeritus Professor Jin Zou
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2020
Doctor Philosophy
Study of Cracking and Breakage Behaviour of Gibbsite Particles at Smelter Grade Alumina Production Conditions
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor John Zhu
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2019
Doctor Philosophy
Development of High-efficient Tin Selenide-based Thermoelectric Materials
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Emeritus Professor Jin Zou
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2016
Doctor Philosophy
Growth of Metal Chalcogenide Nanomaterials and Their Characterizations
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Emeritus Professor Jin Zou
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2016
Doctor Philosophy
Development of high-performance bismuth telluride-based thermoelectric nanomaterials through structure manipulating and band engineering
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Emeritus Professor Jin Zou
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2014
Doctor Philosophy
Development of New-Phase Layer-Structured In3Se4 Nanostructures for Energy Applications
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Emeritus Professor Jin Zou
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2013
Doctor Philosophy
Understanding the Bi2Te3-based Nanostructures Synthesized by the Solvothermal Method
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Emeritus Professor Jin Zou
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2012
Master Philosophy
Electron Microscopy Investigation of epitaxial GaAs nanowires grown by Molecular Beam Epitaxy
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Emeritus Professor Jin Zou
Media
Enquiries
Contact Honorary Professor Zhi-Gang Chen directly for media enquiries about:
- Engineering
- Light electronics
- Lights
- Nanomaterials
- Nanostructures
- Optoelectronic devices
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