PhD Thesis Proposal: Huilin Qing

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Meeting ID: 92118252930
Passcode: 828036

"Design and Electrochemical Applications of Metal-Organic Frameworks with Intrinsic Electrical Conductivity"

Abstract

Electrochemistry is central to sustainable technologies, offering precise electron control for energy conversion, storage, and environmental applications. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), known for their high porosity and chemical tunability, present an attractive platform for electrochemical systems. However, the poor electrical conductivity of conventional MOFs limits their direct application, often necessitating their transformation into conductive composites via pyrolysis—at the expense of structural integrity.

Recent advances have enabled the development of conductive MOFs (cMOFs) with intrinsic electrical conductivity, achieved through the incorporation of π-conjugated ligands and charge-transport pathways. Unlike MOF-derived composites, pristine cMOFs retain structural order and tunable functionality, offering new opportunities for understanding charge storage, ion transport, and catalytic mechanisms.

This thesis proposal aims to develop cMOFs and explore their electrochemical applications through three main focuses: (i) bismuth-based cMOFs for CO₂ electroreduction, (ii) redox-active cMOFs for battery electrodes, and (iii) design strategies for enhancing electrical conductivity in MOFs. This work seeks to unify structural precision with electronic functionality for next-generation electrochemical materials.

Thesis Committee

• Prof. Weiyang (Fiona) Li (Chair)
• Prof. Jifeng Liu
• Prof. Katherine A. Mirica
• Prof. Hailiang Wang (Yale)

Contact

For more information, contact Thayer Registrar at thayer.registrar@dartmouth.edu.