معرفی
Xuan Zhao is a Professor in the Department of Chemistry at The University of Memphis. He received his B.S. in Chemistry from Nankai University in 1993, M.S. in Chemistry from Peking University in 1996, and Ph.D. in Inorganic Chemistry from Texas A&M University in 2002. Following his doctoral studies, he completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign from 2002 to 2005.
- B.S. Chemistry, 1993, Nankai University
- M.S. Chemistry, 1996, Peking University
- Ph.D. Inorganic Chemistry, 2002, Texas A&M University
- Post Doc, 2002-2005, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Professor Zhao's research spans multiple areas of chemistry including inorganic, organometallic, bioinorganic chemistry, and chemical biology. His primary focus is on designing and engineering models for the oxygen-evolving center in photosystem II, using both synthetic methods with organic ligands and biosynthetic approaches with proteins. His lab investigates biomimetic studies of the oxygen-evolving center, develops artificial photosynthetic systems for light-induced water oxidation, and creates protein-based assemblies of artificial photosystems. These research directions aim to address critical challenges in renewable energy by developing catalysts for water oxidation and hydrogen production.
Analysis of Professor Zhao's recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on catalytic hydrogen production using cobalt-based complexes. His work demonstrates expertise in designing molecular catalysts with pentadentate ligands that function effectively in aqueous environments. The research shows progression from fundamental mechanistic studies to practical applications in renewable energy systems, with particular attention to structural and electronic factors that influence catalytic efficiency. His publications appear in high-impact journals including Journal of the American Chemical Society, Angewandte Chemie, and Inorganic Chemistry.
- ACS In Focus book on Homogeneous Water Splitting (2023)
Professor Zhao actively mentors students at all levels, supervising postdoctoral researchers, graduate students, undergraduate researchers, and participants in special programs like REU and Project SEED. His research group maintains collaborations with computational chemists, particularly with C. E. Webster, to complement experimental findings with theoretical insights. The lab operates within the Chemistry Department at The University of Memphis, with facilities for handling air-sensitive chemicals and conducting spectroscopic and structural characterization.
The Zhao Research Lab maintains active collaborations with institutions including Oak Ridge National Laboratory and participates in regional chemistry networks such as the Mid-south Inorganic Chemists Association.
