
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
2015
Journal Article
Structural evolution of graphene quantum dots during thermal decomposition of citric acid and the corresponding photoluminescence
Wang, Shujun, Chen, Zhi-Gang, Cole, Ivan and Li, Qin (2015). Structural evolution of graphene quantum dots during thermal decomposition of citric acid and the corresponding photoluminescence. Carbon, 82 (C), 304-313. doi: 10.1016/j.carbon.2014.10.075
2015
Journal Article
Rational design of Bi2Te3 polycrystalline whiskers for thermoelectric applications
Han, Guang, Chen, Zhi-gang, Yang, Lei, Hong, Min, Drennan, John and Zou, Jin (2015). Rational design of Bi2Te3 polycrystalline whiskers for thermoelectric applications. ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces, 7 (1), 989-995. doi: 10.1021/am5078528
2015
Book Chapter
Fabrication, characterization, and application of boron nitride nanomaterials
Chen, Zhi-Gang, Zou, Jin and Cheng, Hui-Ming (2015). Fabrication, characterization, and application of boron nitride nanomaterials. Nanotubes and nanosheets: functionalization and applications of boron nitride and other nanomaterials. (pp. 91-111) edited by Ying (Ian) Chen. Boca Raton, FL, United States: CRC Press. doi: 10.1201/b18073-6
2015
Conference Publication
Feasibility test of non-iterative reconstruction for high spatiotemporal resolution DCE, investigation of acoustic noise reduction method for MRI-LINAC hybrid system
Chen, Z., Yang, M., Kang, L. and Liu, F. (2015). Feasibility test of non-iterative reconstruction for high spatiotemporal resolution DCE, investigation of acoustic noise reduction method for MRI-LINAC hybrid system. International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine (ISMRM), Toronto, Canada, 30 May - 5 June 2015. International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
2014
Journal Article
N-doped mesoporous carbon spheres as the oxygen reduction reaction catalysts
Yang, Tianyu, Liu, Jian, Zhou, Ruifeng, Chen, Zhigang, Xu, Hongyi, Qiao, Shi Zhang and Monteiro, Michael J. (2014). N-doped mesoporous carbon spheres as the oxygen reduction reaction catalysts. Journal of Materials Chemistry A, 2 (42), 18139-18146. doi: 10.1039/c4ta04301d
2014
Journal Article
Observations of a metal-insulator transition and strong surface states in Bi2-x Sbx Se3 thin films
Zhang, Cheng, Yuan, Xiang, Wang, Kai, Chen, Zhi-Gang, Cao, Baobao, Wang, Weiyi, Liu, Yanwen, Zou, Jin and Xiu, Faxian (2014). Observations of a metal-insulator transition and strong surface states in Bi2-x Sbx Se3 thin films. Advanced Materials, 26 (41), 7110-7115. doi: 10.1002/adma.201402299
2014
Journal Article
Anisotropic Electrical Properties from Vapor-Solid-Solid Grown Bi2Se3 Nanoribbons and Nanowires
Zou, Yichao, Chen, Zhi-Gang, Huang, Yang, Yang, Lei, Drennan, John and Zou, Jin (2014). Anisotropic Electrical Properties from Vapor-Solid-Solid Grown Bi2Se3 Nanoribbons and Nanowires. Journal of Physical Chemistry C, 118 (35), 20620-20626. doi: 10.1021/jp505407j
2014
Journal Article
Long wavelength emissions of Se4+-doped In2O 3 hierarchical nanostructures
Han, Guang, Chen, Zhi-Gang, Zou, Yichao, Drennan, John and Zou, Jin (2014). Long wavelength emissions of Se4+-doped In2O 3 hierarchical nanostructures. Journal of Materials Chemistry C, 2 (32), 6529-6535. doi: 10.1039/c4tc01025f
2014
Journal Article
Indium selenides: structural characteristics, synthesis and their thermoelectric performances
Han, Guang, Chen, Zhi-Gang, Drennan, John and Zou, Jin (2014). Indium selenides: structural characteristics, synthesis and their thermoelectric performances. Small, 10 (14), 2747-2765. doi: 10.1002/smll.201400104
2014
Journal Article
Insight into the liquid state of organo-lead halide perovskites and their new roles in dye-sensitized solar cells
Wang, Qiong, Yun, Jung-Ho, Zhang, Meng, Chen, Hongjun, Chen, Zhi-Gang and Wang, Lianzhou (2014). Insight into the liquid state of organo-lead halide perovskites and their new roles in dye-sensitized solar cells. Journal of Materials Chemistry A, 2 (27), 10355-10358. doi: 10.1039/c4ta01105h
2014
Journal Article
Scalable low-cost SnS2 nanosheets as counter electrode building blocks for dye-sensitized solar cells
Bai, Yang, Zong, Xu, Yu, Hua, Chen, Zhi-Gang and Wang, Lianzhou (2014). Scalable low-cost SnS2 nanosheets as counter electrode building blocks for dye-sensitized solar cells. Chemistry - A European Journal, 20 (28), 8670-8676. doi: 10.1002/chem.201402657
2014
Journal Article
A new type of carbon nitride-based polymer composite for enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen production
Xing, Zheng, Chen, Zhi-Gang, Zong, Xu and Wang, Lianzhou (2014). A new type of carbon nitride-based polymer composite for enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen production. Chemical Communications, 50 (51), 6762-6764. doi: 10.1039/c4cc00397g
2014
Journal Article
Purification, preliminary characterization and in vitro immunomodulatory activity of tiger lily polysaccharide
Chen, Zhi-Gang, Zhang, Dan-Ni, Zhu, Qu, Yang, Qiu-Huizi and Han, Yong-Bin (2014). Purification, preliminary characterization and in vitro immunomodulatory activity of tiger lily polysaccharide. Carbohydrate Polymers, 106, 217-222. doi: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2014.02.004
2014
Journal Article
In-doped Bi2Se3 hierarchical nanostructures as anode materials for Li-ion batteries
Han, Guang, Chen, Zhi-Gang, Ye, Delai, Yang, Lei, Wang, Lianzhou, Drennan, John and Zou, Jin (2014). In-doped Bi2Se3 hierarchical nanostructures as anode materials for Li-ion batteries. Journal of Materials Chemistry A, 2 (19), 7109-7116. doi: 10.1039/c4ta00045e
2014
Journal Article
A novel bottom-up solvothermal synthesis of carbon nanosheets
Wang, Wentai, Chakrabarti, Sandip, Chen, Zhigang, Yan, Zifeng, Tade, Moses O., Zou, Jin and Li, Qin (2014). A novel bottom-up solvothermal synthesis of carbon nanosheets. Journal of Materials Chemistry A, 2 (7), 2390-2396. doi: 10.1039/c3ta13593d
2014
Journal Article
Paramagnetic Cu-doped Bi2Te3 nanoplates
Chen, Zhi-Gang, Yang, Lei, Ma, Song, Cheng, Lina, Han, Guang, Zhang, Zhi-dong and Zou, Jin (2014). Paramagnetic Cu-doped Bi2Te3 nanoplates. Applied Physics Letters, 104 (5) 053105, 053105. doi: 10.1063/1.4863966
2014
Journal Article
A new crystal: Layer-structured rhombohedral In3Se4
Han, guang, Chen, Zhi-Gang, Sun, Chenghua, Yang, Lei, Cheng, Lina, Li, Zhifeng, Lu, Wei, Gibbs, Zachary M., Snyder, G. Jeffery, Jack, Kevin, Drennan, John and Zou, Jin (2014). A new crystal: Layer-structured rhombohedral In3Se4. CrystEngComm, 16 (3), 393-398. doi: 10.1039/c3ce41815d
2014
Journal Article
New electroless plating method for preparation of highly active Co-B catalysts for NaBH4 hydrolysis
Muir, Sean S., Chen, Zhigang, Wood, Barry J., Wang, Lianzhou, Lu, G.Q. (Max) and Yao, Xiangdong (2014). New electroless plating method for preparation of highly active Co-B catalysts for NaBH4 hydrolysis. International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, 39 (1), 414-425. doi: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2013.10.022
2014
Conference Publication
Au-catalyzed and catalyst-free growth of one-dimensional Bi2Se3 nanostructures
Zou, Yichao, Chen, Zhi-Gang, Huang, Yang, Drennan, John and Zou, Jin (2014). Au-catalyzed and catalyst-free growth of one-dimensional Bi2Se3 nanostructures. Conference on Optoelectronic and Microelectronic Materials and Devices, Perth, WA, Australia, 14-17 December 2014. Perth, WA, Australia: Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers. doi: 10.1109/COMMAD.2014.7038638
2013
Journal Article
Thermal stability and oxidation of layer-structured rhombohedral In3Se4 nanostructures
Han, Guang, Chen, Zhi-Gang, Yang, Lei, Cheng, Lina, Jack, Kevin, Drennan, John and Zou, Jin (2013). Thermal stability and oxidation of layer-structured rhombohedral In3Se4 nanostructures. Applied Physics Letters, 103 (26) 263105, 263105.1-263105.5. doi: 10.1063/1.4857655
Funding
Supervision
Availability
- Honorary Professor Zhi-Gang Chen is:
- Available for supervision
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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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