Xiuni Wu, PhD
Assistant Professor, Chemistry
Dr. Wu received her PhD in inorganic materials chemistry from Michigan State University. Her dissertation is focused on synthesis and characterization of new intermetallic compounds. By using Al as a flux, she explored the systems containing a rare earth metal, a transition metal and a tetrelide, and discovered a series of multinary intermetallic compounds, and studied their crystal structures, magnetic properties, electronic structures and transport properties.
Dr. Wu expanded her research interest at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory as a post-doctoral researcher. At Berkeley, she developed a new artificial photosynthetic system for direct visible light driven water oxidation by exploiting nonporous inorganic scaffolds. She successfully built a transition metal binuclear system that is covalently anchored on the surface of the mesoporous material.
Dr. Wu is a strong proponent of experiential, hands-on learning and enjoys the challenge of continually improving her teaching. Her research interests are focused on solution synthesis of nano-alloys using microwave radiation and green nanotechnology as well, aiming at not only preparing a series of new multinary nano-alloys with potential applications as optical and magnetic materials, but also achieving a better control of the size and homogeneity of the nanoparticles by varying the kinetic factors.
Students working in her research group will learn how to conduct literature search, gain a fundamental understanding of nano-chemistry, have extensive hands-on experience in the synthesis of nanoparticles, and opportunities to present research findings at local and national meetings.
Contact Info
Educational Background
- PhD, Inorganic Chemistry
- Michigan State University
- Bachelor of Science
- Beijing Normal University
Courses Taught
- General Chemistry lecture and laboratory
- Descriptive Inorganic Chemistry
- Analytical Chemistry lecture and laboratory
- Introduction to Nanoscience and Nanotechnology
- Global Environmental Issues
- Senior Seminar and Undergraduate Research