Broad Area of Research:

Computational Nanotechnology; Energy; Electronics and Environment.   Prof Du is Clarivate 2020 Highly Cited Researcher in the Cross-Field. His Google Scholar Citations website is:  http://scholar.google.com.au/citations?user=gq46vrgAAAAJ&hl=en

PhD Project Available:  We are seeking creative and highly motivated individuals with computational skills and a strong background in chemistry or condensed matter physics or materials engineering. China Scholarship Council (CSC) applicants are also welcome. For more details, please feel free to contact Prof Du (aijun.du@qut.edu.au).

Main Research Areas:  Our Research Lies at the Interface of Chemistry, Physics and Engineering, Focusing on Developing Innovative Materials for Clean Energy, Electronics and Environmental Science through Advanced Theoretical Modelling.

(i) Clean Energy:

• Hydrogen Storage – Ref: JACS 129 (2007) 10201; 129 (2007) 15650; JACS  132 (2010) 2876.
• Nanomaterials fo Photovoltaic and Photo-catalytic Application – Ref:  JACS 134 (2012) 4393 and JPCL  2 (2011) 894.
• Oxygen Reduction; Hydrogen Evolution Reaction and N2 Fixation – Ref: JACS 140 (2018) 14161; ACS Catalysis 7 (2017) 494;  JACS 133 (2011) 20116;

(ii) Nanoelectronics:

• Prediction of Novel Nano-architectures – Ref: Angewandte Chemie 128 (2016) 1044; Nano letters 16 (2016) 3022; Nano Letters  7 (2007) 3349 and JACS 131 (2009) 1682.
• Magnetism and Spintronics – Ref:  Phys. Rev. Letts. 19 (2017) 016403; Phys. Rev. Letts 108 (2012) 197207 and JACS  131 (2009) 17354.
• Band Gap Engineering – Ref:  JACS  132 (2010) 2876; JACS 134 (2012) 4393.

(iii) Environment:

• Carbon Dioxide Capture, Separation, Storage,  Activation and Conversion – Ref:  JACS, 138 (2016) 6292; JACS, 135 (2013) 8246.
• Hydrogen Purification – Ref: Chemical Communications 47 (2011) 11843 , Front Cover.

Awarded Grants:

• 2014-2015: ATN-DAAD Research Cooperation Scheme:  In-silicon Design of Graphene-based van der Waals Heterojuction for Photovoltaics Application, $25,000.
• 2013-2015: ARC Discovery Project:  Non-precious fuel cell cathode catalysts from carbon-based nanohybrids: a computational to experimental quest, $334k
• 2011-2015: ARC Queen Elizabeth II Fellowship Grant:  Exploring electronic functionality in low-dimensional carbon and boron-nitride nanomaterials via advanced theoretical modeling, $700k
• 2010-2014: ARC Future Fellowship Grant: Electronic Functionality in Nanoscale Materials: From Discovery to Design”, $630K.
• 2007-2008: UQ early career research grant. Stochastical Models for Multiphase Kinetics of Hydrogen Storage in Designed Nanocomposite Materials. $30,000.
• 2006-2007: Quantum Characterization of Doped Titania Materials for Microwave Technology Applications. Microwave and Material Development Pty Ltd, $10,000.

Awards and Recognitions:

• 2020, Clarivate Highly Cited Researcher, Web of Science
• 2011,  Recipient of ARC Queen Elizabeth II Fellowship, ARC
• 2011,  Recipient of ARC Future Fellowship, ARC

Career History:

• 2017- Professor, School of Chemistry, Physics and Mechanical Engineering, Queensland University of Technology
• 2013- 2016: Associate Professor, School of Chemistry, Physics and Mechanical Engineering, Queensland University of Technology
• 2011- 2015: ARC Queen Elizabeth II Fellow.
• 2011: Associate Professor, Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland.
• 2007: Senior Research Fellow, Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland.