Chen Xihan

Dr. Chen Xihan is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Energy Engineering at the Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech). Since 2021, he has led a vibrant research group focused on ultrafast spectroscopy, solar energy conversion, and photocatalytic mechanisms. He is a principal investigator on the National Youth Project and a Shenzhen Overseas High-Level Talent (Category B).

Education:

• Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley (2012–2017)
• B.S. in Chemistry, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (2008–2012)

Research Focus:
Dr. Chen’s research integrates advanced ultrafast transient spectroscopy to probe and control energy-conversion processes at material interfaces. His group investigates ultrafast interface carrier dynamics, quantum spin control, and photocatalytic kinetics in perovskites, 2D materials, and hybrid systems. These studies provide real-time insights into surface recombination, charge separation, and reaction intermediates—knowledge critical for designing next-generation solar cells, solar-fuel devices, and spin-optoelectronic components.

Publication Impact & Trends:
With more than 60 peer-reviewed papers in journals such as Science, Nature Catalysis, Nature Communications, Energy & Environmental Science, and Journal of the American Chemical Society, Dr. Chen’s work has accumulated over 6,000 citations (h-index 36). Recent articles (2023–2024) emphasize hot-carrier extraction, spin-polarized lifetime tuning, and interface passivation strategies that push perovskite solar-cell efficiencies beyond 27 % and enable stable, metal-free photocatalytic fuel production.

Scientific Awards:

• Shenzhen Overseas High-Level Talent (Category B), 2021
• NREL Postdoc Publication Award, 2020
• NREL Director’s Award, 2019
• Overseas High-Caliber Personnel (Level B), Shenzhen, 2018

Funding & Team Leadership:
Dr. Chen is PI on the National Youth Project and multiple provincial grants. His group presently includes postdoctoral researchers, PhD and MSc students, and visiting scholars working on three synergistic thrusts: (1) in-situ ultrafast reflectance spectroscopy of solar-cell surfaces, (2) transient spin-polarization studies of low-dimensional perovskites, and (3) time-resolved mechanistic studies of photocatalytic water splitting and CO₂ reduction. The team operates state-of-the-art femtosecond pump-probe and transient absorption laboratories at SUSTech’s Engineering Building North 312.