Photocatalysis and Sustainable Polymer Design: Toward Circularity and Environmental Remediation by Dr Xin Liu

04 Jul 2025 10.00 AM - 11.00 AM Zoom Meeting Alumni, Current Students

NTU MSE Webinar Hosted by Associate Professor Andrew Grimsdale

Abstract

The design and development of catalytic strategies serve as a cornerstone for advancing both small molecule synthesis and polymer chemistry. My research focuses on leveraging homogeneous catalysis to tackle critical challenges in molecular synthesis and polymer sustainability, with a particular emphasis on fluorinated pollutant degradation, recyclable polymer design, and the valorization of polymer waste. Specifically, (1) Photocatalytic degradation of fluorinated compounds – we employ advanced photocatalytic systems to break down environmentally persistent fluorinated substances, including per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly known as “forever chemicals,” which pose severe ecological and health threats. (2) Design of recyclable polymers – we develop next-generation polymers with intrinsic recyclability, addressing the escalating global plastic waste crisis and facilitating the transition towards a circular materials economy. (3) Upcycling of plastic waste – we pioneer light-driven catalytic methodologies to transform post-consumer polymer waste into high-value materials, creating sustainable alternatives to conventional disposal and incineration practices.

Representative Publications:
  1. Liu, X.; Sau, A.; Popescu, M.; Green, A.; Pompetti, N.; Li, Y.; Zhao, Y.; Paton, R.; Damrauer, N.; Miyake. G. Photocatalytic C‒F bond activation in small molecules and polyfluoroalkyl substances. Nature, 2025, 637, 601–607.
  2. Liu, X.; Hu, Z.; Rettner, E.; Harry, K.; Miscall, J.; Rorrer, N. A.; Miyake. G. Catalytic closed-loop recycling of polyethylene-like materials produced by acceptorless dehydrogenative polymerization of bio-derived diols. Nat. Chem., 2025, 17, 500–506.
  3. Liu, X.; Hu, Z.; Portela, B. S.; Rettner, E. M.; Pineda, A.; Krummel, A. T.; Paton, R. S.; Miyake. G. Photooxidation of Polyolefins to Produce Materials with In-chain Ketones and Improved Materials Properties. Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2024, e202418411.
Biography

Dr. Xin Liu
Postdoctoral Scholar
Department of Chemistry
Colorado State University

Dr. Xin Liu boasts a distinguished and interdisciplinary research background that seamlessly integrates organometallic chemistry, photocatalysis, and polymer synthesis. After earning his Master’s degree with distinction in 2017, Dr. Liu embarked on a transcontinental academic journey, he moved to the other end of the Eurasion continent and joined the group of Prof. Thomas Werner and Johannes G. de Vries at the Leibniz Institute for Catalysis (LIKAT) in Germany, where he focused on 3d metal-catalyzed transformations. In January 2022, he transitioned across the Atlantic to join Prof. Garret Miyake’s research group at Colorado State University, where his research endeavors have expanded to the design of organic photoredox catalysts, the development of recyclable polymers, the upcycling of waste polymers into high-value materials, and development of novel 13C isotopic incorporation techniques. Dr. Liu has made outstanding contributions across these diverse fields, with 12 first-author publications in prestigious journals such as Nature, Nat. Chem, and Angew.

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