Zheng-Zhe Lin

Associate Professor

School of Physics

Subject: Condensed Matter Physics

Research directions:

  2D topological states and interfaces

  Theory of 2D materials

Email:  zzlin@xidian.edu.cn

EDUCATION

2002-2006, Department of Chemistry, Fudan University, B. S. in Chemistry

2006-2012, Institute of Modern Physics, Fudan University, Ph.D. in Physics

EMPLOYMENT

2012-present, Lecturer, Xidian University

2015-present, Associate Professor, Xidian University

RESEARCH INTERESTS

1. First principles calculation

2. 2D materials

3. The theory of thermodynamic stability of nanodevices

4. Theoretical design of 2D nano devices

Biphenylene-based catalysts for CO₂ reduction

Int. J. Hydrogen Energy 62, 520–531 (2024); Appl. Surf. Sci. 687, 162298 (2025).

Biphenylene is a novel 2D carbon material with a unique 4–6–8 ring structure. Non-metal doping and metal-cluster loading are two strategies for modulating the catalytic properties. B doping can significantly reduce the onset potential for CO2 reduction to 0.2 V and promote HCOOH production. Sc clusters on biphenylene maintain strong CO2 reduction activity under realistic electrocatalytic conditions, producing CH3OH with an onset potential of 0.57 V. These studies demonstrate that the unique structure of biphenylene can effectively regulate the electronic properties of active centers.

CO₂ reduction on TbMn₆Sn₆

Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys. 24, 18600-18607 (2022).

In recent years, the concept of topological catalysis has been proposed. The high density of topological surface states can be used to realize catalysis. TbMn₆Sn₆ is a Chern ferromagnet with spin-polarized Dirac band. In this study, the thermodynamic stability of TbMn₆Sn₆ surfaces is analyzed, and the paths of CO₂ reduction are investigated. 

Defect-free functionalization of 2D MoS₂ as catalyst for CO₂ reduction

Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys.  24, 3733-3740 (2022).

Pinning of metal atoms on solid surfaces usually depends on adsorption of defects. However, structural defects tend to limit electronic properties. In this study, we investigated defect-free functionalization of IrX3 (X = F or Cl) on two-dimensional MoS₂ monolayer as a low overpotential CO₂ reduction catalyst. 

Study on the possibility of T-carbon serving as Li storage material and Li battery anode

Mat. Adv. 2, 4694-4701 (2021). 

T-carbon is a newly discovered diamond-like phase with an acetylene-bond supported hollow structure. 
The possibility of T-carbon serving as a high-capacity Li storage material and a Li battery anode is investigated. 
We discussed the lithium adsorption in low and high density and the change of anode potential between different phases.

Study on the 2D-confined CO₂ reduction under graphene and graphene covers
Int. J. Energ. Res. 44, 784 (2020).    Appl. Surf. Sci. 479, 685 (2019).

Quantum confinement of 2D covers on metal surfaces could change the potential energy surfaces and the reaction barriers.
The heterogeneous catalysis ability of the metal surfaces is then improved.
The mechanism of CO₂ reduction and the key physical factors determining the catalytic ability are summarized.