Energy Materials Laboratory
Research Field
Prof. Chen-Hao Wang is currently a Professor and the Chair of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at the National Taiwan University of Science and Technology (Taiwan Tech). He also serves as the Vice Dean of the College of Engineering. He holds a position as a Joint Appointed Research Fellow at the Research Center for Critical Issues, Academia Sinica. He received his Ph.D. from the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at National Tsing Hua University in 2007.
Prof. Wang’s research focuses on electrochemical energy conversion and storage technologies. His team adopts a comprehensive strategy ranging from atomic-level material design to system integration. Key research areas include the development of high-entropy oxides (HEOs) and nanomaterials for All-Vanadium Redox Flow Batteries (VRFBs), the pioneering of high-voltage non-aqueous organic redox flow batteries (NAORFBs), and the creation of non-precious-metal catalysts for hydrogen production and low-temperature fuel cells, e.g., proton-exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) and anion-exchange membrane fuel cells (AEMFCs).
Recognized as a top 2% scholar globally in the fields of Energy and Fuel Cells by ScholarGPS®, Prof. Wang has published over 120 papers with an h-index of 37 (https://scholar.google.com.tw/citations?user=YoNUQp0AAAAJ&hl=zh-TW). His academic excellence has been acknowledged with numerous honors, including the 2025 NSTC Future Tech Award, the 2024 NTUST Distinguished Research Award, and the 2nd Place in the International Category of the 2025 TECO Net Zero Tech Contest. He is also the Vice President of the Taiwan Hydrogen & Fuel Cell Society.
The Energy Materials Laboratory at National Taiwan University of Science and Technology (Taiwan Tech), led by Professor Chen-Hao Wang, stands at the forefront of the global energy transition. Recognized among the top 2% of scientists worldwide, Prof. Wang’s team is dedicated to addressing the critical challenges of the 2050 Net Zero goal through a unique "Vertical Integration Strategy." This comprehensive approach bridges the gap between fundamental materials science and macroscopic engineering, enabling the team to span the full development cycle—from designing catalysts at the atomic level to constructing robust, kilowatt-scale energy storage systems.
The laboratory’s research portfolio is anchored in three pioneering domains: advanced redox flow batteries, next-generation fuel cells, and green hydrogen production. By innovating with high-entropy oxides and steric-hindrance molecular engineering, the team has revolutionized both All-Vanadium Redox Flow Batteries (VRFBs) and Non-Aqueous Organic Redox Flow Batteries (NAORFBs), achieving record-breaking efficiencies and high-voltage operation for grid-scale storage. Simultaneously, the lab is driving the hydrogen economy for fuel cells (e.g., PEMFC and AEMFC) and water electrolysis by developing ultra-low-platinum and single-atom catalysts, as well as corrosion-resistant electrodes for direct seawater electrolysis, thereby significantly reducing costs while maximizing performance and durability in harsh environments.
Prof. Wang’s research philosophy centers on a vertically integrated approach to Electrochemical Energy Conversion and Storage, bridging the gap between atomic-level material design and macroscopic system engineering. His core research themes include:
1. Advanced All-Vanadium Redox Flow Batteries (VRFBs)
- High-Entropy Oxide (HEO) Innovation: Pioneered the use of HEOs in VRFBs. By synthesizing fluorite-structured (BiZrMoWCeLa)O₂ and spinel-structured (CrMnFeCoNi)₃O₄ nanoparticles, the team leverages lattice distortion and abundant oxygen vacancies to lower activation barriers, achieving energy efficiencies >85%.
- Electrode Engineering: Enhances graphite felt electrodes via hydrothermal and ALD techniques, incorporating metal oxides (e.g., WO₃ nanowires, TiNb₂O₇) and MOF-derived carbon composites to boost electrochemically active surface area and reaction kinetics.
2. High-Voltage Non-Aqueous Organic Redox Flow Batteries (NAORFBs)
- Molecular Design: To surpass the 1.23 V water electrolysis limit, the group has developed organic systems using N-isobutylphenothiazine (iBuPT) and BTD, achieving open-circuit voltages of 2.23–2.25 V.
- Stability Enhancement: Utilizes "steric hindrance" strategies (e.g., bulky isobutyl groups) to protect active centers from nucleophilic attack, thereby stabilizing radical cations and extending cycle life.
3. Green Hydrogen & Seawater Electrolysis
- Corrosion Resistance: Developed NiMoP nanocatalysts via pulse electrodeposition that exhibit low overpotential and exceptional durability in alkaline seawater.
- Surface Reconstruction: Employs electrochemical activation on Ni-grafted TiO₂ nanotubes to induce surface reconstruction, creating high-activity heterojunctions for efficient Hydrogen Evolution Reaction (HER).
4. Next-Generation Fuel Cell Catalysts (AEMFC/PEMFC)
- Single-Atom Catalysts (SACs): engineered Co-N₅ sites within nanobowls, utilizing operando spectroscopy to unravel Oxygen Reduction Reaction (ORR) mechanisms.
- Non-Precious Alternatives: Synthesizes MOF-derived porous carbon materials (Co-N-C, Fe-N-C) that rival commercial Pt/C performance, offering a cost-effective alternative to platinum.
Prof. Wang has received extensive recognition for his contributions to research, teaching, and mentorship. His accolades span international competitions, national awards, and consistent institutional honors.
Research Excellence & International Recognition
- Top 2% Global Scholar (ScholarGPS®): Ranked in the top 2% worldwide in Energy, Fuel Cells, and Flow Batteries.
- 2025 NSTC Future Tech Award: Awarded by the National Science and Technology Council for breakthrough technologies.
- 2nd Place, 2025 TECO Net Zero Tech Contest: International Category.
- Outstanding Young Scholar Awards:
- TACT Outstanding Young Scholar Award (2016): Taiwan Association for Coating and Thin Film Technology.
- NSTC Research Grants (2015, 2018): Two-time recipient of the 3-year Outstanding Young Scholar Research Project grant from the Ministry of Science and Technology.
Institutional Honors (National Taiwan University of Science and Technology)
- Distinguished Research Award: 2024.
- Outstanding Research Award: 2019, 2022.
- Distinguished Teaching Award: 2016.
- Outstanding Teaching Award: 8-time recipient (2012–2014, 2016, 2019–2020, 2022, 2024).
Mentorship Achievements Prof. Wang’s students have secured 19 awards in the past five years (2020–2024), demonstrating excellence in major competitions:
- 2025: Special Selection Award at the Wah Lee Innovation Materials Competition; 1st Place (Poster) and 2nd Place (Paper) at the Int'l Conference on Hydrogen Energy and Fuel Cells.
- 2024: 1st Place at the 19th National Hydrogen Energy & Fuel Cell Conference; Excellence Award at the TACT Annual Meeting.
- 2022-2023: Multiple 1st Place and Excellence Awards at the National Hydrogen Energy & Fuel Cell Conferences and MRS-Taiwan International Conference.
- Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering
- National Tsing Hua University, Taiwan
- September 2002 – February 2007
- M.S. in Chemical Engineering
- National Taiwan University, Taiwan
- September 1997 – June 1999
- B.S. in Chemical Engineering
- National Taiwan University, Taiwan
- September 1993 – June 1997
Job Description
The successful candidate will work closely with our research team on specific tasks, including but not limited to:
- Material Synthesis: Synthesize advanced nanomaterials (e.g., HEOs, MOFs, perovskites, or carbon composites) using techniques like hydrothermal synthesis, pulse electrodeposition, or CVD.
- Characterization: Analyze material properties using XRD, SEM, TEM, and various spectroscopic methods to understand lattice structures and defects (e.g., oxygen vacancies).
- Electrochemical Testing: Perform cyclic voltammetry (CV), charge-discharge cycling, and impedance spectroscopy (EIS) to evaluate battery or catalyst performance.
- Device Assembly: Assist in assembling coin cells or flow battery stacks for performance validation.
- Data Analysis: Interpret experimental data to propose mechanisms (e.g., ORR mechanisms, degradation pathways) and contribute to scientific publications.
Preferred Intern Educational Level
- Master Student
- Ph.D. Student
- Undergraduate (3rd or 4th year with strong research potential)
(Note for the form if available: Priority given to Master's/PhD students from famous universities, or high-potential students planning to pursue advanced degrees in Taiwan.)
Skill sets or Qualities
Hard Skills:
- Background in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, or related fields.
- Fundamental knowledge of Electrochemistry (batteries, fuel cells, or electrolysis).
- Experience in chemical synthesis (nanoparticles, MOFs, etc.) is highly preferred.
- Familiarity with characterization tools (XRD, SEM, XPS) is a plus.
Soft Skills & Qualities:
- Research Passion: Strong motivation to pursue a career in academic or industrial research (future Master's/PhD candidates).
- Critical Thinking: Ability to analyze data and troubleshoot experimental issues.
- Communication: Proficiency in English (spoken and written) for scientific discussion. Proficiency in Mandarin Chinese is also highly welcome.
- Collaboration: Ability to work effectively in a diverse, international team environment.