Ongoing Projects
01 Nanoscale-to-Molecular Scale Chirality Transfer
Group members: Liu Zeyuan, Fang Xinyu, Wang Chenyue
Our research explores nanoscale-to-molecular chirality transfer using structurally defined chiral gold nanostructures. By engineering intrinsic surface chirality through controlled seed-mediated growth, we investigate how chiral information encoded at the nanoscale can be translated into molecular-level enantioselectivity. Combining nanomaterial synthesis, surface chemistry, and asymmetric catalysis, our work advances the fundamental understanding of cross-scale chirality propagation and its applications in enantioselective catalysis and chiral detection.
02 Controlling Conglomerate Formation for Solid-State Enantiomeric Amplification
Group members: Shen Pingchuan, Trinh Thu Ngoc, Pham Duc Nam Phuong
Racemic molecules crystallize as racemic compounds, conglomerates, or solid solutions, yet only conglomerates enable enantiomeric amplification via Viedma ripening. Since true conglomerates are rare, their practical scope remains limited. This project targets kinetic conglomerates—systems with small free-energy differences between racemic and enantiopure phases—aiming to induce and amplify conglomerate behavior using chiral catalysts and physical chiral fields. Our goal is to establish general principles for programmable solid-state asymmetric amplification.
03 Photocatalysis of Regio-and Enantioselective Reaction with Chiral Ion Pair Catalyst
Group member: Zhang Zhaoxia
Our researches mainly focus on choosing proper chiral ion pair catalysts designed by our group and photocatalysts soluble in water to achieve regio-and enantioselective reaction using water as solvent.
Due to green and sustainable of light energy, the field of photochemistry has become mainstream of modern chemistry. Such systems take advantage of light which provides the energy needed to make the reaction thermodynamically viable. Although kinds of reactions have been reported by light, these mainly focus on homogeneous catalysis using photocatalysts and chiral catalysts soluble in organic solvent. To achieve the goal of green chemistry, we design and synthesis chiral ion pair and photo catalyst stable in water to achieve regio-and enantioselective reaction.
04 Chemical Biology of the Gut–Liver Axis
Group members: Xie Hao
Our research investigates chemical strategies to modulate intestinal lipid flux in metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). We focus on the design and synthesis of bioactive lipid molecules, particularly FAHFAs, whose therapeutic potential is limited by instability and synthetic inaccessibility. We develop modular and scalable synthetic platforms that enable regioselective construction and structural diversification of lipid scaffolds. Through systematic molecular redesign—including bioisosteric modification and scaffold reconfiguration—we improve chemical stability and pharmacological properties while probing structure–function relationships in metabolic regulation. This chemistry-centered approach provides a mechanistic foundation for intestine-targeted interventions in metabolic disease.