Minghua Huang
Basic information：Professor, Department of Polymer Materials and Engineering,
Doctoral supervisor，Humboldt scholar in Germany，Excellent graduate tutor of Shandong Province，The most beautiful teacher of Ocean University of China，Editorial board member of Nano Research、Young editorial board member of Green Carbon and Rare Metals
E-Mail: huangminghua@ouc.edu.cn
Research Interests
1、Electrolysis (sea) water to produce hydrogen energy
2、Seawater battery
3、Hydrogen fuel cell/zinc air battery
4、Electrocatalytic reduction of carbon dioxide
Biography
Work and education experience
2018 to date：Ocean University of China，Professor
2013-2017：Ocean University of China，Associate Professor/Young Talent II
2011-2013：University of Ruhr Bochum, Germany，Senior Scientist
2008-2010：Leibniz University of Hannover, Germany，Scientist
2007-2008：Max Planck Institute for Colloids and Interfaces, Germany，Humboldt scholar in Germany
2001-2007：Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences，Doctor
1997-2001：Henan University，Bachelor
Major academic achievements
Currently, our research focuses on integrating national strategic needs with fundamental research, guided by China’s “dual carbon” goals and the development demands for marine renewable energy. Leveraging Qingdao's distinctive advantages in marine science, we concentrate on key materials and technologies for hydrogen production via water (or seawater) electrolysis, fuel cells, and seawater batteries. Our aim is to tackle critical challenges in the clean hydrogen energy sector, particularly addressing the bottleneck associated with the use of precious metal platinum (Pt) as a core material. To date, we have published over 130 papers in top international journals, including Nature Synthesis, Nature Communications, Journal of the American Chemical Society, Angewandte Chemie International Edition, and Advanced Materials. One of our articles was featured in Science as a highlight. Additionally, we have contributed a chapter to an English monograph, obtained 8 authorized invention patents, and led several research projects, including the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Youth and General Programs), Sino-German International Collaboration Projects, and BRICS STI Framework Program and so on.
Honors and Awards
2024: Second Prize, Second Hai Chao Outstanding Talent Award, Ocean University of China
2024: Second Prize, Excellent Mentor in Innovation and Entrepreneurship Education, Second Tainuo Award, Ocean University of China
2024: First Prize, Natural Science Award, Shandong Society of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
2024: Outstanding Undergraduate Thesis Advisor, Ocean University of China
2023: Outstanding Teacher Award, Ocean University of China
2023: Outstanding Graduate Advisor, Shandong Province
2022: Most Inspiring Teacher, Ocean University of China
2022: Silver Medal Mentor, 8th Shandong Provincial Science and Technology Innovation Competition
2022: Model of Achievement and Dedication, Ocean University of China
2020: Second Prize, Tiantai Outstanding Talent Award, Ocean University of China
2020: Outstanding Undergraduate Thesis Advisor, Ocean University of China Guide
Students to win prizes in competitions
2024: First Prize, 2024 Challenge Cup University Student Extracurricular Academic Science and Technology Competition, Ocean University of China
2024: Third Prize, 19th National Challenge Cup University Student Extracurricular Academic Science and Technology Competition, Special List Leader Category
2024: Third Prize, Shandong Provincial New Material Industry Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition
2024: Second Prize, China International University Student Innovation Competition, Ocean University of China
2024: Ninth Chunhua Co-Creation Inspiration Award, Ocean University of China
2024: Graduate Student of the Year, Ocean University of China
2023: Second Prize, Shandong Provincial University Student Energy Conservation and Emission Reduction Social Practice and Technology Competition
2022: Third Prize, Ninth Chegu Cup China Graduate Energy Equipment Innovation and Design Competition
2021: Second Prize, Eighth Jereh Cup China Graduate Energy Equipment Innovation and Design Competition
2021: Second Prize, Eighth Shandong Provincial University Student Science and Technology Innovation Competition
2021: Third Prize, Fifth National University Student Materials Design Invitational Competition, Chaozhou Sanhuan Cup
2021: Special Prize, Eighth Shandong Provincial University Student Science and Technology Innovation Competition (Campus Selection)
2020: First Prize, Seventh University Student Science and Technology Innovation Competition, Ocean University of China
Representative research project
Presided over/participated in a number of projects such as the National Natural Science Foundation, and the representative projects are as follows：
1. International Natural Science Foundation Regional Innovation Development Joint fund project
2. National Natural Science Foundation of China International cooperation project
3. National Natural Science Foundation of China
4. Sino-German cooperative research project of Sino-German Science Center, National Natural Science Foundation of China
5. National Natural Science Foundation of China Youth Project
6. Major basic research project of Natural Science Foundation of Shandong Province
Research output (Representative Publications in the Past Three Year)
Over 130 papers have been published in top-tier international journals such as Nature Synthesis, Nature Communications, Nature Science Reviews, Journal of the American Chemical Society, Angewandte Chemie International Edition, and Advanced Materials. Some representative publications since 2023 include:
1. J. Y. Sun, B. K. Shi, S. X. Dai, L. Chu, H. L. Wang, M. H. Huang*, Promoted *OH adsorption facilitates C─C Bond cleavage for efficient electrochemical upcycling of polyethylene terephthalate. ACS Catalysis., 2025, 15, 529-542.
2. X. Liu, C. H. Zhang, H. X. Yao, C. Zhen, L. L. Xu, K. Y. Chen, Z. Fan, X. K. Wang*, M. D. Gu*, M. H. Huang*, H. Q. Jiang*. Tuning metal-nonmetal atomic pair distance to achieve demagnetization control in single-atom catalysts for seawater-based Zn-air batteries. Appl. Catal. B-Environ and Energy., 2025, 365, 124990.
3. J. Zhou, L. L. Xu, H. Y. Gai, N. Xu, Z. C. Ren, X. B. Hou, Z. K. Chen, Z. K. Han*, D. Sarker, S. V. Levchenko, M. H. Huang*, Interpretable data-driven descriptors for establishing the structure-activity relationship of metal–organic frameworks toward oxygen evolution reaction, Angew. Chem. Int. Ed., 2024, e202409449.
4. Z. K. Chen, Q. Q. Fan, X. K. Wang, L. Q. Kang, W. C. Wan, J. T. Avaro, S. Y. Zhang, C. Scheu, J. Zhou, S. DeBeer, S. Heumann*, M. H. Huang*, H. Q. Jiang*, H. Cölfen*, National Science Review, 2024, nwae427, https://doi.org/10.1093/nsr/nwae427.
5. T. J. Ni, X. B. Hou, J. Zhou, C. H. Zhang, S. X. Dai, L. Chu, H. L. Wang, H. Q. Jiang, M. H. Huang*, Tailoring coordination fields of asymmetric MO5S1‐type metal–organic frameworks catalysts for accelerated oxygen evolution reaction, Adv. Funct. Mater., 2024, 2413856.
6. J. Zhou, Z. C. Ren, F. Qiao, H. Y. Gai, S. Qiu, C. H. Zhang, X. K. Wang, Z. K. Chen, H. Q. Jiang, M. H. Huang*. Unraveling volcano trend in OER of metal–organic frameworks with asymmetric configuration through energy band engineering. Appl. Catal. B-Environ and Engergy., 2024, 353, 124089.
7. D. K. Kang, C.H. Zhang, X.K.Wang*, F.Q.Wang, H. Y. Gai, H. X. Yao, X. Liu, Z. Z.He, M. H. Huang*, H. Q. Jiang, Efficient atomically dispersed Fe catalysts with robust three-phase interface for stable seawater-based zinc-air batteries, Green Carbon, 2024, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.greenca.2024.09.002.
8. C. H. Zhang, X. Liu, C. Zhen, H. X. Yao, L. L. Xu, H. B. Ye, Y. Wang, X. K. Wang*, M.D. Gu*, M. H. Huang*, H.Q. Jiang*, Symmetry-breaking CoN3S1 centers enable inert chloride ion adsorption for facilitating self-driven overall seawater splitting, Chem. Catalysis, 2024, DOI: 10.1016/j.checat.2024.101169.
9. X. T. Wei, S. C. Zhang, X.S. Lv, S. X. Dai, H. L. Wang, M. H. Huang*, Local-reconstruction enables cobalt phosphide array with bifunctional hydrogen evolution and hydrazine oxidation, Appl.Cata. B: Environ. and Energy, 2024, 345, 123661.
10. K.C. Tong, L. Xu; H. X. Yao, X. K. Wang*, C. H. Zhang, F. Yang, L. Chu, J. Lee*, H.Q. Jiang*, M. H. Huang*, Hydrogen spillover bridged dual nano-islands triggered by built-in electric field for efficient and robust alkaline hydrogen evolution at ampere-level current density, Nano Research, 2024, 17(6): 5050−5060.
11. X. B. Hou, T. J. Ni, Z. Z. Zhang, J. Zhou, S.C. Zhang, L. Chu, S. X. Dai, H. L. Wang, M. H. Huang*, Reinforcing built-in electric field via weakening metal–oxygen covalency within MOFs-based heterointerface for robust oxygen evolution reaction, Chem. Eng. J., 2024, 495, 153464.
12. X. B. Hou, C. Yu, T. J. Ni, S. C. Zhang, J. Zhou, S. X. Dai, L. Chu, M. H. Huang*, Constructing amorphous/crystalline NiFe-MOF@NiS heterojunction catalysts for enhanced water/seawater oxidation at large current density, Chinese Journal of Catalysis, 2024, 61, 192-204.
13. Z. K. Chen, R. Schmid, X. K. Wang, M. Q. Fu, Z. K. Han, Q. Q. Fan, E. Scheer, M. H. Huang*, P. Nielaba*, H. Cölfen*. Growth strategy for solution-phase growth of two-dimensional nanomaterials via a unified model. Nat. Synth., 2023, 2, 670-677.
14. X. K. Wang, L. L. Xu, C. Li, C. H. Zhang, H. X. Yao, R. Xu, P. X. Cui, X. S. Zheng, M. Gu*, J. Lee*, H. Jiang*, M. H. Huang*. Developing a class of dual atom materials for multifunctional catalytic reactions. Nat. Commun., 2023, 14, 7210.
15. X. K. Wang, X. K. Zhou, C. Li, H. X. Yao, C. H. Zhang, J. Zhou, R. Xu, L. Chu, H. L. Wang, M. Gu, H. Q. Jiang, M. H. Huang*. Asymmetric Co-N3P1 trifunctional catalyst with tailored electronic structures enabling boosted activities and corrosion resistance in uninterrupted seawater splitting system. Adv. Mater., 2022, 34, 2204021.
16. Z. K. Chen*, X. K. Wang, Z. K. Han, S. Y. Zhang, S. Pollastri, Q. Q. Fan, Z. Y. Qu, D. Sarker, C. Scheu, M. H. Huang*, H. Cölfen*. Revealing the formation mechanism and optimizing the synthesis conditions of layered double hydroxides for the oxygen evolution reaction. Angew. Chem. Int. Ed., 2023, 62, e200515728.
17. Z. K. Chen, Q. Q. Fan, J. Zhou, X. K. Wang, M. H. Huang*, H. Q. Jiang*, H. Cölfen*. Toward understanding the formation mechanism and OER catalytic mechanism of hydroxides by in situ and operando techniques. Angew. Chem. Int. Ed., 2023, 62, e2023092.
18. C. H. Zhang, X. K. Wang, Z. T. Ma, H. X. Yao, H. J. Liu, C. Li, J. Zhou, R. Xu, X. S. Zheng, H. L. Wang, Q. Li, M. Gu, H. Q. Jiang, M. H. Huang*. Spin state modulation on dual Fe center by adjacent Ni sites enabling the boosted activities and ultra-long stability in Zn-air batteries. Sci. Bull., 2023, 68, 2042-2053.
19. S. C. Zhang, X. T. Wei, S. X. Dai, H. L. Wang, M. H. Huang*. Efficient hydrazine electro-oxidation achieved by tailored electron injection into Fe (III) sites activating dehydrogenation. Adv. Funct. Mater., 2023, 2311370.
20. J. Zhou, F. Qiao, Z. C. Ren, X. B. Hou, Z. K. Chen, S. X. Dai, G. Su, Z. W. Cao, H. Q. Jiang, M. H. Huang*. Amorphization engineering of bimetallic metal-organic frameworks to identify volcano-type trend toward oxygen evolution reaction. Adv. Funct. Mater., 2023, 34, 2304380.
21. X. K. Wang, H. X. Yao, C. H. Zhang, C. Li, K. C. Tong, M. Gu, Z. W. Cao*, M. H. Huang*, H. Q. Jiang. Double-tuned RuCo dual metal single atoms and nanoalloy with synchronously expedited Volmer/Tafel kinetics for effective and ultrastable ampere-level-current-density hydrogen production, Adv. Funct. Mater., 2023, 33, 2301804.
22. Y. Y. Song, M. Z. Sun, S. C. Zhang, X. Y. Zhang, P. Yi, J. Z. Liu, B. L. Huang*, M. H. Huang*, and L. X. Zhang*, Alleviating the work function of vein-like CoXP by Cr doping for enhanced seawater electrolysis. Adv. Funct. Mater., 2023, 33, 2214081.
23. S. C. Zhang, C. H. Zhang, X. S. Zheng, G. Su, H. L. Wang, M. H. Huang*, Integrating electrophilic and nucleophilic dual sites on heterogeneous bimetallic phosphide via enhancing interfacial electronic field to boost hydrazine oxidation and hydrogen evolution. Appl. Catal. B-Environ., 2023, 324, 122207.
24. S. C. Zhang, Y. Wang, X. T. Wei, L. Chu, W. Q. Tian, H. L. Wang, M. H. Huang*. Dual interface-reinforced built-in electric field for chlorine-free seawater oxidation. Appl. Catal. B-Environ., 2023, 336, 122926.
25. X. J. Xu, C. H. Zhang, J. Y. Li, H. Liu, G. Su, Z. C. Shi, M. H. Huang*, Redistributing interfacial charge density of Ni12P5/Ni3P via Fe doping for ultrafast urea oxidation catalysis at large current densities. Chem. Eng. J., 2023, 452, 139362.
26. X. J. Xu, X. T. Wei, L. L. Xu, M. H. Huang*, A. Toghan. Elucidating the promotion mechanism of the ternary cooperative heterostructure toward industrial-level urea oxidation catalysis. J. Energy Chem., 2023, 85, 116-125.
27. Z. K. Chen, Q. Q. Fan, M. H. Huang*, H. Cölfen*. The structure, preparation, characterization, and intercalation mechanism of layered hydroxides intercalated with guest anions. Small, 2023, 19, 2300509.
28. C. H. Zhang, X. K. Wang*, K. Song, K. Y. Chen, S. X. Dai, H. L. Wang, M. H. Huang*. Engineering adjacent Fe3C as proton-feeding centers to single Fe sites enabling boosted oxygen reduction reaction kinetics for robust Zn-air batteries at high current densities. Nano Res., 2023, 16, 9371-9378.
Enrollment information
Our research group is dedicated to the design and application of green hydrogen energy electrochemical materials, constantly staying at the forefront of technology and exploring the endless possibilities of future renewable energy.
We sincerely welcome students with backgrounds in chemistry, materials science, chemical engineering, or related fields who are passionate about scientific research to apply for our graduate program. We look forward to growing together with diligent, motivated, and enthusiastic individuals like you.
In this vibrant and welcoming academic family, we will explore scientific frontiers together, admire breathtaking sunsets, and venture through the vast ocean of knowledge, fearlessly pursuing innovation and discovery!
