Electrochemist Liu Jiawei moves from Singapore to Hong Kong to start her own lab

Materials scientist Liu Jiawei relocated from Singapore to Hong Kong to launch her own research group. After a decade in Singapore’s research environment, Liu desired a transition closer to her family in mainland China, while maintaining a high-standard research setting. City University of Hong Kong (CityU) now hosts her laboratory, where she conducts research at the intersection of chemistry, materials science, and renewable energy.

Liu chose Hong Kong for its similar research landscape to Singapore, emphasizing autonomy for researchers and encouraging collaboration among groups. She completed her PhD in materials science and engineering at NTU in 2021 and conducted postdoctoral research at NTU and Singapore’s A*STAR. Liu joined CityU as an assistant professor in April, juggling the roles of assistant professor in both the school of energy and environment and the department of chemistry.

Liu’s research focuses on electrosynthesis – a green alternative to traditional, carbon-heavy industrial processes. Unlike conventional chemical engineering, electrosynthesis operates under ambient conditions using electrons to drive oxidation and reduction, minimizing fossil fuel dependence. Her team aims to improve efficiency through novel catalysts, electrode micro-environment regulation, and reactor engineering optimization.

They also explore electron transfer mechanisms at the electrode-reactant interface to drive chemical transformations. In the long term, Liu plans to expand her scope to compounds such as amino acids, which are essential for proteins.