Nanocatalyst (PHL Lab)
Research Field
Assoc. Prof. Phuoc Huu Le is a full-time Associate Professor in the International Ph.D. Program in Plasma and Thin Film Technology at Ming Chi University of Technology (MCUT), Taiwan, a position he has officially held since February 1, 2025. Prior to this appointment, he served as a Project Associate Professor at MCUT (August 2023–January 2025), where he actively participated in doctoral-level teaching, research supervision, and curriculum development. With more than 15 years of university-level teaching and research experience in Vietnam and Taiwan, he has developed a strong profile as an educator, researcher, and mentor in materials science, thin-film technology, nanotechnology, and applied physics.
Dr. Le earned his Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering from National Chiao Tung University (NCTU), Taiwan, in July 2014. He subsequently conducted postdoctoral research at NCTU, focusing on topological insulator thin films and their magnetotransport and ultrafast dynamic properties. From 2016 to 2023, he served at Can Tho University of Medicine and Pharmacy (Vietnam), where he was promoted to Associate Professor in Physics, held leadership roles as Department Chair and Vice Dean, and supervised numerous graduate students. He was also a visiting associate professor at National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU) before joining MCUT.
Over the past 2.5 years at MCUT, Dr. Le has established and expanded the PHL Research Group, developing well-equipped laboratory facilities for thin-film fabrication, nanomaterial synthesis, and photoelectrochemical characterization. He currently supervises or co-supervises four Ph.D. students and four master’s students, with several students nearing graduation and transitioning into doctoral programs.
Dr. Le’s research interests include:
- Nanomaterials for photocatalysis and photoelectrochemical water splitting, energy conversion and storage (HER, OER, electrochemical sensing, supercapacitors);
- Thermoelectric materials and metal oxide/nitride thin films, developed primarily by magnetron sputtering, and the study of their structural, morphological, compositional, electrical, optical, nanomechanical, and functional properties.
As an IIPP mentor, Dr. Le is committed to providing international interns with hands-on research training, close supervision, and an inclusive academic environment that supports both undergraduate and graduate students in developing experimental skills, scientific thinking, and international research experience.
PI's profiles, ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0002-7192-5927
Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com.tw/citations?hl=en&user=0ZWD5pIAAAAJ
The PI’s laboratory, in close collaboration with the Center for Plasma and Thin Film Technologies at Ming Chi University of Technology (MCUT), provides a well-equipped and supportive research environment for IIPP international internship students. By combining the PI’s dedicated laboratory space with shared preparation rooms and central facilities at the Center, interns will have access to all essential infrastructure required for nanomaterial synthesis, thin-film fabrication, and electrochemical characterization.
The laboratory supports a wide range of nanomaterial synthesis techniques, including hydrothermal and solvothermal synthesis, sol–gel processing, spin coating, chemical reduction, electrodeposition, and electrochemical exfoliation. Key in-lab equipment available for student use includes ten hydrothermal autoclaves (100 mL), a laboratory oven (72 L, up to 250 °C), a muffle furnace (up to 1200 °C), a centrifuge (6000 rpm, 15 mL), a vacuum/inert-gas annealing system (up to 1200 °C), two precision balances (maximum 240 g, 0.0001 g resolution), a nanomaterial filtration system with aspirator pump (PVDF 0.22 µm), an electrochemical workstation (Biologic SP-200), and a photoelectrochemical (PEC) measurement system.
All necessary consumables—including chemicals, solvents, glassware, substrates, and sputtering targets—will be provided during the internship period. In addition, the PI’s laboratory hosts multiple experienced Ph.D. students who actively assist with hands-on training, day-to-day laboratory guidance, and safe experimental operation, creating a friendly and collaborative learning environment for visiting interns.
While electrochemical and photoelectrochemical measurements are primarily conducted in the PI’s laboratory, advanced materials characterization is carried out using the shared instrumentation of the Plasma and Thin Film Technologies Center. These facilities include X-ray diffraction (XRD), SEM-EDS, UV–Vis spectroscopy, FTIR, XPS, high-resolution TEM (HRTEM), and nanoindentation, with guidance provided by the PI and senior group members.
Overall, the laboratory offers a safe, well-supported, and resource-rich research setting, enabling IIPP interns to gain valuable hands-on experience in nanomaterials and thin-film research within a structured mentoring framework.
The mentor’s research group: https://sbo051193.wixsite.com/le-research-group
Center for Plasma and Thin Film Technologies: https://cptft.mcut.edu.tw/app/index.php
Research topic 1: Ag Nanoparticles-Decorated CuFe₂O₄/ZnO Nanostructured Films for Multifunctional Environmental and Energy Applications
Research topic 2: PtRuM (M = Co, Ni, Cu) Ternary Alloy Nanoparticles on Vulcan Carbon Support for Direct Methanol Fuel Cells
(Please see the Internship Oppotunities for details)
- Excellent Award, Research Paper and Poster Competition, The 20th Formosa Plastics Group Enterprise Technology Symposium ǀ Ming Chi University of Technology ǀJune 6, 2025.
- Certificate of Merit, Awarded by the Minister of Health, Vietnam, in recognition of significant achievements and contributions to the development of Can Tho University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 2022.
- Medal for Science and Technology Development, Awarded by the Ministry of Science and Technology, Vietnam, in recognition of contributions to advancements in science and technology, 2019.
- Supervision of a student research project led by Tran Lam Thai Bao, entitled “Green synthesis of silver nanoparticle–chitosan films for antibacterial applications against clinically isolated strains” which received the Excellent Award at the 12th Youth Science and Technology Conference (National Level), 2024. This study was published in RSC Advances 14 (2024) 33267.
- Co-supervision of a Ph.D. student (Huynh Phuong Thao) who received the First Prize at a university-level conference. This study was published in ACS Appl. Nano Mater. 2024, 7, 20012.
- Ph.D., Department of Materials Science and Engineering, National Chiao Tung University, Taiwan, 2014
- MSc, Engineering Physics, Can Tho University, Vietnam, 2009
- B.S., Physics Teacher Education, Can Tho University, Vietnam, 2005
Job Description
Background:
CuFe₂O₄/ZnO heterostructures combined with plasmonic Ag nanoparticles offer synergistic advantages for addressing environmental and energy challenges through enhanced visible light absorption, improved charge separation, and surface plasmon resonance effects. This project develops Ag-decorated CuFe₂O₄/ZnO nanostructured films as cost-effective, multifunctional platforms for photocatalytic degradation, antibacterial activity, and photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting.
Research Objectives:
The intern will synthesize CuFe₂O₄/ZnO nanostructured films via hydrothermal method on conductive substrates (ITO glass, Ni foam, Ti foil), followed by Ag nanoparticle decoration through photodeposition. Comprehensive characterization using XRD, SEM/TEM, XPS, UV-Vis spectroscopy, and electrochemical techniques will determine structure, morphology, and optical properties. The intern will evaluate photocatalytic degradation of methyl orange and methylene blue dyes, assess antibacterial activity against E. coli, and measure PEC water splitting performance including photocurrent density, onset potential, and stability. The study will correlate material structure with multifunctional performance across different substrates.
Scientific Significance:
The p-n heterojunction between p-type CuFe₂O₄ (band gap 1.47–2.03 eV) and n-type ZnO enhances charge separation, while plasmonic Ag nanoparticles boost performance through hot electron injection and extended visible light absorption. Multi-substrate fabrication enables application-specific optimization for water treatment, pathogen control, and hydrogen production.
Expected Outcomes:
Enhanced photocatalytic degradation efficiency (>90%) with excellent recyclability, potent antibacterial activity against E. coli, improved photocurrent densities for water splitting, and fundamental insights into heterojunction and plasmonic enhancement mechanisms.
Learning Outcomes:
The intern will gain hands-on experience in advanced synthesis techniques (hydrothermal, photodeposition), thin film fabrication, materials characterization (XRD, XPS, microscopy), photocatalytic testing, microbiological assays, and photoelectrochemical measurements. This interdisciplinary project provides excellent preparation for graduate studies or careers in materials science, nanotechnology, and sustainable energy.
Preferred Intern Educational Level
Students at all levels (undergraduate, master's, and PhD) in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics, Nanotechnology, or related fields are equally welcome to apply.
Skill sets or Qualities
Educational Background:
Undergraduate or graduate students in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics, Nanotechnology, or related fields.
Preferred Knowledge and Skills:
Understanding of nanomaterial synthesis (hydrothermal, chemical reduction, photodeposition)
Familiarity with characterization techniques (XRD, SEM/TEM, XPS, spectroscopy)
Knowledge of electrochemistry (CV, EIS) or photocatalysis
Laboratory safety awareness and good laboratory practices
Proficient in English for reading literature and writing reports
Preferred Personal Qualities:
Ability to work independently and collaboratively
Willingness to learn new techniques and troubleshoot experiments
Strong communication skills for presenting and discussing results
Patient, persistent, and detail-oriented approach to research.
Job Description
Background:
Direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs) are promising clean energy devices for portable and automotive applications due to their high energy density and low operating temperature. However, commercialization is hindered by sluggish methanol oxidation kinetics, CO poisoning, and high costs of platinum-based catalysts. PtRu binary alloys with Pt:Ru = 1:1 are the state-of-the-art anode catalysts, but incorporating a third non-noble transition metal can significantly enhance performance while reducing noble metal costs. This project focuses on PtRuM (M = Co, Ni, Cu) ternary alloy nanoparticles on Vulcan XC-72 carbon as cost-effective, high-performance electrocatalysts. These earth-abundant metals offer complementary advantages: Co provides superior methanol oxidation activity, Ni ensures excellent stability, and Cu demonstrates enhanced CO tolerance.
Research Objectives:
The intern will synthesize PtRuM ternary catalysts via co-reduction method with atomic ratios of Pt:Ru:M = 1:1:1 and 1:1:2, maintaining 20 wt% PtRu loading on Vulcan carbon. Comprehensive characterization using XRD, TEM/HRTEM, EDX, and XPS will determine crystal structure, particle size distribution (targeting 2-6 nm), composition, and surface chemistry. Electrochemical evaluation via cyclic voltammetry (CV) in 0.5 M H₂SO₄ + 1.0 M CH₃OH will measure methanol oxidation activity (forward peak current density jf), CO poisoning resistance (jf/jr ratio), and identify optimal third metal and composition. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) will determine charge transfer resistance (Rct), while durability testing through 500 CV cycles will assess long-term stability.
Expected Outcomes:
Enhanced catalytic activity (jf > 150-250 mA/mgPtRu), superior CO tolerance (jf = 3-8), reduced charge transfer resistance (Rct < 4 Ω·cm²), and excellent durability (>85% activity retention after 500 cycles) are anticipated. This research will reduce noble metal content by 33-50% while maintaining superior performance, advancing DMFC commercialization.
Learning Outcomes:
The intern will gain expertise in nanomaterial synthesis, advanced characterization techniques (XRD, TEM, XPS), electrochemical methods (CV, EIS), and data analysis. This interdisciplinary project provides excellent preparation for graduate studies or careers in materials science, electrochemistry, and clean energy technologies.
Preferred Intern Educational Level
Students at all levels (undergraduate, master's, and PhD) in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics, Nanotechnology, or related fields are equally welcome to apply.
Skill sets or Qualities
Educational Background:
Undergraduate or graduate students in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics, Nanotechnology, or related fields.
Preferred Knowledge and Skills:
Understanding of nanomaterial synthesis (hydrothermal, chemical reduction, photodeposition)
Familiarity with characterization techniques (XRD, SEM/TEM, XPS, spectroscopy)
Knowledge of electrochemistry (CV, EIS) or photocatalysis
Laboratory safety awareness and good laboratory practices
Proficient in English for reading literature and writing reports
Preferred Personal Qualities:
Ability to work independently and collaboratively
Willingness to learn new techniques and troubleshoot experiments
Strong communication skills for presenting and discussing results
Patient, persistent, and detail-oriented approach to research.