National Sun Yat-sen University

Laboratory for Catalysis and Sustainable Chemistry

Vincent Wang
www.teamvw.org

Research Field

Chemistry

Introduction

Vincent grew up in Taiwan and obtained his BS and MS degree from National Taiwan University where he worked on the investigations of  the mechanism of membrane-bound particulate methane monooxygenae. Then he went to the University of Oxford to investigate several metalloenzymes, such as carbon monoxide dehydrogenase, by protein film electrochemistry for his DPhil (equivalent to PhD) studies. In the meantime, he also ran a bike workshop with couple great friends at Wolfson college.   He then worked in Canada and Sweden to learn different aspects of scientific area and techniques, such as material science and Time-resolved spectroscopy and experience different cultures.   

    I started my independent career in 2021. I am currently focused on developing sustainable catalytic systems for energy conversion reactions, including CO₂ capture and utilisation. My work emphasises mechanistic studies and the explorations of fundamental design principles for molecular catalysts.

We are dedicated to developing sustainable catalytic systems to replace energy-intensive or environmentally harmful industrial processes, particularly those that operate under high temperatures and pressures. Our research focuses on creating innovative catalysts that harness sunlight or electricity from renewable energy sources to transform raw materials into fuels, fine chemicals, and valuable materials. Interdisciplinary knowledge and methodology will be applied to investigate the detailed reaction mechanisms and guide us further to design better catalysts for fuel-forming reactions and organic synthesis.  Finally, We firmly believe that diverse backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives create a vibrant work environment and inspire innovative science. We are committed to building a research team that values diversity across age, ethnicity, race, gender, and nationality. Join us to explore ground-breaking chemistry and embrace a rich cultural experience.


 


Research Topics

Sustainable catalysis

Climate change caused by human activities has started to affect our environments and natural ecosystems. One important approach to prevent catastrophic consequences and achieve a carbon-neutral society is to develop sustainable energy technologies. For example, currently, the Haber-Bosch process is widely used to fix nitrogen gas to ammonia for the production of fertilisers. In addition, hydrogen is mainly produced by the water gas shift reaction. Both reactions were invented at least a century ago and are involved with high temperature or high pressure conditions. If we can reinvent better catalysts for driving both reactions by either light or electricity at ambient conditions, the energy demand for the reactions will be much less and the reaction conditions will be more environmentally friendly as well.

Therefore, our research group is studying the fundamental mechanisms of redox reactions that are involved with energy conversion.

More details can be found in our website:  www.teamvw.org


Honor
  1. Young Scholar Fellowship, Taiwan                              
  2. Wenner-Gren Postdoctoral Fellowship, Sweden                          

 


Educational Background

D.Phil Chemistry, University of Oxford, United Kingdom                                                                                            

M.S. Chemistry, National Taiwan University, Taiwan                                                                 

B.S. Chemistry, National Taiwan University, Taiwan