On materials development, we focus on nanoporous materials of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), which are porous inorganic-organic hybrid materials with extraordinary high surface areas. An important advantage of MOFs is the possibility to easily and systematically design and alter the structure and functionality at a molecular level. We are exploring the versatile structures of MOFs, as well as the closely associated properties, in view of applications in heterogeneous catalysis, energy applications and environmental applications.

On the development of advanced electron microscopy techniques, we focus on three-dimensional electron diffraction (3DED) and high resolution imaging methods. 3DED breaks the ground that single crystal structural analysis can now be available for nanocrystals. High resolution (scanning) transmission electron microscopy (HR-(S)TEM) imaging can provide detailed information about atomic arrangements in real space. We are applying 3DED and high resolution imaging in structural elucidation of nanoporous materials, and advance our knowledge on structure-property relationships. We are also actively developing new 3DED and imaging techniques to reveal more details of functional materials.