Prof. Tao Sun | Renewable Energy | Young Researcher Award

Professor at Northwest University, China

Tao Sun is a full professor at the School of Chemical Engineering, Northwest University, China. With a foundational PhD from Nanjing University’s Key Laboratory of Mesoscopic Chemistry, he has carved a significant niche in the fields of electrocatalysis and photocatalysis. His academic journey exemplifies dedication to innovative solutions in energy conversion and environmental sustainability. Following his doctoral studies, he undertook postdoctoral research at the National University of Singapore, refining his expertise in nanostructured electrocatalysts. His work integrates fundamental chemistry with advanced material science, particularly focusing on the development of efficient systems for fuel cells, water splitting, CO₂ reduction, and pollutant degradation. With over 90 high-profile SCI-indexed publications and more than 6,100 citations, Prof. Sun holds an H-index of 36, underscoring the impact of his research. His editorial responsibilities with journals like EcoEnergy, Advanced Powder Materials, and Carbon Energy further amplify his academic influence. Prof. Sun’s career reflects a harmonious balance of research, publication, and mentorship. His collaborative spirit and interdisciplinary approach have made him a leading figure in the advancement of green technologies and sustainable chemical processes.

Profile

Scopus

Education

Tao Sun obtained his PhD in 2016 from the Key Laboratory of Mesoscopic Chemistry, Nanjing University, China. His doctoral work laid the groundwork for his specialization in nanomaterials and electrocatalysis, areas central to clean energy and sustainable development. Nanjing University, recognized globally for its scientific excellence, provided a rigorous research environment that nurtured his interest in applied chemistry and innovative catalyst design. His PhD research involved detailed investigations into catalyst behavior at the molecular level, equipping him with the theoretical insight and experimental skill to excel in advanced material synthesis and characterization. Following his PhD, Prof. Sun joined the Department of Chemistry at the National University of Singapore as a research fellow. This postdoctoral appointment exposed him to international collaborations and cutting-edge techniques in catalyst optimization for energy applications. The cross-cultural academic experience further diversified his approach to problem-solving and experimental design. These two major academic stages—China’s premier mesoscopic chemistry lab and Singapore’s top-ranked research institution—together formed the foundation for his impactful career in academia and energy research. His educational path reflects a strong grounding in chemistry and material science, marked by academic rigor and an early passion for innovation.

Professional Experience

Tao Sun currently serves as a full professor at the School of Chemical Engineering, Northwest University, China. After earning his PhD in 2016, he gained international research experience as a research fellow in the Department of Chemistry at the National University of Singapore. In this role, he explored nanomaterial-based electrocatalysts for energy and environmental applications. Upon returning to China, Prof. Sun rapidly advanced through academic ranks owing to his prolific research output and leadership in developing innovative catalytic systems. At Northwest University, he spearheads interdisciplinary research initiatives focused on energy conversion technologies, including fuel cells, metal-air batteries, and water-splitting devices. His work often integrates experimental and theoretical chemistry, especially targeting environmental challenges like CO₂ reduction and pollutant degradation. Prof. Sun also plays a key role in supervising graduate students, coordinating research teams, and fostering international collaborations. In addition to his teaching and research responsibilities, he serves as a youth editor for top-tier journals such as EcoEnergy, Advanced Powder Materials, and Carbon Energy. These editorial duties reflect his standing in the global research community. His professional trajectory underscores a consistent commitment to scientific advancement and academic excellence in chemical engineering and energy science.

Research Interest

Tao Sun’s research interests lie at the intersection of nanotechnology, electrochemistry, and environmental science. He is primarily focused on designing and engineering nanostructured electrocatalysts that improve the efficiency and sustainability of energy conversion technologies. His work addresses pressing global challenges such as renewable energy production, carbon neutrality, and environmental remediation. A central theme in his research is the catalytic splitting of water and reduction of CO₂ into value-added products, particularly through electrochemical and photocatalytic routes. These systems are vital for developing next-generation fuel cells, hydrogen production technologies, and low-emission chemical processes. Another area of interest includes the degradation of pollutants in water and air using advanced oxidation technologies. Prof. Sun is deeply involved in exploring atomic-level modifications to improve catalytic activity, stability, and selectivity. This includes single-atom catalysts, heterojunctions, and defect engineering. His approach blends theoretical modeling with experimental synthesis to unlock new pathways for sustainable chemical reactions. He is also expanding his research into smart catalyst systems that respond to environmental stimuli for optimized performance. Overall, Prof. Sun’s research endeavors are guided by the broader goal of creating environmentally friendly and high-efficiency materials for clean energy and sustainable industrial processes.

Research Skills

Tao Sun possesses a diverse and advanced skill set in chemical engineering, with strong expertise in the synthesis, characterization, and application of nanostructured electrocatalysts and photocatalysts. His hands-on proficiency in techniques like atomic layer deposition, hydrothermal synthesis, and solvothermal methods enables him to create highly tailored catalytic materials for energy and environmental uses. He is adept at using advanced analytical instruments such as X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for structural and surface characterization. His electrochemical measurement skills—ranging from cyclic voltammetry to electrochemical impedance spectroscopy—are crucial in assessing catalyst activity and stability. In addition, he has strong computational modeling capabilities that aid in understanding reaction mechanisms at the atomic level, often collaborating with theorists to simulate and predict catalytic performance. Prof. Sun’s work in constructing single-atom catalysts and heterojunctions shows his mastery in manipulating matter at the nanoscale. He also demonstrates a high level of competency in team leadership, project management, and interdisciplinary collaboration. These skills are further complemented by his experience in high-impact scientific writing, grant proposal development, and mentoring junior researchers. His comprehensive research abilities make him a versatile and highly productive contributor to the global scientific community.

Awards and Honors

Tao Sun has earned widespread recognition for his contributions to the fields of catalysis and sustainable energy research. With an H-index of 36 and more than 6,100 citations, his academic impact is evident in the global research community. He serves as a youth editor for EcoEnergy, Advanced Powder Materials, and Carbon Energy, indicating peer recognition and trust in his expertise. His frequent first and corresponding authorship in prestigious journals like Nature Nanotechnology, Advanced Materials, ACS Nano, and ACS Catalysis reflect the originality and relevance of his research. Additionally, many of his papers are highlighted as hot topics or invited reviews, signaling further esteem from journal editors and peers. His leadership in high-impact international collaborations also implies selection for competitive funding or project opportunities. Given his age and academic maturity, Prof. Sun is likely to be a strong candidate for national and international awards in materials science, energy research, and young scientist recognition programs. His achievements place him among the emerging leaders in the chemical sciences.

Publications

Tao Sun is an exceptionally prolific author with over 90 SCI-indexed publications, more than 40 of which list him as first or corresponding author. His work is featured in top-tier journals such as Nature Nanotechnology, Advanced Materials, ACS Catalysis, ACS Nano, and the Chemical Engineering Journal. These articles span a wide array of innovative topics, including single-atom catalysts, ferromagnetic electrocatalysts, heterojunction photocatalysts, and sustainable materials for water splitting and CO₂ reduction. Notable contributions include:

• Atomic gap-state engineering of MoS₂ for seawater splitting (ACS Nano, 2025)

• Ferromagnetic spin catalysts for enhanced water splitting (Nature Nanotechnology, 2023)

• Advanced design strategies in single-atom electrocatalysts (Advanced Materials, 2021)

He often collaborates with renowned scientists and research teams from institutions worldwide, including the National University of Singapore and Nanjing University. His research continues to attract citations and attention in the global scientific landscape, significantly contributing to advancements in green technology. With more than 6,100 citations and a consistently rising H-index, Prof. Sun’s publication record reflects sustained excellence, interdisciplinary innovation, and thought leadership in chemical engineering and nanomaterials.

Conclusion

Tao Sun exemplifies the modern scientist dedicated to solving real-world problems through fundamental and applied research. His work is at the forefront of nanomaterial development for energy conversion and environmental applications. Through a combination of rigorous training, international collaboration, and high scientific productivity, he has built a distinguished career characterized by innovation and impact. His extensive publication portfolio, editorial responsibilities, and mentoring roles highlight his multidimensional contribution to the field. With more than 6,100 citations and an H-index of 36, his research continues to influence global scientific trends, especially in catalysis and sustainable chemistry. Prof. Sun’s commitment to clean energy and environmental sustainability aligns with pressing global challenges, making his work both timely and transformative. As he continues to push the boundaries of material science, he remains a key thought leader whose insights and discoveries inspire the next generation of researchers. His academic journey, from PhD to professorship, is a testament to the power of dedication, curiosity, and collaboration in advancing science for a better world.