We are excited to share the success of Hongbing Wang’s first-time independent article in ChemComm; “Surface acidity as the decisive descriptor for hydroxyl-mediated hydrogen spillover in hydrogen isotope exchange” included in the full milestones collection.
Read our interview with Hongbing below.
What are the main areas of research in your lab and what motivated you to take this direction?
My group at Chengdu University of Technology focuses on computational catalysis and materials design. We use first-principles calculations to understand reaction mechanisms at the atomic level and to design novel, efficient catalysts for sustainable chemical processes. I was motivated by the urgent global need for clean energy solutions, and I believe that fundamental, theory-driven research can accelerate the discovery of materials for critical applications like hydrogen energy and CO₂ valorization.
Can you set this article in a wider context?
This work on hydrogen isotope exchange is crucial for advancing hydrogen energy technologies. Efficiently separating hydrogen isotopes like deuterium and tritium is vital for heavy water production in nuclear reactors and for fuel processing in future fusion power plants. Our paper reveals that surface acidity is a key factor, providing a clear design principle for developing better catalysts for these important, large-scale applications.
What do you hope your lab can achieve in the coming year?
In the coming year, I hope to grow my research team by recruiting talented graduate students. We aim to expand our research from fundamental understanding to tackling more complex catalytic systems described in our article. Securing new funding and establishing strong collaborations with experimental groups will also be a key focus, as we want to bridge the gap between theoretical predictions and real-world applications.
Describe your journey to becoming an independent researcher.
My journey began with my undergraduate studies in chemical engineering at Chengdu University of Technology. My master’s at the University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and my PhD at the Institute of Materials, CAEP, provided me with a solid foundation in catalysis and materials science. I was fortunate to have excellent mentors who encouraged curiosity and independent thinking. The desire to pursue my own research ideas and to mentor the next generation of scientists was the driving force behind my decision to start my own lab.
What is the best piece of advice you have ever been given?
The best piece of advice I’ve received is “Focus on the important problems.” In research, it’s easy to get lost in minor details. This advice constantly reminds me to step back, look at the bigger picture, and direct my efforts toward questions that could truly make a difference in our field.
Why did you choose to publish in ChemComm?
ChemComm is a prestigious journal with a broad readership across all areas of chemistry. We chose it because we wanted our findings on a fundamental aspect of catalysis to reach a wide and diverse audience quickly. The journal’s reputation for publishing timely and significant research made it the perfect venue for our first independent work.
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Hongbing Wang is a Associate Professor at Chengdu University of Technology. He obtained his bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from Chengdu University of Technology, followed by a master’s degree in the same field from the University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. He was awarded his PhD from the Institute of Materials, China Academy of Engineering Physics. Throughout his academic career, his research interests have focused on heterogeneous catalysis, with specific expertise in interface catalysis, zeolite-mediated transformations, C1 chemistry, and solar-driven interfacial evaporation. |
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