Jun Gu

Dr. Jun Gu serves as an Associate Professor, Doctoral Supervisor, and Research Group Leader at the Department of Chemistry, College of Science, Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech). He leads an active research program in electrocatalysis and is recognized as a National Overseas High-Level Talent for his significant contributions to the field.

• Joined SUSTech in March 2021 as tenure-tracked Assistant Professor, promoted to Associate Professor
• Previously conducted postdoctoral research at EPFL in Switzerland (2016-2021)
• Research group focuses on carbon-neutral energy technologies

Dr. Gu received his B.S. in Chemistry from Peking University in 2011 and completed his Ph.D. in Inorganic Chemistry there in 2016 under the supervision of Professor Yawen Zhang and Academician Chunhua Yan. His doctoral research centered on controlled synthesis and catalytic applications of rare-earth-based and noble metal-based nanomaterials.

Dr. Gu's research program focuses on developing electrocatalytic reactions, materials, and electrolysis devices for CO₂ reduction under acidic conditions. His group investigates structure-activity relationships of catalysts, production of multi-carbon products from CO electroreduction, and electrocatalytic organic synthesis. The research integrates experimental approaches with advanced characterization techniques including in situ infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and electrochemical differential mass spectrometry, combined with finite element simulation to understand mass transfer processes and optimize electrolyzer design.

Analysis of Dr. Gu's publication record reveals a consistent focus on CO₂ electrochemical reduction technologies, particularly in challenging acidic media environments. His work spans from fundamental catalyst design (including single-atom catalysts) to practical electrolyzer development, addressing critical challenges in carbon neutralization and renewable energy storage. His research has significant implications for sustainable chemical production and achieving China's carbon neutrality goals before 2060.

• National Overseas High-Level Talent

As a Doctoral Supervisor, Dr. Gu mentors PhD students and leads a well-funded research group with multiple postdoctoral researchers and research assistants. His laboratory is equipped with advanced instrumentation for electrocatalysis research and benefits from his extensive international collaborations developed during his postdoctoral work at EPFL. The research group actively recruits talent with competitive compensation packages, including opportunities for professional development and research funding support.

Dr. Gu's research laboratory focuses on developing practical technologies for carbon-neutral energy systems. His team combines experimental electrochemistry with computational modeling to understand and optimize electrocatalytic processes. Current projects include developing novel ionomers for membrane electrode assemblies, investigating cation effects in acidic electrolytes, and designing electrolyzers that balance selectivity, energy conversion efficiency, and stability for industrial-scale CO₂ conversion.