Liu, Chong

WebsiteHome URL
Division
Inorganic
Title
Faculty
Assistant Professor
Jeffery and Helo Zink Development Chair
Specialties
Inorganic
Chemical Biology
Nanoscience and Materials
Nanoscience

Contact Information

Email
chongliu@chem.ucla.edu
Office
Molecular Sciences Building 2505C
(310) 983-3984
Lab
Molecular Sciences Building 4211, 4221

Short Biography

Prof. Liu earned his B.S. in chemistry from Fudan University, China, in 2008, and a Ph. D in chemistry from the University of California, Berkeley in 2013 under the supervision of Prof. Peidong Yang.  His thesis focused on artificial photosynthesis that uses solar energy to synthesize selective chemicals. He continued his career at Harvard University, working with Prof. Daniel Nocera as a Lee Kuan Yew postdoctoral fellow. At Harvard, he developed inorganic/bio hybrid systems of solar-driven CO2 and N2 fixation with the efficiencies higher than natural counterparts.  Prof. Liu joined UCLA Chemistry & Biochemistry in 2017.
 

Research Interests

Our research group is an inorganic chemistry lab with specific interests in electrochemical systems for energy, biology, and environments. Combining our expertise in inorganic chemistry, nanomaterials, and electrochemistry, we aim to address some of the challenging questions in catalysis, energy conversion, CO2/N2 fixation, and microbiota. The research focus includes advanced bioelectrochemical systems of CO2/N2 fixation as well as electrochemical nanodevices enabling the study of biological, medical, environmental applications.

Visit Our Lab Web Site

Publications

[ Selected publications ]

Note:  † equal contribution, * corresponding author

  1. “Electricity-Powered Artificial Root Nodule”, Lu, S.; Guan, X.; Liu, C.*, Nature Commun., 2020, 11, 1505. Link. Abstract
  2. “Close-packed nanowire-bacteria hybrids for efficient solar-driven CO2 fixation”, Su, Y.†; Cestellos-Blanco, S.†; Kim, J. M.†; Shen, Y.; Kong, Q.; Lu, D.; Liu, C.; Zhang, H.; Cao, Y.; Yang, P.*, Joule, 2020, Accepted. Link.
  3. “Cluster Size Control toward High Performance Solution Processed InGaZnO Thin Film Transistor”, Wang, Z.; Xu, G.; Zhao, Z.; Cai, L.; Wu, Q.; Cheng, P.; Zhao, Y.; Xue, J.; Wang, R.; Liu, C.*; Yang, Y.*, ACS Appl. Electron. Mater., 2019, 1, 2483−2488. link.
  4. “A solution catalytic cycle of incompatible steps for ambient air oxidation of methane to methanol”, Natinsky, B.; Lu, S.; Copeland, E.◊; Quintana, J.◊; Liu, C.*, ACS Cent. Sci., 2019, 5, 1584−1590. link. (Highlighted by ACS Cent. Sci.) Abstract
  5. “Nanowire photoelectrochemistry”, Deng, J.; Su, Y.; Liu, D.; Yang, P.*; Liu, B.*; Liu, C.*, Chem. Rev., 2019, 15, 9221−9259. link. Abstract
  6. “Perfluorocarbon nanoemulsion promotes the delivery of reducing equivalents for electricity-driven microbial CO2 reduction”, Rodrigues, R.; Guan, X.; Iñiguez, J.; Estabrook, D.; Chapman, J.◊; Huang, S.◊; Sletten, E.; Liu, C.*, Nature Catal., 2019, 2, 407−414. Link. Abstract
  7. “Two are better than one”, Natinsky, B.; Liu, C.*, Nature Chem. (News & Views), 2019, 11, 200−201. Link. Abstract
  8. “Modelling of Electrocatalytic Dinitrogen Reduction on Micro-structured Electrodes”, Lu, S.; Lee, D. H.◊; Liu, C.*, Small Methods, 2019, 3, 1800332. Link. Abstract
  9. “Boron-Doped Graphene Catalyzes Dinitrogen Fixation with Electricity”, Deng, J.; Liu, C.*, Chem (preview), 2018, 4, 1773-1774. Link. Abstract
  10. Solar-powered CO2 reduction by a hybrid biological | inorganic system”, Liu, C.; Colón, B. C.; Silver, P. A.*; Nocera, D. G.*; J. Photochem. Photobio. A, 2018, 358, 411−415, Link.Abstract
  11. “Electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction at low temperature”, Deng, J.; Iniguez, J. A.; Liu, C.*; Joule, 2018, 2, 846−856, Link. Abstract
  12. “Physical Biology of the Materials-Microorganism Interface”, Sakimoto, K. K.; Kornienko, N.; Cestellos-Blanco, S.; Lim, J.; Liu, C.; Yang, P.*; J. Am. Chem. Soc., 2018, 140, 1978−1985. Link Abstract
  13. “Favoring the unfavored: Selective electrochemical nitrogen fixation using a reticular chemistry approach”, Lee, H. K.; Koh, C. S. L.; Lee, Y. H.; Liu, C.; Phang, I. Y.; Han. X.; Tsung, C.-K.; Ling, X. Y.*; Science Advances, 2018, 4, eaar3208. Link
  14. “Excitation-wavelength-dependent small polaron trapping of photoexcited carriers in α-Fe2O3”, Carneiro, L. M.; Cushing, S. K.; Liu, C.; Su, Y.; Yang, P.; Alivisatos, A. P.; Leone, S. R.*; Nature Mater., 2017, 16, 819−825. Link
  15. “Ambient nitrogen reduction cycle using a hybrid inorganic-biological system”, Liu, C.†; Sakimoto, K. K.†; Colón, B. C.; Silver, P. A.*; Nocera, D. G.*; PNAS, 2017, 114, 6450−6455. Link
  16. “Design of template-stabilized active and earth-abundant oxygen evolution catalysts in acid”, Huynh, M.; Ozel, T.; Liu, C.; Lau, E. C.; Nocera, D. G.*; Chem. Sci., 2017, 8, 4779−4794. Link
  17. “13C-Labeling the Carbon-Fixation Pathway of a Highly Efficient Artificial Photosynthetic System”, Liu, C.; Nangle, S. N.; Colón, B. C.; Silver, P. A.*; Nocera, D. G.*; Faraday Discuss., 2017, 198, 529−537. Link
  18. “Directed Assembly of Nanoparticle Catalysts on Nanowire Photoelectrodes for Photoelectrochemical CO2 Reduction” Kong, Q.†; Kim, D.†; Liu, C.; Yu, Y.; Su, Y.; Li, Y.;Yang, P.*; Nano Lett., 2016, 16, 5675−5680. Link
  19. “Water splitting–biosynthetic system with CO2 reduction efficiencies exceeding photosynthesis” Liu, C.†; Colón, B. C.†; Ziesack, M.; Silver, P. A.*; Nocera, D. G.*; Science, 2016, 352, 1210−1213. Link
  20. “Single-nanowire photoelectrochemistry” Su, Y.†; Liu, C.†; Brittman S.; Tang, J.; Fu, A.; Kornienko, N.; Kong, Q.; Yang, P.*; Nature Nanotech., 2016, 11, 609−612. Link
  21. “Nanowire–Bacteria Hybrids for Unassisted Solar Carbon Dioxide Fixation to Value-Added Chemicals” Liu, C.†; Gallagher, J. J.†; Sakimoto, K. K.; Nichols, E. M.; Chang, C. J.*; Chang, M. C. Y.*; Yang, P.*; Nano Lett., 2015, 15, 3634−3639. Link
  22. “Hybrid bioinorganic approach to solar-to-chemical conversion” Nichols, E. M.†; Gallagher, J. J.†; Liu, C.; Su, Y.; Resasco, J.; Yu, Y.; Sun, Y.; Yang, P.*; Chang, M. C. Y.*; Chang, C. J.*; PNAS, 2015, 112, 11461−11466. Link
  23. “MoS2-wrapped silicon nanowires for photoelectrochemical water reduction”, Zhang, L.†; Liu, C.†; Wong, A. B.; Resasco, J.; Yang, P.*; Nano Res., 2015, 8, 281−287. Link
  24. “Nanowires for Photovoltaics and Artificial Photosynthesis”, Yang, P.*; Brittman, S.; Liu, C.; Semiconductor Nanowires, Royal Society of Chemistry, 2014, Chapter 6, p277 (Book chapter).
  25. “Introductory lecture: Systems materials engineering approach for solar-to-chemical conversion” Liu, C.; Yang, P.*; Faraday Discuss., 2014, 176, 9−16.(Perspective) Link
  26. “Three-Dimensional Spirals of Atomic Layered MoS2″ Zhang, L.; Liu, K.; Wong, A. B.; Kim, J.; Hong, X.; Liu, C.; Cao, T.; Louie, S. G.; Wang, F.*; Yang, P.*; Nano Lett., 2014, 14, 6418−6423. Link
  27. “Salt-Induced Self-Assembly of Bacteria on Nanowire Arrays” Sakimoto, K. K.; Liu, C.; Lim, J.; Yang, P.*; Nano Lett., 2014, 14, 5471−5476. Link
  28. “25th Anniversary Article: Semiconductor Nanowires – Synthesis, Characterization, and Applications” Dasgupta, N. P.; Sun, J.; Liu, C.; Brittman, S.; Andrews, S. C.; Lim, J.; Gao, H.; Yan, R.; Yang, P.*; Adv. Mater., 2014, 26, 2137−2184. (Review) Link
  29. “Simultaneously Efficient Light Absorption and Charge Separation in WO3/BiVO4 Core/Shell Nanowire Photoanode for Photoelectrochemical Water Oxidation” Rao, P. M.; Cai, L.; Liu, C.; Cho, I. S.; Lee, C. H.; Weisse, J. M.; Yang, P.; Zheng, X.*; Nano Lett., 2014, 14, 1099−1105. Link
  30. “Semiconductor Nanowires for Artificial Photosynthesis” Liu, C.; Dasgupta, N. P.; Yang, P.*; Chem. Mater., 2014, 26, 415−422. (Review) Link
  31. “Electrodeposited Cobalt-Sulfide Catalyst for Electrochemical and Photoelectrochemical Hydrogen Generation from Water” Sun, Y.†; Liu, C.†; Grauer, D. C.; Yano, J.; Long, J. R.*; Yang, P.*; Chang, C. J.*; J. Am. Chem. Soc., 2013, 135, 17699−17702. Link
  32. “Femtosecond M2,3-Edge Spectroscopy of Transition-Metal Oxides: Photoinduced Oxidation State Change in α-Fe2O3” Vura-Weis, J.; Jiang, C.-M.; Liu, C.; Gao, H.; Lucas, J. M.; de Groot, F. M. F.; Yang, P.; Alivisatos, A. P.; Leone, S. R.*; J. Phys. Chem. Lett., 2013, 4, 3667−3671. Link
  33. “Atomic Layer Deposition of Platinum Catalysts on Nanowire Surfaces for Photoelectrochemical Water Reduction” Dasgupta, N. P.†; Liu, C.†; Andrews, S.; Prinz, F. B.; Yang, P.*; J. Am. Chem. Soc., 2013, 135, 12932−12935. Link
  34. “Large-Scale Synthesis of Transition-Metal-Doped TiO2 Nanowires with Controllable Overpotential” Liu, B.†; Chen, H. M.†; Liu, C.; Andrews, S. C.; Hahn, C.; Yang, P.*; J. Am. Chem. Soc., 2013, 135, 9995−9998. Link
  35. “A Fully Integrated Nanosystem of Semiconductor Nanowires for Direct Solar Water Splitting” Liu, C.†; Tang, J.†; Chen, H. M.; Liu, B.; Yang, P.*; Nano Lett., 2013, 13, 2989−2992. Link
  36. “Alumina-coated Ag nanocrystal monolayers as surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy platforms for the direct spectroscopic detection of water splitting reaction intermediates” Ling, X. Y.; Yan, R.; Lo, S.; Hoang, D. T.; Liu, C.; Fardy, M. A.; Khan, S. B.; Asiri, A. M.; Bawaked, S. M.; Yang, P.*; Nano Res., 2014, 7, 132−143. Link
  37. “Zn-Doped p-Type Gallium Phosphide Nanowire Photocathodes from a Surfactant-Free Solution Synthesis” Liu, C.; Sun. J.; Tang, J.; Yang, P.*; Nano Lett., 2012, 12, 5407−5411. Link
  38. “Plasmon-Enhanced Photocatalytic Activity of Iron Oxide on Gold Nanopillars” Gao, H.†; Liu, C.†; Jeong, H. E.; Yang, P.*; ACS Nano, 2012, 6, 234−240. Link
  39. “Light-Induced Charge Transport within a Single Asymmetric Nanowire” Liu, C.†; Hwang, Y. J.†; Jeong, H. E.; Yang, P.*; Nano Lett, 2011, 11, 3755−3758. Link
  40. “Surfactant-Free, Large-Scale, Solution–Liquid–Solid Growth of Gallium Phosphide Nanowires and Their Use for Visible-Light-Driven Hydrogen Production from Water Reduction” Sun. J.; Liu, C.; Yang, P.*; J. Am. Chem. Soc., 2011, 133, 19306−19309. Link
  41. “Multifunctional Mesoporous Composite Microspheres with Well-Designed Nanostructure: A Highly Integrated Catalyst System” Deng, Y.; Cai, Y.; Sun, Z.; Liu, J.; Liu, C.; Wei, J.; Li, W.; Liu, C.; Wang, Y.; Zhao, D.*; J. Am. Chem. Soc., 2010, 132, 8466−8473. Link
  42. “Design of Amphiphilic ABC Triblock Copolymer for Templating Synthesis of Large-Pore Ordered Mesoporous Carbons with Tunable Pore Wall Thickness” Zhang, J.; Deng, Y.*; Wei, J.; Sun, Z.; Gu, D.; Bongard, H.; Liu, C.; Wu, H.; Tu, B.; Schüth, F.; Zhao, D.*; Chem. Mater., 2009, 21, 3996−4005. Link
  43. “Mesoporous Monocrystalline TiO2 and Its Solid-State Electrochemical Properties” Yue, W.; Xu, X.; Irvine, J. T. S.; Attidekou, P. S.; Liu, C.; He, H.; Zhao, D.; Zhou, W.*; Chem. Mater., 2009, 21, 2540−2546. Link
  44. “A simple approach to the synthesis of hollow microspheres with magnetite/silica hybrid walls” Liu, J.; Deng, Y.*; Liu, C.; Sun, Z.; Zhao, D.*; J. Colloid Interface Sci., 2009, 333, 329−334. Link
  45. “Synthesis of Core/Shell Colloidal Magnetic Zeolite Microspheres for the Immobilization of Trypsin” Deng, Y.; Deng, C.; Qi, D.; Liu, C.; Liu, J.; Zhang, X.; Zhao, D.; Adv. Mater., 2009, 21, 1377−1382. Link
  46. “Homopolymer induced phase evolution in mesoporous silica from evaporation induced self-assembly process” Liu, C.; Deng, Y.*; Liu, J.; Wu, H.; Zhao, D.; Micro. Meso. Mater., 2008, 116, 633−640. Link
  47. “Ultra-Large-Pore Mesoporous Carbons Templated from Poly(ethylene oxide)-b-Polystyrene Diblock Copolymer by Adding Polystyrene Homopolymer as a Pore Expander” Deng, Y.; Liu, J.; Liu, C.; Gu, D.; Sun, Z.; Wei, J.; Zhang, J.; Zhang, J.; Tu, B.; Zhao, D.*; Chem. Mater., 2008, 20, 7281−7286. Link
  48. “A novel approach to the construction of 3-D ordered macrostructures with polyhedral particles” Deng, Y.; Liu, C.; Liu, J.; Zhang, F.; Yu, T.; Zhang, F.; Gu, D.; Zhao, D.; J. Mater. Chem., 2008, 18, 408−415. Link
  49. “Thick wall mesoporous carbons with a large pore structure templated from a weakly hydrophobic PEO–PMMA diblock copolymer” Deng, Y.; Liu, C.; Gu, D.; Yu, T.; Tu, B.; Zhao, D.; J. Mater. Chem., 2008, 18, 91−97. Link
  50. “Facile Synthesis of Hierarchically Porous Carbons from Dual Colloidal Crystal/Block Copolymer Template Approach” Deng, Y.; Liu, C.; Yu, T.; Liu, F.; Zhang, F.; Wan, Y.; Zhang, L.; Wang, C.; Tu, B.; Webley, P. A.; Wang, H.; Zhao, D.*; Chem. Mater., 2007, 19, 3271−3277. Link
  51. “Ordered Mesoporous Silicas and Carbons with Large Accessible Pores Templated from Amphiphilic Diblock Copolymer Poly(ethylene oxide)-b-polystyrene” Deng, Y.; Yu, T.; Wan, Y.; Shi, Y.; Meng, Y.; Gu, D.; Zhang, L.; Huang, Y.; Liu, C.; Wu, X.; Zhao, D.; J. Am. Chem. Soc., 2007, 129, 1690−1697. Link