The Office of Research and Innovation congratulates second-year student Ren Yijie and Asst. Prof. Dr. Ong Wee Jun, both from the School of Energy and Chemical Engineering, on their success in publishing the paper entitled “Interfacial engineering of graphitic carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄)-based metal sulfide heterojunction photocatalysts for energy conversion: A review”, as first author and corresponding author, respectively. This paper was published on 5 March 2019 in Chinese Journal of Catalysis, an international peer reviewed Q1 journal, which indicates that the journal is in the top 25% of its subject category.

The research work, in collaboration with a scientist from Guangxi University, was an invited contribution by the Managing Editor of the journal, Dr. Yin Hongmei, in conjunction with the publication of a Special Issue – “Photocatalysis”. This work was highly recommended by the Editorial Board team of Chinese Journal of Catalysis and was featured in the news articles at the journal’s website as well as its public WeChat platform -- “研之成理”.

Diagram of the hybridization of g-C₃N₄ with transition metal sulfide (TMS) for H₂ evolution, CO₂ reduction and N₂ fixation.

The authors stated the significance of their study:

“The advent of Earth-abundant transition metal sulfides brings new inroads to photocatalysis. Transition metal sulfides promptly becomes the heart of investigations owing to their excellent catalytic feature. Thus far, the modification of 2D g-C₃N₄ with metal sulfides has been regarded as a promising pursuit, which warrants further review along this topic. Our research provides a detailed review on the state-of-the-art advancement of g-C₃N₄ hybridized with transition metal sulfides to shed light on the development of this field in the photocatalytic energy and environmental applications. In this timely review, we emphasize the recent results contributing to advancement in this emerging platform to provide readers an overview of the current trends. This work is of broad interest. It provides relevance for a sizeable portion of readership engaged in the fields of chemistry, materials science, artificial photosynthesis and energy.”

Ren Yijie, who comes from China’s Henan province, offered his view on the publication:

“I feel grateful for this research opportunity. As I dream of becoming a scientist since young,  I am excited to learn that there is a possibility to use semiconductor to convert sunlight and CO₂ in the atmosphere into chemical fuels. The success of the research will improve air quality. It is amazing to learn that my knowledge can be used to contribute to the society.”

“One major problem that I encountered during the process was my English proficiency. Thanks to the patience and guidance of Dr. Ong, who encouraged me to read more and truly immerse myself in English, now I am not only able to read in English, but also has become the first author of a publication.”

Dr. Ong offered his valuable advice to nineteen-year-old Ren Yijie and XMUM students:

“Research is creating new knowledge. It is never too early to get started in research. Research is fun; but getting a work published in an academic journal requires patience and perseverance. I can assure you, however, that you will get immense knowledge and satisfaction at the end of the process!”

Ren Yijie (left) took the initiative to approach Dr. Ong Wee Jun after one of his classes at XMUM.

Dr. Ong Wee Jun led the project; Dr. Zeng Deqian from Guangxi University contributed in the flow of the publication; and Ren Yijie wrote the review paper and conducted the literature search under the supervision of Dr. Ong, who organized, edited the manuscript and finalized the submission.

This paper is available online:

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1872206719632936