Professor From Inner Mongolia University, China
Dr. Kun Lan is currently a Principal Investigator at the College of Energy Materials and Chemistry, Inner Mongolia University. With a research focus on crystalline mesoporous materials, Dr. Lan has contributed significantly to the field of materials chemistry, authoring over 70 peer-reviewed publications in top-tier journals such as Nature Chemistry, JACS, and Advanced Materials. His academic journey spans esteemed institutions including Lanzhou University, Fudan University, and the University of California, Riverside. His interdisciplinary work bridges chemistry, nanotechnology, and renewable energy applications. As head of the K Lab, he leads a team developing novel mesostructures with relevance to sustainable technologies and energy storage. Dr. Lan has earned multiple national and institutional recognitions for his research excellence, including the National Natural Science Foundation of China grants and the BTR New-Energy Scientific Contest Award. He is also an active member of the scientific community, serving on editorial boards and peer-review panels for international journals. Known for his strong mentorship, innovative approaches to porous material synthesis, and his deep engagement in academic collaboration, Dr. Lan is committed to advancing the frontiers of energy material science through both fundamental discoveries and practical innovations.
Professional Profile
Education
Dr. Kun Lan’s academic path began at Lanzhou University, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Chemistry in 2013. During his undergraduate years, he developed a foundational understanding of chemical synthesis and material characterization, which sparked his lasting interest in functional materials. Motivated by his growing curiosity, Dr. Lan pursued his Ph.D. in Chemistry at Fudan University under the mentorship of Prof. Dongyuan Zhao, a globally recognized authority in mesoporous materials. He earned his doctorate in 2020, producing a highly cited body of work focused on the design and synthesis of crystalline mesostructures. His Ph.D. research addressed challenges in structural precision and functional integration in porous materials, contributing significantly to the understanding of mesophase control. In 2018–2019, he was a visiting doctoral student at the University of California, Riverside, where he expanded his research scope through international collaboration and exposure to cutting-edge laboratory techniques. These formative academic experiences equipped Dr. Lan with a robust scientific foundation and a global perspective, both of which continue to inform his research direction. His education has been instrumental in developing the skills and mindset necessary for tackling pressing challenges in materials chemistry and renewable technologies.
Professional Experience
Dr. Kun Lan’s professional journey is marked by a steady progression through prestigious academic and research institutions. From 2018 to 2019, he undertook a visiting research appointment at the University of California, Riverside, where he enhanced his understanding of nanomaterial assembly and characterization in an international setting. Following the completion of his Ph.D. in 2020, Dr. Lan served as a Postdoctoral Fellow at Fudan University, where he worked closely with Prof. Dongyuan Zhao. During this time, he deepened his expertise in the controlled synthesis of mesoporous materials and published extensively in high-impact journals. In June 2022, Dr. Lan joined the College of Energy Materials and Chemistry at Inner Mongolia University as a Principal Investigator, where he established the K Lab. As a PI, he leads interdisciplinary research focused on mesostructure design for energy-related applications. He mentors graduate and undergraduate students, secures competitive research funding, and actively contributes to the academic community through collaborations, peer reviews, and conference presentations. His leadership has propelled K Lab into a dynamic research environment known for innovation and academic rigor. Dr. Lan’s career reflects a dedication to scientific excellence, international collaboration, and the development of next-generation researchers in energy materials science.
Research Interests
Dr. Kun Lan’s research lies at the intersection of materials chemistry and sustainable technology, with a focus on the precision synthesis of crystalline mesoporous materials. He is particularly interested in controlling the atomic and mesostructural architecture of porous systems to enhance their performance in catalysis, energy storage, and separation technologies. His work explores the fundamental principles of assembly chemistry, aiming to understand and manipulate the self-organization of building blocks into ordered frameworks. A key objective of his research is to design novel mesostructures with high surface area, tunable porosity, and tailored functionality for renewable technology applications. These include advanced batteries, supercapacitors, and carbon capture materials. Dr. Lan is also committed to developing scalable synthetic routes that bridge the gap between laboratory innovation and industrial relevance. His interdisciplinary approach integrates concepts from solid-state chemistry, colloidal science, and nanotechnology, and often involves collaboration across chemistry, physics, and engineering domains. By addressing critical energy and environmental challenges through materials design, Dr. Lan’s research contributes to the development of sustainable technologies and green manufacturing processes. His work continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in the rational design of hierarchical and hybrid porous materials.
Research Skills
Dr. Kun Lan possesses a comprehensive skill set that spans advanced synthesis, structural characterization, and application testing of functional materials. He is an expert in templating strategies for constructing crystalline mesoporous materials, with extensive experience in sol–gel chemistry, surfactant-assisted assembly, and confined space synthesis. His lab proficiency includes a wide range of material characterization techniques, such as small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), N₂ adsorption-desorption isotherms, and solid-state NMR, enabling him to thoroughly investigate structural and textural properties. Dr. Lan is adept at using advanced software tools for 3D structural modeling and diffraction analysis, as well as programming for data processing. He also has hands-on experience in electrochemical testing for batteries and supercapacitors, including cyclic voltammetry (CV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and galvanostatic charge-discharge (GCD) measurements. In addition, Dr. Lan is skilled in project management, grant writing, and academic publishing, with over 70 peer-reviewed articles. He regularly collaborates with national and international research teams, and actively mentors graduate students, contributing to capacity building in materials research. His broad technical and leadership capabilities support the successful execution of interdisciplinary projects targeting energy, environmental, and catalytic applications.
Awards and Honors
Dr. Kun Lan has received numerous awards in recognition of his academic excellence and contributions to materials chemistry. His accolades began with the prestigious CSC State Scholarship Fund and the Tongji-Clearon Outstanding Academician Award in 2018. In 2019, he was honored with the Baosteel Excellent Student Award, followed by the title of Outstanding Graduate of Fudan University in 2020. His postdoctoral research earned him further distinction, including the 3rd Fudan Postdoctoral Venture Competition Award and the 1st BTR New-Energy Scientific Contest Award in 2021. In the same year, he won the Nano Research Oral Prize at the 21st Chinese Zeolite Conference and was recognized with the Excellent Doctoral Thesis Award by Fudan University in 2023. Dr. Lan has secured competitive funding from national and provincial bodies, such as the Fudan Super Postdoctoral Program, the 67th China Postdoctoral Science Foundation, and the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC). He is also supported by regional talent programs including the “Junma” Program and the Grassland Talent Program. His leadership potential has been further recognized through appointments to editorial boards and invitations to review for top-tier journals like Angewandte Chemie, Advanced Materials, and Nature Protocols.
Conclusion
Dr. Kun Lan stands at the forefront of research in mesoporous materials and their applications in renewable energy technologies. With a robust academic background, diverse international experience, and a consistent record of impactful publications, he has established himself as a dynamic and influential scientist. Through the K Lab at Inner Mongolia University, Dr. Lan continues to pursue groundbreaking work in materials chemistry, fostering innovation and collaboration across disciplines. His efforts in mentorship and scientific outreach have inspired a new generation of researchers. The breadth of his research—from fundamental studies in self-assembly to practical solutions for energy storage—demonstrates his commitment to addressing global challenges through chemistry. His extensive publication record, awards, and ongoing participation in national research programs reflect a strong and growing impact in the field. As an educator, collaborator, and innovator, Dr. Kun Lan embodies the qualities of a future scientific leader in sustainable materials research. His continued work promises to deliver valuable insights and technologies that will shape the future of energy and materials science.
Publications Top Notes
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Metal-based mesoporous frameworks as high-performance platforms in energy storage and conversion
Authors: Rongyao Li, Xu Wen, Yuqi Zhao, Sicheng Fan, Qiulong Wei, Kun Lan
Year: 2025
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DFT-Guided Design of Dual Dopants in Anatase TiO2 for Boosted Sodium Storage
Authors: Shuang Li, Xu Wen, Xin Miao, Rongyao Li, Wendi Wang, Xiaoyu Li, Ziyang Guo, Dongyuan Zhao, Kun Lan
Year: 2024
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Conversion of Z-Scheme to type-II in dual-defective V2O5/C3N4 heterostructure for durable hydrogen evolution
Authors: Jingyu Zhang, Jialong Li, Jinwei He, Yalin He, Zelin Wang, Shuang Li, Zhanli Chai, Kun Lan
Year: 2024
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Lanthanum-Integrated Porous Adsorbent for Effective Phosphorus Removal
Authors: Yalin He, Xingyue Qi, Jialong Li, Wendi Wang, Jingyu Zhang, Lanhao Yang, Mei Xue, Kun Lan
Year: 2024
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Ordered Mesoporous Crystalline Frameworks Toward Promising Energy Applications
Authors: Jialong Li, Rongyao Li, Wendi Wang, Kun Lan, Dongyuan Zhao
Year: 2024
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Intrinsic Surface-Redox Sodium-Ion Storage Mechanism of Anatase Titanium Oxide toward High-Rate Capability
Authors: Kun Lan (and team, unspecified here)
Year: 2023
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Nanodroplet Remodeling Strategy for Synthesis of Hierarchical Multi-chambered Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles
Authors: Kun Lan (and team, unspecified here)
Year: 2023
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Construction of Type-II Heterojunctions in Crystalline Carbon Nitride for Efficient Photocatalytic H2 Evolution
Authors: Jingyu Zhang, Zhongliang Li, Jialong Li, Yalin He, Haojie Tong, Shuang Li, Zhanli Chai, Kun Lan
Year: 2023
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Stepwise Monomicelle Assembly for Highly Ordered Mesoporous TiO2 Membranes with Precisely Tailored Mesophase and Porosity
Authors: Kun Lan, Lu Liu, Jiayu Yu, Yuzhu Ma, Jun-Ye Zhang, Zirui Lv, Sixing Yin, Qiulong Wei, Dongyuan Zhao
Year: 2023
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Constructing Unique Mesoporous Carbon Superstructures via Monomicelle Interface Confined Assembly
Authors: Kun Lan
Year: 2022
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Synthesis of Ni/NiO@MoO3-x Composite Nanoarrays for High Current Density Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Kun Lan
Year: 2022
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Versatile Synthesis of Mesoporous Crystalline TiO2 Materials by Monomicelle Assembly
Authors: Kun Lan
Year: 2022
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Modular super-assembly of hierarchical superstructures from monomicelle building blocks
Authors: Kun Lan
Year: 2022
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Functional Ordered Mesoporous Materials: Present and Future
Authors: Kun Lan
Year: 2022
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Precisely Designed Mesoscopic Titania for High-Volumetric-Density Pseudocapacitance
Authors: Kun Lan
Year: 2021
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Streamlined Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles with Tunable Curvature from Interfacial Dynamic-Migration Strategy for Nanomotors
Authors: Kun Lan
Year: 2021
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General Synthesis of Ultrafine Monodispersed Hybrid Nanoparticles from Highly Stable Monomicelles
Authors: Kun Lan
Year: 2021
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Precisely Controlled Vertical Alignment in Mesostructured Carbon Thin Films for Efficient Electrochemical Sensing
Authors: Kun Lan
Year: 2021
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Surface-Confined Winding Assembly of Mesoporous Nanorods
Authors: Kun Lan
Year: 2020
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Interfacial Assembly Directed Unique Mesoporous Architectures: From Symmetric to Asymmetric
Authors: Kun Lan
Year: 2020
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Stable Ti3+ Defects in Oriented Mesoporous Titania Frameworks for Efficient Photocatalysis
Authors: Kun Lan, Ruicong Wang, Qiulong Wei, Yanxiang Wang, Anh Hong, Pingyun Feng, Dongyuan Zhao
Year: 2020
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Branched Mesoporous TiO2 Mesocrystals by Epitaxial Assembly of Micelles for Photocatalysis
Authors: Kun Lan
Year: 2020
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Synthesis of uniform ordered mesoporous TiO2 microspheres with controllable phase junctions for efficient solar water splitting
Authors: Kun Lan
Year: 2019
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Defect-engineering of mesoporous TiO2 microspheres with phase junctions for efficient visible-light driven fuel production
Authors: Kun Lan
Year: 2019
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Janus Mesoporous Sensor Devices for Simultaneous Multivariable Gases Detection
Authors: Kun Lan
Yar: 2019
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Two-Dimensional Mesoporous Heterostructure Delivering Superior Pseudocapacitive Sodium Storage via Bottom-Up Monomicelle Assembly
Authors: Kun Lan
Year: 2019
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Confined Interfacial Monomicelle Assembly for Precisely Controlled Coating of Single-Layered Titania Mesopores
Authors: Kun Lan
Year: 2019
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Confinement synthesis of hierarchical ordered macro-/mesoporous TiO2 nanostructures with high crystallization for photodegradation
Authors: Kun Lan
Year: 2019
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Fully printable hole-conductor-free mesoscopic perovskite solar cells based on mesoporous anatase single crystals
Authors: Kun Lan
Year: 2018
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Mesoporous TiO2 Microspheres with Precisely Controlled Crystallites and Architectures
Authors: Kun Lan
Year: 2018
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Mesoporous TiO2 /TiC@C Composite Membranes with Stable TiO2-C Interface for Robust Lithium Storage
Authors: Kun Lan
Year: 2018
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Uniform Ordered Two-Dimensional Mesoporous TiO2 Nanosheets from Hydrothermal-Induced Solvent-Confined Monomicelle Assembly
Authors: Kun Lan, Yao Liu, Wei Zhang, Yong Liu, Ahmed Elzatahry, Ruicong Wang, Yongyao Xia, Dhaifallah Al-Dhayan, Nanfeng Zheng, Dongyuan Zhao
Year: 2018
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Constructing Three-Dimensional Mesoporous Bouquet-Posy-like TiO2 Superstructures with Radially Oriented Mesochannels and Single-Crystal Walls
Authors: Yong Liu, Kun Lan, Shushuang Li, Yongmei Liu, Biao Kong, Geng Wang, Pengfei Zhang, Ruicong Wang, Haili He, Yun Ling, et al.
Year: 2016
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Template synthesis of metal tungsten nanowire bundles with high field electron emission performance
Authors: Yong Liu, Kun Lan, Mahir H. Es-Saheb, Ahmed A. Elzatahry, Dongyuan Zhao
Year: 2016
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Surfactant-templating strategy for ultrathin mesoporous TiO2 coating on flexible graphitized carbon supports for high-performance lithium-ion battery
Authors: Kun Lan
Year: 2016
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Ordered Macro/Mesoporous TiO2 Hollow Microspheres with Highly Crystalline Thin Shells for High-Efficiency Photoconversion
Authors: Yong Liu, Kun Lan, Abdulaziz A. Bagabas, Pengfei Zhang, Wenjun Gao, Jingxiu Wang, Zhenkun Sun, Jianwei Fan, Ahmed A. Elzatahry, Dongyuan Zhao
Year: 2015
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Mesoporous TiO2 Mesocrystals: Remarkable Defects-Induced Crystallite-Interface Reactivity and Their in Situ Conversion to Single Crystals
Authors: Yong Liu, Yongfeng Luo, Ahmed A. Elzatahry, Wei Luo, Renchao Che, Jianwei Fan, Kun Lan, Abdullah M. Al-Enizi, Zhenkun Sun, Bin Li, et al.
Year: 2015