National Taiwan normal University

Quantum Materials

Yi-Hsin Liu
https://liud403a.wixsite.com/index

Research Field

Novel Materials

Introduction

Introduction
Dr. Y. Liu is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry at National Taiwan Normal University (NTNU), a distinguished institution established in 1946. His expertise lies in the synthesis and characterization of quantum-confined semiconductors with unique optical, electrical, and magnetic properties. His research focuses on low-dimensional materials, such as metal chalcogenides and magic-sized nanoclusters, with applications in advanced optical and electronic devices.

Academic Background and Career
Dr. Liu earned his B.S. in Chemistry from NTNU (2000) and his M.S. from National Taiwan University (NTU, 2002). He completed his Ph.D. at Washington University in St. Louis (2010), where he conducted pioneering research on nanostructured semiconductors. Postdoctoral work at The Ohio State University (OSU) and NTU further refined his expertise in quantum materials. Since joining NTNU in 2014, he has excelled in both teaching and research, offering courses in general chemistry and nanomaterials.

Research Highlights
Dr. Liu’s groundbreaking discoveries include spin coupling between oxygen molecules and defects in quantum materials, significantly impacting optical and magnetic properties. Utilizing advanced tools like EPR and SQUID, his work advances quantum optics and biomedical oxygen detection. He is also a leader in wastewater-based epidemiology for monitoring psychoactive substances, integrating spectroscopic and mass spectrometry techniques to inform public health policy. Additionally, his contributions to CO2 reduction and hydrogen photocatalysis align with global sustainability efforts.

Academic Contributions
Dr. Liu has co-authored over 34 high-impact publications in top journals like JACS and Angewandte Chemie. He collaborates with prominent institutions, including NTU and the National Synchrotron Radiation Research Center. As a guest editor for the ACS journal Chemical Health & Safety, he curated a special issue on disaster management, reflecting his interdisciplinary vision.

Teaching and Mentorship
Dedicated to inspiring future scientists, Dr. Liu emphasizes real-world applications of chemistry to foster critical thinking and innovation. He has spearheaded NTNU’s English as a Medium of Instruction (EMI) initiative and developed the interdisciplinary course Beyond Imagination Chemistry. His mentorship extends to international competitions like the IJSO, where his students have achieved global recognition.

Vision
Dr. Liu’s work bridges fundamental science and societal impact. Through his research, teaching, and mentorship, he continues to inspire collaboration and innovation, advancing both scientific discovery and the betterment of humanity.

This version maintains a professional tone, highlighting Dr. Liu's achievements and vision while ensuring clarity and brevity.

Lab Introduction

Our laboratory specializes in advanced materials science and nanotechnology research, equipped with state-of-the-art instruments designed for precise characterization and analysis. Key facilities include:

  • X-ray Absorption, Diffraction, and Scattering Technologies (XAS, XRD, SAXS) with Synchrotron Access: Leveraging synchrotron radiation, we achieve high-resolution structural and compositional analysis of nanomaterials, including Small-Angle X-ray Scattering (SAXS) for nanoscale structural insights crucial for catalytic behavior studies.
  • UV-Visible Spectrophotometer with Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy (DRS): Enables comprehensive optical and photonic property evaluations through absorption and reflectance spectra across a broad wavelength range.
  • Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM): Provides high-resolution surface imaging for detailed material morphology and topography, supported by cutting-edge instrumentation facilities.
  • Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM): Allows detailed nanoscale structural imaging, crucial for in-depth material analysis and supported by advanced instrumentation centers.
  • Four-point Probe Station with Reflectance Fluorescence Spectrophotometer: Integrates electrical and fluorescence characterization for comprehensive analysis of electronic and luminescent properties.
  • BET Surface Area Analysis: Measures adsorption of N₂, O₂, H₂, and CO₂ to evaluate surface area, porosity, and surface interaction, essential for catalytic and porous material research.
  • Gas Chromatography with Barrier Ionization Discharge (GC-BID): Offers high-sensitivity analysis of volatile and semi-volatile compounds, eliminating the need for derivatization.
  • Glove Box: Provides a controlled, inert atmosphere for handling air-sensitive and reactive substances, ensuring experimental integrity.
  • Raman Spectroscopy (532 nm and 785 nm Excitation Wavelengths): Probes vibrational and rotational modes in materials, with dual wavelengths enhancing characterization while minimizing fluorescence interference.

These cutting-edge tools enable our lab to conduct comprehensive investigations into material properties and their applications, driving innovation in nanotechnology, sustainability, and materials science. Through this advanced infrastructure, we aim to bridge fundamental research and practical solutions to address global challenges.


Research Topics

Research Topics

  1. Two-Dimensional Semiconductor Synthesis: Innovating advanced methods for synthesizing two-dimensional semiconductor materials capable of demonstrating quantum entanglement at room temperature, pushing the boundaries of quantum science and materials research.
  2. Material Development for Quantum Applications: Engineering high-performance materials tailored for quantum structures, focusing on applications in renewable energy technologies and next-generation quantum computing.
  3. Semiconductor Synthesis and Catalysis: Creating novel two-dimensional semiconductors with applications in optical technologies, while investigating their spintronics properties for advanced quantum and electronic systems.
  4. Porous Material Synthesis and Detection: Developing nano-sized graphene oxide and silver particles using zeolite templates, enabling precise applications in mass spectrometry and Raman spectroscopy for detecting drugs and biochemical molecules.
  5. Environmental Toxicity Detection: Utilizing cutting-edge materials and spectroscopic techniques to identify and measure environmental toxins, contributing to sustainable practices and water quality safety.
  6. Energy Conversion Materials: Designing materials with enhanced capabilities for CO₂ reduction and hydrogen evolution reactions, advancing energy conversion technologies for a sustainable future.

Through these research areas, our laboratory aims to integrate fundamental scientific inquiry with real-world applications, addressing key challenges in quantum science, environmental safety, and sustainable energy solutions.

Representative Publication


Honor

Honors and Achievements

  • Outstanding Young Scholar Research Grants: Awarded by the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) for excellence in research from 2015 to 2017.
  • Olympiad Mentorship
  • Mentored the Chemistry Olympiad Team in 2018, fostering young talent in competitive chemistry.
  • Mentored the Science Olympiad Team in 2018-2025, guiding students to achieve national and international recognition.
  • Teaching Practice and Educational Contributions: Led Ministry of Education (MOE) Teaching Practice Research Projects in 2018, 2019, and 2021, promoting innovation and excellence in chemistry education.
  • Professional Membership: Active member of the American Chemical Society (ACS), St. Louis section, contributing to the global scientific community.
  • Reviewer for High-Impact Journals: Served as a reviewer for over six years for prestigious journals such as Angewandte Chemie and Journal of the American Chemical Society (JACS).
  • Published Research Contributions: Co-authored 34 research papers in premier international journals, including JACS, Angewandte Chemie International Edition, Nano Letters, Chemistry of Materials, Inorganic Chemistry, Langmuir, and Chemistry - A European Journal.
  • Collaborative Research: Collaborated with leading research institutions, including National Taiwan University, National Synchrotron Radiation Research Center, Rice University and Washington University in St. Louis, advancing fundamental studies and characterizations in materials science and nanotechnology.

These achievements highlight Dr. Liu’s contributions to research, mentorship, education, and collaboration, reflecting his commitment to scientific advancement and student development.


Educational Background

Educational Background

  • Ph.D. in Chemistry
    Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, USA (2010)
  • M.S. in Chemistry
    National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan (2002)
  • B.S. in Chemistry
    National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan (2000)