Ma Research Group

We are exploring 'Chemistry Beyond Molecules', especially at the interfaces of supramolecular chemistry, functional polymers and electrochemistry. We design and develop novel materials with defined structure and superior properties for biomedicine, catalysis and energy application. Current research interests include:

1.Bio-compatible conducting polymers for tissue regeneration.

By introducing hydrophilic oligomers into polypyrrole matrix, we have achieved a flexible and robust conductive polymer film with high bio-compatibility and stability in vivo. We are using the material as a flexible electrode for electro-stimulating tissue regeneration.

2.Responsive and robust polymers for ambient energy harvest and conversion.

Water evaporation generates a water gradient which is associating with available Gibbs free energy. Guided by the knowledge of hydrogen bond and self-assembly, robust polymers are designed to perform fast and reversible mechanical response to water gradients. The mechanical energy is further converted into electrical power, which could be utilized for sensors and micro-electronics.

3.Non-noble metal catalysts with defined nano-architecture for water splitting.

Efficiently splitting water to generate hydrogen and oxygen is promising for clean and renewable energy. Cobalt-based catalysts have attracted many interests due to their high catalytic activity for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER). We are focusing on amorphous cobalt boride, which can be easily synthesized and modified by doping. By using a transient template strategy, we can control the architecture of the nano-sized catalyst to achieve high activity.


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We are exploring 'Chemistry Beyond Molecules', especially at the interfaces of supramolecular chemistry, functional polymers and electrochemistry. We design and develop novel materials with defined structure and superior properties for biomedicine, catalysis and energy application. Current research interests include:
1.Bio-compatible conducting polymers for tissue regeneration. By introducing hydrophilic oligomers into polypyrrole matrix, we have achieved a flexible and robust conductive polymer film with high bio-compatibility and stability in vivo. We are using the material as a flexible electrode for electro-stimulating tissue regeneration.
2.Responsive and robust polymers for ambient energy harvest and conversion. Water evaporation generates a water gradient which is associating with available Gibbs free energy. Guided by the knowledge of hydrogen bond and self-assembly, robust polymers are designed to perform fast and reversible mechanical response to water gradients. The mechanical energy is further converted into electrical power, which could be utilized for sensors and micro-electronics.
3.Non-noble metal catalysts with defined nano-architecture for water splitting. Efficiently splitting water to generate hydrogen and oxygen is promising for clean and renewable energy. Cobalt-based catalysts have attracted many interests due to their high catalytic activity for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER). We are focusing on amorphous cobalt boride, which can be easily synthesized and modified by doping. By using a transient template strategy, we can control the architecture of the nano-sized catalyst to achieve high activity.