School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, China
Dan Yang is an accomplished associate professor at Nanjing Tech University, specializing in chemistry and molecular engineering. With a strong academic foundation and extensive research experience, she focuses on the synthesis of metal nanoclusters and their applications in photoelectrocatalysis and electrocatalysis. Her research aims to develop innovative solutions for CO2 reduction and biomass conversion, contributing to sustainable chemical processes. Throughout her career, she has made significant contributions to the field, authoring multiple high-impact publications in renowned scientific journals. Dan Yang has successfully secured competitive research grants, demonstrating her expertise in securing funding for cutting-edge projects. With her deep-rooted knowledge in physical chemistry and material science, she continues to make impactful strides in catalysis research, earning recognition and respect in her field.
ORCID Profile
Education
Dan Yang has an extensive academic background in chemistry and material science. She earned her doctoral degree in physical chemistry from Nanjing University (2017–2020) under the supervision of Professors Weiping Ding and Yan Zhu. During her doctoral studies, she focused on the catalytic conversion of C1 molecules using metal clusters. Prior to this, she obtained a master’s degree in material science from Sun Yat-sen University (2012–2014), where she worked under Professor Yuezhong Meng, specializing in the development of advanced materials. Her educational journey began at Northwest Normal University, where she completed her bachelor’s degree in chemistry (2008–2012), building a strong foundation in chemical principles and laboratory techniques. This diverse and robust educational background has equipped Dan Yang with the expertise to conduct innovative research in electrocatalysis and sustainable chemical processes.
Professional Experience
Dan Yang’s professional career reflects her dedication to advancing chemical research. She is currently an associate professor at Nanjing Tech University (2023–present), where she leads research on metal nanocluster synthesis and their applications in photoelectrocatalysis and electrocatalysis of C1 molecules and biomass conversion. Prior to her current role, she served as a postdoctoral researcher at the same university (2021–2022), where she worked on electrocatalytic CO2 reduction reactions (CO2RR) and the conversion of biomass derivatives into valuable chemical products. From 2014 to 2016, she was an assistant research fellow at the Guangzhou Institute of Energy Conversion, Chinese Academy of Sciences. There, she contributed to the development of fine chemicals, including phase-change materials, epoxide plasticizers, and bio-based polyols. Her diverse professional experience underscores her expertise in catalysis, sustainable chemical synthesis, and material science.
Research Interests
Dan Yang’s research interests revolve around catalysis and sustainable chemistry. She specializes in the synthesis of metal nanoclusters and their catalytic applications in photoelectrocatalysis and electrocatalysis. Her current focus includes CO2 reduction reactions (CO2RR) to produce carbon monoxide (CO) and formic acid (HCOOH), offering potential solutions for carbon capture and utilization. She also explores the electrocatalytic transformation of biomass-derived molecules, such as glycerol and glucose, into valuable carboxylic acid products. Additionally, her work investigates the evolution of metal-ligand interfaces in nanoclusters and their impact on catalytic performance. Through her research, Dan Yang aims to develop efficient and sustainable catalytic systems that address environmental challenges and promote green chemical processes.
Research Skills
Dan Yang possesses a diverse set of research skills in the fields of catalysis and material science. She is highly proficient in the synthesis and characterization of metal nanoclusters, utilizing techniques such as transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) to analyze cluster structures. Her expertise extends to electrochemical methods, including cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry, for evaluating catalytic performance. Additionally, she has experience in biomass conversion processes, utilizing electrocatalysis and photoelectrocatalysis techniques. Her analytical skills include advanced data interpretation and the use of computational tools for modeling catalytic reactions. Dan Yang’s technical proficiency enables her to design and optimize catalytic systems for efficient and selective chemical transformations.
Awards and Honors
Dan Yang has received several prestigious awards and research grants in recognition of her contributions to catalysis research. She was awarded the Young Scientists Fund of the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) for her project on the evolution of metal-ligand interfaces in gold clusters for CO2 reduction (2025–2027). She also leads a sub-project of the NSFC International Cooperation and Exchanges Program, focusing on new catalysts and materials for CO2 capture and conversion (2024–2026). Additionally, she secured funding from the Jiangsu Natural Science Foundation of China for her work on glycerol carbonate synthesis through electrochemical CO2 conversion (2023–2026). Dan Yang previously received support from the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation for her research on electrolyte-regulated CO2RR using gold clusters (2022–2023). These accolades highlight her innovative research and scientific impact.
Conclusion
Dan Yang is a distinguished researcher and associate professor with a profound expertise in catalysis, material science, and sustainable chemical processes. Her academic journey, spanning from physical chemistry to material science, has equipped her with the skills and knowledge to tackle complex challenges in CO2 reduction and biomass conversion. With a prolific publication record and multiple research grants, she continues to make significant contributions to the field. Her commitment to advancing sustainable catalytic processes reflects her dedication to addressing pressing environmental challenges. Through her innovative research, Dan Yang remains at the forefront of scientific discovery, driving advancements in electrocatalysis and green chemistry.
Publications Top Notes
- Metal-ligand interfaces for well-defined gold nanoclusters
Authors: Yang, Dan; Wu, Yating; Yuan, Zhaotong; Zhou, Chunmei; Dai, Yihu; Wan, Xiaoyue; Zhu, Yan; Yang, Yanhui
Journal: Science China Chemistry
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Atomically Precise Water-Soluble Gold Nanoclusters: Synthesis and Biomedical Application
Authors: Yan, Qian; Yuan, Zhaotong; Wu, Yating; Zhou, Chunmei; Dai, Yihu; Wan, Xiaoyue; Yang, Dan; Liu, Xu; Xue, Nianhua; Zhu, Yan
Journal: Precision Chemistry
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Direct dehydrogenation of propane over Co@silicalite-1 zeolite: Steaming-induced restructuring of Co2+ active sites
Authors: Long, Jiangping; Tian, Suyang; Wei, Sheng; Lin, Hongqiao; Shi, Guiwen; Zong, Xupeng; Yang, Yanhui; Yang, Dan; Tang, Yu; Dai, Yihu
Journal: Applied Surface Science
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Metal-carbonate interface promoted activity of Ag/MgCO3 catalyst for aqueous-phase formaldehyde reforming into hydrogen
Authors: Wang, Qiaojuan; Wang, Jianyue; Rui, Wenjuan; Yang, Dan; Wan, Xiaoyue; Zhou, Chunmei; Li, Renhong; Liu, Wen; Dai, Yihu; Yang, Yanhui
Journal: Fuel
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Nonoxidative propane dehydrogenation by isolated Co2+ in BEA zeolite: Dealumination-determined key steps of propane C-H activation and propylene desorption
Authors: Wei, Sheng; Dai, Hua; Long, Jiangping; Lin, Hongqiao; Gu, Junkun; Zong, Xupeng; Yang, Dan; Tang, Yu; Yang, Yanhui; Dai, Yihu
Journal: Chemical Engineering Journal
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Investigation into the coking-related key reaction steps in dry reforming of methane over NiMgOx catalyst
Authors: Wang, Jianyue; Wang, Jiawei; Wei, Sheng; Zhang, Yiwen; Tian, Fuhou; Yang, Dan; Kustov, Leonid M.; Yang, Yanhui; Dai, Yihu
Journal: Molecular Catalysis
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Ball-milling-induced phase transition of ZrO2 promotes selective oxidation of glycerol to dihydroxyacetone over supported PtBi bimetal catalyst
Authors: Luo, Pan; Wang, Jianyue; Rui, Wenjuan; Xu, Ruilin; Kuai, Zhiyuan; Yang, Dan; Wan, Xiaoyue; Zhou, Chunmei; Yang, Yanhui; Dai, Yihu
Journal: Chemical Engineering Journal
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Catalytic Conversion of C1 Molecules on Atomically Precise Metal Nanoclusters (vol 4, pg 66, 2022)
Authors: Not listed
Journal: CCS Chemistry
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Non-oxidative propane dehydrogenation over Co/Ti-ZSM-5 catalysts: Ti species-tuned Co state and surface acidity
Authors: Wu, Yueqi; Long, Jiangping; Wei, Sheng; Gao, Yating; Yang, Dan; Dai, Yihu; Yang, Yanhui
Journal: Microporous and Mesoporous Materials
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On the effect of zeolite acid property and reaction pathway in Pd-catalyzed hydrogenation of furfural to cyclopentanone
Authors: Gao, Xing; Ding, Yingying; Peng, Lilin; Yang, Dan; Wan, Xiaoyue; Zhou, Chunmei; Liu, Wen; Dai, Yihu; Yang, Yanhui
Journal: Fuel
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Research Progress in Electrocatalytic CO2 Reduction Reaction over Gold Clusters
Authors: Yang, Dan; Liu, Xu; Dai, Yihu; Zhu, Yan; Yang, Yanhui
Journal: Chemical Journal of Chinese Universities
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Electrocatalytic CO2 Reduction over Atomically Precise Metal Nanoclusters Protected by Organic Ligands
Authors: Yang, Dan; Wang, Jiawei; Wang, Qiaojuan; Yuan, Zhaotong; Dai, Yihu; Zhou, Chunmei; Wan, Xiaoyue; Zhang, Qichun; Yang, Yanhui
Journal: ACS Nano
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Chemoselective Oxidation of Glycerol over Platinum‐Based Catalysts: Toward the Role of Oxide Promoter
Authors: Not listed
Journal: ChemCatChem
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Catalytic Conversion of C1 Molecules on Atomically Precise Metal Nanoclusters
Authors: Not listed
Journal: CCS Chemistry
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Distinct chemical fixation of CO2 enabled by exotic gold nanoclusters
Authors: Yang, Dan; Song, Yu; Yang, Fang; Sun, Yongnan; Li, Shuohao; Liu, Xu; Zhu, Yan; Yang, Yanhui
Journal: The Journal of Chemical Physics
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A survey of recent progress on novel catalytic materials with precise crystalline structures for oxidation/hydrogenation of key biomass platform chemicals
Authors: Not listed
Journal: EcoMat
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Selective CO2 conversion tuned by periodicities in Au8n+4(TBBT)4n+8 nanoclusters
Authors: Not listed
Journal: Nano Research
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Evolution of catalytic activity driven by structural fusion of icosahedral gold cluster cores
Authors: Not listed
Journal: Chinese Journal of Catalysis
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Ligand-protected Au4Ru2 and Au5Ru2 nanoclusters: distinct structures and implications for site-cooperation catalysis
Authors: Not listed
Journal: Chemical Communications
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Structural Relaxation Enabled by Internal Vacancy Available in a 24-Atom Gold Cluster Reinforces Catalytic Reactivity
Authors: Not listed
Journal: Journal of the American Chemical Society
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Controllable Conversion of CO2 on Non‐Metallic Gold Clusters
Authors: Not listed
Journal: Angewandte Chemie International Edition
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Sequence isomerism-dependent self-assembly of glycopeptide mimetics with switchable antibiofilm properties
Authors: Chen, Limin; Feng, Jie; Yang, Dan; Tian, Falin; Ye, Xiaomin; Qian, Qiuping; Wei, Shuai; Zhou, Yunlong
Journal: Chemical Science
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Switchable modulation of bacterial growth and biofilm formation based on supramolecular tripeptide amphiphiles
Authors: Chen, Limin; Yang, Dan; Feng, Jie; Zhang, Min; Qian, Qiuping; Zhou, Yunlong
Journal: Journal of Materials Chemistry B
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The Evolution in Catalytic Activity Driven by Periodic Transformation in the Inner Sites of Gold Clusters
Authors: Sun, Yongnan; Wang, Endong; Ren, Yujing; Xiao, Kang; Liu, Xu; Yang, Dan; Gao, Yi; Ding, Weiping; Zhu, Yan
Journal: Advanced Functional Materials