Trung Huu Le’s research focuses on how to combine semiconductors with molecular catalysts in a way that they can undergo electronic coupling, which will enable them to cooperatively work together in using light energy for chemical productions. Specifically, he works on tethering a variety of (electro)catalysts to silicon nanocrystals with special attention on identifying the molecular chemistry between them that could allow seamless photo-induced charge transfer and enhance their photo(electro)catalytic performance. Currently, he’s focusing on the catalysts active towards hydrogen evolution, carbon dioxide reduction and cross-coupling reactions.

Artificial photosynthesis

Photo(electro)catalysis

Semiconductor nanomaterial

Catalysis