معرفی
Dr. Xin Chen is a Junior Research Group Leader in the Department of Chemistry at the Free University of Berlin, leading the Chen Group focused on low-dimensional chemistry. His research explores the chemical reactivity and functionalization of two-dimensional materials including transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), graphene, and hexagonal boron nitride. Previously, he was a Postdoc at Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg and completed his PhD at Trinity College Dublin under Prof. Aidan R. McDonald.
Dr. Chen's educational background includes:
- PhD in Inorganic and Synthetic Materials, Trinity College Dublin, the University of Dublin, Ireland (2013-2017)
- Postdoc at Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (2018-2023)
His research focuses on three interconnected areas of low-dimensional chemistry. First, functionalization of 2D materials where he explores chemical reactivity of TMDs, graphene, and h-BN with various compounds to customize material properties. Second, 2D heterostructures development, creating synthetic concepts for spatially well-defined structures with atomic-level precision. Third, chemistry under confinement, examining how dimensionally confined surfaces affect chemical reactions. These research areas hold potential for applications in sensing, sieving, catalysis, and energy conversion.
Dr. Chen's publication record demonstrates consistent focus on 2D materials chemistry, particularly transition metal dichalcogenides. His work shows evolution from fundamental functionalization studies toward sophisticated applications in heterostructure engineering and energy conversion. Recent publications highlight innovative approaches to patterned assembly using laser techniques, orthogonal functionalization strategies, and energy conversion platforms. His research consistently bridges fundamental chemistry with practical nanotechnology applications.
Dr. Chen has received several prestigious awards:
- FUB Start-up Funding from Freie Universität Berlin (2024-2025)
- SupraFAB Start Funding from Freie Universität Berlin (2023-2025)
- Emerging Talents Initiative from Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (2022-2023)
- PhD Scholarship from Science Foundation Ireland (2013-2017)
- Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship (2014)
Dr. Chen actively mentors doctoral candidates, master's students, and research interns in his group. Current students include Sofiia Zuieva (Doctoral candidate focusing on organic synthesis and 2D heterostructures) and Atthawut Sudsamart (Master's student researching photochemistry of TMDs). He has secured multiple research grants to support his work on 2D materials, including startup funding from FU Berlin and the SupraFAB facility. His group welcomes motivated students through external scholarships or research internships.
Dr. Chen's research is conducted at the Forschungsbau SupraFAB facility at FU Berlin, with access to fully-equipped chemistry and nanofabrication laboratories. His team consists of doctoral candidates, master's students, and research assistants working collaboratively on low-dimensional chemistry. The group offers professional training in organic synthesis, material processing, and advanced characterization techniques, fostering a dynamic and international research environment focused on cutting-edge nanotechnology.
