Elucidate solute transport and selectivity of emerging membrane materials
Polymeric membranes are widely used in energy and environment applications for efficient separations, but the transport and selectivity mechanisms of solutes across membranes are not fully understood. We advance the fundamentals of solute transport and selectivity mechanisms using theory development, experimental validation, and advanced instrumental characterizations, providing guidance for informed design of new membrane materials.
Design and evaluate new separation technologies for energy-environment challenges
Separation technology is critical to resource recovery, contaminant removal, water purification, etc. What separation to use for a specific energy-environment application? How to advance a specific separation technique? The Chen Lab designs, experiments, and evaluates new separation technologies for key challenges including lithium-ion battery recycling, removal of emerging contaminants, and desalination.
Systematically understand lithium-ion battery recycling
Guangdong Province is home to the leading electric vehicle manufacturers in China, accounting for ≈26% of the country's total production in 2023. Recycling lithium-ion batteries is a key step towards the 2050 carbon neutrality goal, while separation is critical to building a sustainable circular refinement. Through system analysis, life-cycle assessment, and techno-economic, the Chen Lab advances the systematic understanding of the battery manufacturing, providing insights for cleaner energy for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, and the world.
