Polymer Chemistry & Lanthanide Metal String Lab
Research Field
Chi-How Peng received his Ph.D from the University of Pennsylvania in 2009 and then worked with Prof. Matyjaszewski as a postdoctoral researcher at Carnegie Mellon University. He started his independent career in 2011 as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry at National Tsing Hua University and then was promoted to Full Professor in 2021. Dr. Peng relocated to National Taiwan University in 2022. His research interests cover the development of catalysts and methodology in reversible-deactivation radical polymerization, synthesis, and applications of block copolymers, and the lanthanide metal string complexes.
Our group has achieved significant advancements in the field of reversible-deactivation radical polymerization (RDRP), a methodology that can produce polymers with precise control over molecular weight, composition, and architecture. Given our long-term expertise in cobalt-mediated radical polymerization, we have successfully developed two novel metal-free control agents based on tropone and salophen frameworks, composed exclusively of C, H, O, and N atoms. These systems offer a sustainable alternative to conventional RDRP methods, eliminating the need for toxic or costly organometallic catalysts while maintaining high controllability and stability.
Research Interest
- Design and synthesis of organometallic complexes or organic compounds for the mediation of the controlled/living polymerization
- Application and mechanism study of cobalt complexes mediated radical polymerization and organic compound mediated radical polymerization
- Synthesis of block copolymers and their applications in surfactants, emulsifiers, strengtheners, adhesives, and so on
- Synthesis and characterization of Lanthanide-metal string complexes
- Studies of lanthanide-lanthanide interaction and lanthanide-transition metal bonds
Honors and Awards
- 2016 POLMER "10th Feng Xinde Polymer Prize for the Best Chinese Paper, nominations for the Prize"
- 2017 The Society of Polymer Science, Japan "Invited Lecture of International Leading Young Scientist"
- 2018 Shui-Mu Foundation of Chemistry "Award for Outstanding Young Scholar"
- 2019 Ministry of Science and Technology "Project for Excellent Junior Research Investigators"
- 2019 The Polymer Society, Taipei "Outstanding Young Polymer Scientist Award"
- 2019 The Chemical Society Located in Taipei "Outstanding Young Chemists Award"
- 2023 Chemicals Administration, Ministry of Environment "Award for Application and Innovation of Green Chemistry"
1999 BSc. Department of Chemistry, National Taiwan University
2001 MSc. Department of Chemistry, National Taiwan University
2009 Ph.D. Department of Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania, Advisor: Professor Bradford B. Wayland
Job Description
This internship offers an immersive research experience in the synthesis, characterization, and purification of advanced organic compounds, organometallic complexes, and polymeric materials. Interns will contribute to cutting-edge projects, including:
• Developing control agents for Living Radical Polymerization (LRP).
• Fabricating and exploring applications for living block copolymers.
• Synthesizing and characterizing novel lanthanide metal string complexes.
Participants will gain hands-on expertise in sophisticated experimental techniques, materials characterization (e.g., NMR, GPC, XRD), and scientific data analysis. The program is designed to cultivate critical problem-solving skills and enhance research communication within a collaborative, international laboratory environment.
Preferred Intern Educational Level
Current Master’s student
Skill sets or Qualities
• Academic Background: Degree in Chemistry (Inorganic, Organic, or Polymer), Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Research Interests: A strong interest in polymer chemistry, macromolecular materials, organometallic chemistry, and metal-metal bonding.
• Laboratory Proficiency: Fundamental lab skills with a proactive approach to learning complex experimental procedures.
• Language Skills: Proficiency in English (listening, speaking, reading, and writing) for professional and scientific communication.
• Soft Skills: A detail-oriented mindset, a high sense of responsibility, and the ability to work effectively within a diverse team.