IN THE LAB Our research team primarily focuses on the self-assembly and interfacial growth of semiconductor nanocrystals, with an emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration to explore the applicative potential of quantum materials in photonic properties. Dr. Liu's research is expected to advance in the following key directions, leading to significant practical applications:

• Sustainable Energy (Mesoporous Semiconductors): Through solid-state synthesis techniques, Dr. Liu's research team has developed various colloidal nanomaterials, such as two-dimensional semiconductors and mesoporous semiconductors. These materials show great potential in photocatalysis and photovoltaic conversion. They can absorb light to generate electrons and holes, facilitating water splitting and carbon dioxide reduction, thereby achieving the conversion of photovoltaic energy into chemical energy. This is significant for the development of new renewable energy technologies, promoting sustainable energy development.

• Environmental Detection (Plasmonic Composite Materials): The team focuses on developing plasmonic materials with surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy properties. These materials utilize their nanoscale porous structures for the separation and detection of abused drugs and neurotransmitters. By combining mass spectrometry, microfluidic technology, and microneedle electrochemistry, these materials can be used to develop in vitro real-time detection systems, enabling rapid and efficient biomedical diagnostics and toxicology testing, significantly improving the efficiency and accuracy of medical diagnostics and substance detection.

• Quantum Optics Research (Two-Dimensional Semiconductor Materials): Dr. Liu's research team has developed single-layer two-dimensional nanosheets that exhibit significant quantum confinement effects. This enables manganese to show strong spin anisotropy and significant Zeeman splitting at room temperature, along with microsecond luminescence lifetimes. These properties make these materials highly suitable for cutting-edge applications in quantum optics technologies, including quantum bits, polariton lasers, and related optical devices, driving the development and application of quantum technologies.

• Systematic Research: Dr. Liu's research emphasizes the self-assembly processes of materials and the mechanisms of crystal-constrained growth, utilizing synchrotron radiation techniques (such as XAS, SAXS, and XRD) for subatomic level structural analysis. This systematic research approach helps to understand and control the relationship between the microstructure and macroscopic properties of materials, thereby designing high-performance materials for energy conversion and storage, enhancing their applicative value and efficiency.