Catalyzing Nanotechnology and Energy Excellence at XMUM
Center of Excellence (CoE) for NaNo Energy and Catalysis Technology (CONNECT) is an inaugural CoE at Xiamen University Malaysia (XMUM). This CoE was established on 10 October 2021 inspired by the Belt and Road Initiative in celebration of the 100th anniversary of Xiamen University (China) and the 5th year anniversary of XMUM.
CONNECT targets to advance nanotechnology and materials research in Malaysia and beyond. Focusing on interdisciplinary fields, CONNECT nurtures talent and understanding in advanced nanomaterials, catalysis, energy, and computational nanotechnology. By fostering collaboration between research institutes, organizations, and industries, CONNECT targets to contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals such as affordable and clean energy and climate action. In line with Malaysia's economic growth vision, it centers on renewable energy and a green economy. Striving for excellence in nanoscience, CONNECT serves as a bridge between academia, agency, and industry, aiming for a circular economy. Through its initiatives, CONNECT seeks to tackle pressing global challenges while propelling Malaysia towards achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.
Vision
We inspire a synergistic, interdisciplinary, and collaborative approach to research, fostering high-impact publications, intellectual property advancements, and exceptional professional services through partnerships with local and global organizations, research institutes, and industrial players.
Mission
Contributing societal benefits through continual research and innovation in energy sustainability via eight primary NANO disciplines:
- 2D nanomaterials
- Nanostructured materials
- Photo- and electro-catalysis
- Plasma technology
- Sustainable energy production
- Energy harvesting, conversion, and storage
- Batteries and supercapacitors
- Computational nanotechnology
Core Values - ASPIRE
Aspiration
To persevere in the landscape of science and technology toward making an impact on a wider community.
Synergy & Community
To develop a collaborative environment across all disciples, including academic and industry.
Professionalism
To uphold the integrity and persistence towards lifelong learning by continuously seeking self-improvement.
Innovation
To strive towards novel and original solutions in-face of the dynamic pace of research.
Responsibility
To ensure that our work is conducted ethically in the course of research.
Excellence
To be a motivated and resilient scholar who demonstrates commitment and passion toward our pursuit of excellence.
Research Horizons
Nanomaterials Engineering
- To uncover the intrinsic properties of nanomaterials of various dimensions and morphologies.
- To develop facile synthesis strategies for high-performance nanomaterials for energy and environmental science applications.
- To mass produce the nanostructured materials in the large-scale synthesis with facile and cost-effective synthesis.
- To produce nanomaterial system with speed and cost-effectiveness via additive manufacturing in the proliferation of the Industry 4.0 processes.
- Discovery of high-throughput energy materials
- Artificial photosynthesis, solar steam generation
- Artificial electrocatalysis
- Diverse energy materials – hydrogel, aerogel, beads, etc.
Catalysis & Solar-to-Fuel Conversion
- To construct and create a fundamental framework for the dynamic reaction mechanisms in solar-to-chemical generation.
- To strive for real-time accurate depiction of experimental reaction conditions through the use of in-situ and operando analysis.
- To translate the laboratory-scale energy efficiency findings to technological readiness.
- Nanocatalysts for sustainable fuels production
- Smart catalyst design and modification
- Mechanistic study of catalytic reaction
- Catalytic production of fuels and valuable organics from waste
- Multiscale phototype development and field-test integration
- Transition from batch-to-continuous production mode
- High-throughput prototype design and rigorous testing
- Benchmarking standards to target on carbon neutrality
Energy Storage
- To evaluate the potential of different types of beyond Li-ion batteries (e.g. metal-sulfur, metal-air batteries, etc.).
- To integrate with solar energy to design a novel solar energy storage system.
- To develop a prototype energy storage device with excellent stability, durability and storage capacity as a potential candidate for real-world usage.
- Advanced energy storage technologies
- Higher energy density capacity and stability
- Lower energy charging and discharging process
- Target condition 20% gravimetric capacity
Computational Nanotechnology
- To utilize first-principles calculations to extend our fundamental knowledge of the dynamic catalytic mechanisms.
- To utilize machine learning (ML), big data analysis and artificial intelligence (AI) for material screening or discovery of innovative material combinations toward ground-breaking research in materials science
- Nanocatalysts for sustainable fuels production
- Smart catalyst design and modification
- Mechanistic study of catalytic reaction
- Catalytic production of fuels and valuable organics from waste
- Multiphysics modelling simulation and mechanisms
- Mechanistic understanding of catalytic performances
- Computational chemistry for high-performance catalysts
- Artificial intelligence and machine learning of catalysts
Organization structure
Director
Prof. Dr. ONG Wee Jun
Permanent Members
- Assoc. Prof. Dr. HAW Choon Yian
- Prof. Dr. HUANG Nay Ming
- Dr. LAM Weng Hoong
Dr. TAN Ji Siang
Support Staff
- Najah Aliah
- Crystal Lee Ka Yin
Feb 27, 2023
Prof. Dr. Ong Wee Jun participated in 69th Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting in 2019
Feb 06, 2023
Participated in the launch of Hydrogen Economy & Technology Roadmap (HETR) by Deputy Prime Minster at International Greentech & Eco Products Exhibition & Conference Malaysia (IGEM) 2023.
Feb 27, 2023
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with NanoMalaysia and Nano Quartz Sdn. Bhd. witnessed by Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI), YB Chang Lih Kang
