Professor Dr Xinliang Feng

Research Priorities: Graphene nanostructures, 2D polymers, 2D conjugated polymers, 2D conjugated metal-organic frameworks, 2D materials, energy devices
Xinliang Feng is a Chinese chemistry and materials science expert who specialises in researching graphene and 2D materials. He and his team have developed atomically precise graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) and organic 2D crystal materials for use in sustainable electronics and quantum technology.
A focal point of Xinliang Feng’s work concerns graphene, a carbon structure consisting of a single layer of carbon atoms and possessing exceptional electronic and mechanical properties. However, as graphene lacks a band gap, it is of limited use as a semiconductor material. In semi-conductor technology, the band gap refers to the energy difference between the top of a material’s valence band and the bottom of its conduction band. The valence band is filled with electrons that do not contribute to conductivity, while the conduction band is occupied by free electrons that move through the material and thus enable the flow of electricity.
Xinliang Feng addresses the problem of the absent band gaps by synthesising graphene nanoribbons (GNRs), which are narrow strips of graphene with atomically precise edges. By controlling width, edge geometry, and atomic structure, he can produce GNRs with individually adjusted band gaps, which are suitable for use in transistors and nanoelectronics.
These synthesis methods offer extraordinary precision. By atomically controlling the electronic properties, Xinliang Feng optimises the charge carrier mobility. Furthermore, GNRs possess special magnetic properties related to specific structures, such as spin-edge states, which are used in spintronics. This technology uses electron spin to transmit information and enables progress in storage technologies and quantum bits (qubits) for quantum computing.
In addition to GNRs, Xinliang Feng develops new methods for synthesising organic 2D crystals, including 2D polymers, conduction polymers, 2D conjugated polymers or conjugagted covalent organic frameworks (COFs), and 2D conjugated metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). A particular achievement is synthesis on the surface of water, which enables the production of these materials in precise, single-to-multilayer structures, thereby improving crystallinity and homogeneity. This provides benefits for use of organic 2D crystals in electronic and optoelectronic devices.
Xinliang Feng’s research also involves developing novel organic 2D crystal materials for sustainable electronics, membrane, energy storage and conversion devices. Innovative polymerisation techniques make it possible to create materials with high levels of molecular control, which possess, in particular, electrochemical properties. These 2D crystal materials can be used for batteries, supercapacitors, and fuel cells, as their large surface area and efficient ion transport pathways make higher energy densities and faster charging times possible.
The materials scientist is also investigating the development of printable energy storage systems. Xinliang Feng’s team use electrochemical delamination to create 2D materials from crystals, which enable flexible, light batteries, as well as supercapacitors, thus promoting sustainable energy storage. His team also develops new types of battery devices, such as sustainable aqueous Zn-ion and Al-ion batteries by involving new material concepts.
Xinliang Feng’s research has led to significant progress in materials science, which supports transformation processes in industry. These achievements are also relevant to society, as they help combine sustainability goals with economic development.