Overview
Chi's research interest is on designing better materials by advancing our knowledge of the behavior of atoms, electrons, and ions in materials using novel electron microscopy, for applications in energy, sustainability, and microelectronics.
Current Appointments & Affiliations
Professor in the Thomas Lord Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science
·
2023 - Present
Thomas Lord Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science,
Pratt School of Engineering
Recent Publications
Rinse-Free, Sodium-Efficient Synthesis of O3-Type Layered Oxide Materials Enabled by Acetate Precursors
Journal Article ACS Applied Energy Materials · May 25, 2026 Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) are a sustainable alternative to lithium-ion systems for global electrification, with O3-type layered oxide cathodes offering high specific capacity and feasibility of scalable synthesis. Industrial co-precipitation synthesis of ... Full text CiteEffect of Oxide Chemistry on Pt Redistribution and Site Exposure in ALD-Coated Catalysts
Journal Article ACS Catalysis · April 3, 2026 The development of sinter-resistant catalysts is critical for improving the longevity and efficiency of emission control systems. Atomic layer deposition (ALD) has been used to deposit thin, porous oxide materials on supported catalysts to enhance their th ... Full text CiteEliciting a Synergistic Effect between Mixed Metal Oxides and Metallic Pt Nanoparticles for Active and Stable Catalysts
Journal Article ACS Catalysis · February 6, 2026 Cold start exhaust from vehicular internal combustion engines contributes significantly to the total portion of vehicle emissions, yet modern emission control catalysts still rely on high exhaust temperatures to reach peak catalytic activity while being se ... Full text CiteRecent Grants
Collaborative Research: DMREF:NSF-NSERC: Data-Driven Multi-Element Doping for Optimally Controlled Ion-Electron Conduction
ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by National Science Foundation · 2025 - 2029Collaborative Research: GCR: Non-Equilibrium Electrochemical Plasma Catalysis for Distributed Electrified Ammonia Synthesis
ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by National Science Foundation · 2024 - 2029ESRA Energy Storage Research Alliance
ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by Argonne National Laboratory · 2024 - 2028View All Grants
Education
University of California, Davis ·
2008
Ph.D.