Providence University

Inorganic & Optoelectronic Materials Laboratory (I&OM Lab)

Hsien-Hsin Chou
https://sites.google.com/view/hhchoulab/home

Research Field

Chemistry

Introduction

Dr. Hsien-Hsin Chou (周憲辛)

Dr. Hsien-Hsin Chou is a distinguished scholar in the field of inorganic and optoelectronic materials chemistry, with a strong reputation for advancing research in next-generation energy technologies. He earned his Ph.D. in Chemistry from National Taiwan University (NTU) under the mentorship of the esteemed Prof. Ying-Chih Lin. Following his doctoral studies, Dr. Chou honed his expertise through prestigious postdoctoral appointments with Prof. Jiann T’suen Lin at Academia Sinica (AS) and Prof. Chen-Yu Yeh at National Chung Hsing University (NCHU). Since joining Providence University (PU) as a faculty member in 2018, Dr. Chou has established and led the Inorganic & Optoelectronic Materials Laboratory, a premier research group focused on the development of cutting-edge materials for energy conversion and storage. His research portfolio reflects a deep commitment to scientific excellence, with over 50 high-impact publications in internationally recognized journals.

Dr. Chou’s research expertise spans multiple disciplines, including:

  • Advanced energy technologies, with a focus on high-performance solar cells, energy storage devices, and light-emitting diodes
  • Density functional theory (DFT) and first-principles calculations, leveraging computational approaches to uncover material properties and optimize device performance
  • Inorganic and organometallic chemistry, emphasizing the design and synthesis of novel materials with precisely tailored properties for optoelectronic applications

Dr. Chou has cultivated an international reputation for his ability to seamlessly integrate experimental and theoretical methodologies, addressing critical challenges in the development of sustainable energy solutions. His laboratory is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and provides a rigorous, interdisciplinary training environment. As a mentor, Dr. Chou is committed to inspiring and developing the next generation of scientists. He takes pride in fostering an intellectually stimulating and collaborative environment where students and interns are encouraged to explore innovative ideas, engage in impactful research, and achieve academic and professional excellence. Under his guidance, interns will gain hands-on experience in material synthesis, device fabrication, and computational modeling, contributing to the advancement of energy materials research. 

Dr. Chou actively seeks ambitious and talented international interns who share his passion for chemistry and energy science. By joining his research group, interns will have the opportunity to work alongside an accomplished mentor, contribute to high-impact projects, and enhance their technical and analytical skills in a world-class research setting.

Join a Pioneering Journey in Renewable Energy Research through the IIPP Internship

We are delighted to welcome ambitious and talented IIPP interns to participate in cutting-edge research focused on next-generation solar cells and lithium-ion battery technologies—two of the most transformative and rapidly advancing fields in Taiwan's energy sector. This 3-month internship program offers an unparalleled opportunity to acquire advanced knowledge, develop practical skills, and contribute to innovative projects at the forefront of renewable energy research.

By the conclusion of the program, interns will have gained invaluable experience that can serve as a foundation for advanced studies or career opportunities in Taiwan's thriving research ecosystem.

Who We Are:

The Inorganic & Optoelectronic Materials Laboratory (I&OM LAB)

Led by Professor Hsien-Hsin Chou, the I&OM Lab is a hub for groundbreaking research in chemistry, specializing in energy materials for optoelectronic applications.

  • Affiliation: Department of Applied Chemistry, Providence University, Taichung, Taiwan
  • Facilities: The lab boasts advanced equipment for material synthesis, characterization, and device fabrication, including:
    • Schlenk system and rotary evaporator for organic synthesis
    • Absorption and fluorescence spectrophotometers for material analysis
    • Glove box, screen printer, muffle, ball mill, and hotplates for device fabrication
    • Electrochemical workstation, solar simulator, and IPCE for solar cell and battery performance analysis
    • Access to advanced nanotechnology instrumentation such as alpha-step, AFM, SEM, TEM, TGA, and powder XRD

Our lab provides a highly collaborative and interdisciplinary environment that fosters innovation and excellence in research.

About the IIPP Internship Program at Our Lab

  • Research Topic: Development of Next-Generation Solar Cell & Lithium-Ion Battery Technologies
  • Host Institution: Providence University, Taichung, Taiwan
  • Duration: 3 months
  • Eligibility: Open to distinguished students from Chemistry and related disciplines
  • What We Offer:
    • Comprehensive training in state-of-the-art experimental techniques and analytical tools
    • Access to all necessary equipment and materials for research projects
    • A stimulating environment with weekly discussions and group meetings, fostering collaboration and scientific growth
    • Opportunities to contribute to impactful scientific publications, enhancing interns’ academic and professional profiles

This internship is designed to provide IIPP interns with a rigorous and rewarding research experience that positions them for future success in academia or industry.

Take the First Step

Join us at Providence University to embark on a transformative journey in renewable energy research. We look forward to mentoring and collaborating with the next generation of scientists who will drive innovation in global energy sustainability.


Research Topics

The I&OM Lab is dedicated to pioneering the next generation of high-efficiency solar cell materials. Our overarching aim is to address the limitations of conventional materials while enhancing efficiency.   We pride ourselves on our enduring collaborations with other research laboratories. Leveraging tools like density functional theory and first-principle methods, we delve deep into the advantages and challenges associated with advanced materials for perovskite solar cells and dye-sensitized solar cells.  Furthermore, the I&OM Lab is at the forefront of crafting a novel generation of solar cells and associated materials. These innovations are designed to seamlessly integrate with lithium batteries, setting the stage for cutting-edge photo-rechargeable battery technology.  

*Selected paper: 
1. Submitted manuscript in peer review, (https://arxiv.org/abs/2412.03732)
2. J. Power Sources 2023, 581, 233496. (I.F. = 9.2) 
3. ACS Appl. Energy Mater. 2023, 6 (7), 3778-3788. (I.F. = 6.959) 
4. RSC Adv. 2023, 13, 2501-2513. (I.F. = 4.036) 
5. Nano Energy 2023, 107, 108136. (I.F. = 19.069) 


Honor

2023 Excellent Department-Level Teaching Faculty (Academic Year 2023)
2023 Outstanding Research-Type Faculty (Academic Year 2023)
2023 Excellent School-Level Mentor (Academic Year 2022)
2022 Outstanding Research-Type Faculty (Academic Year 2022)
2019 Excellent Department-Level Mentor (Academic Year 2019)


Educational Background

2007 Department of Chemistry, Nation Taiwan University (PhD)
2003 Department of Chemistry, Nation Taiwan University (M.S.)
2000 Department of Chemistry, Nation Sun Yat-Sen University (B.S.)


2 Vacancies

Job Description

We are seeking a motivated Organic Chemist Intern to join our research team. The successful candidate will contribute to the synthesis and characterization of highly-conjugated functional materials designed for photovoltaic applications. This role involves:

  • Designing and performing organic synthesis of advanced materials with tailored optoelectronic properties.
  • Characterizing synthesized compounds using techniques such as NMR, IR, UV-Vis, and fluorescence spectroscopy.
  • Collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to integrate materials into device prototypes.
  • Maintaining accurate experimental records and preparing technical reports.

This internship offers hands-on experience in cutting-edge materials research, with potential contributions to impactful scientific publications and sustainable energy solutions.

Preferred Intern Education Level

Master or PhD students majoring in Chemistry

Skill sets or Qualities

Qualifications:

  • Current enrollment in or recent completion of a degree in Chemistry, with a focus on Organic Chemistry
  • Familiarity with synthetic techniques and basic analytical tools
  • Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail

Join us to explore innovative solutions in renewable energy while advancing your expertise in organic chemistry.