九州影院

Q&A with Dr Guanjie He

What motivates you?

My motivation stems from a dual commitment to solving complex societal challenges, particularly global energy inequity and climate resilience, while advancing humanity鈥檚 fundamental understanding of electrochemistry. Developing Zn-ion batteries that safely power off-grid communities is more than technical innovation; it represents a tangible step toward democratising clean energy access. Simultaneously, probing atomic-level ion transport mechanisms satisfies a deep scientific curiosity about material behaviours.

These discoveries translate directly into scalable solutions, bridging foundational science with real-world applications. This synergy, where curiosity-driven research intersects with urgent societal needs, creates a self-reinforcing cycle: breakthroughs in science amplify practical impact, while pressing challenges sharpen scientific inquiry. Ultimately, it is this interplay between expanding knowledge and addressing planetary imperatives that fuels my work.

What advice would you give to a young person considering a career in chemistry?

Pursue chemistry as a discipline that marries molecular ingenuity with societal responsibility. First, cultivate rigorous curiosity. Transform apparent setbacks into opportunities for discovery, as illustrated by our analysis of Zn battery failures, which uncovered temperature-dependent interfacial crystallisation critical to improving cycle life. Second, develop interdisciplinary fluency.

Engaging with engineering design principles and policy frameworks enabled us to deploy aqueous battery prototypes in off-grid Kenyan medical facilities, achieving implementation 18 months ahead of conventional timelines. Third, treat experimental anomalies as mechanistic insights. Our 鈥渇ailed鈥� electrolyte studies revealed solvation-shell restructuring phenomena that ultimately redefined Zn-ion transport models. Above all, anchor your work in purpose. Ask not only how a reaction proceeds but also whom it empowers.

九州影院鈥檚 true potential lies in translating atomic scale understanding into scalable solutions for energy equity, environmental stewardship and global health. Stay adaptable, collaborate across sectors, and recognise that every observation 鈥� successful or otherwise 鈥� advances our collective capacity to address the most pressing challenges.

What does good research culture look like/mean to you?

To me, a good research culture is one that fosters curiosity, collaboration and purpose. It is an environment where researchers are encouraged to ask bold questions, challenge assumptions and explore beyond disciplinary boundaries, without fear of failure. Scientific setbacks are not punished but embraced as opportunities for learning and discovery.

Equally important is openness and mutual respect. I believe that the best ideas often arise from diverse teams where early career researchers, postdocs and senior academics can contribute equally and learn from one another. In our group, we actively promote transparent communication, regular knowledge sharing and interdisciplinary exchange, with collaborations spanning chemistry, engineering and data science.

Ultimately, a strong research culture is one that balances scientific excellence with societal relevance. It reminds us that our work is not only about generating knowledge but also about addressing real-world challenges with integrity, empathy and long-term vision.

Why do you think collaboration and teamwork are important in science?

Contemporary scientific challenges 鈥� from decarbonising energy infrastructure to elucidating complex electrochemical interfaces 鈥� demand collaborative frameworks that transcend individual expertise. Our battery research exemplifies this paradigm, synergistically combining complementary skill sets: spectroscopic characterisation of electrode degradation pathways, DFT-guided electrolyte optimisation, and continuum-scale transport modelling.

This multidisciplinary approach reflects the complexity of materials science, where no single discipline holds monopoly over solutions. Just as Li-ion battery advancement required coordinated breakthroughs in cathode crystallography, electrolyte additives and manufacturing engineering, our aqueous Zn systems integrate insights from corrosion science, statistical mechanics and industrial safety protocols. Team-based science not only accelerates discovery timelines but establishes validation rigour through peer-level critique, a process as vital to research integrity as electrochemical stability is to cycle life. While individual ingenuity sparks innovation, sustained progress emerges from collective perseverance in tackling multivariate scientific problems.

What is your favourite element?

My research focus on zinc stems from its unique confluence of physicochemical properties and environmental viability. As the 24th most abundant terrestrial element, Zn offers unparalleled advantages for sustainable electrochemistry: inherent redox stability (-0.76 V vs standard hydrogen electrode), low dendrite formation tendency compared to alkali metals, and near-neutral pH operational compatibility that enables aqueous battery architectures.

Beyond energy storage, Zn鈥檚 multifunctionality spans corrosion-resistant alloy coatings, protecting 40% of global steel production, and critical enzymatic roles in biological systems. While carbon-based materials remain indispensable collaborators in electrode design, zinc continues to reveal unexpected electrochemical synergies through advanced operando characterisation techniques.

This elemental versatility positions Zn as a linchpin in developing circular energy economies, where material abundance aligns with closed-loop recyclability.