Celebrating 10 Years of the Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemistry for Energy Materials (iChEM)

Abstract

Published as part of The Journal of Physical Chemistry C special issue “Celebrating 10 Years of the Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemistry for Energy Materials (iChEM)”. The Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemistry for Energy Materials (iChEM) was approved in October 2014, jointly by Xiamen University (XMU), Fudan University (FDU), the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), and the Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics (DICP) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS). The mission of the consortium is to integrate key innovative elements from universities, research institutes, and enterprises both in China and abroad. In addition, iChEM leverages the strengths in chemistry and materials sciences of the four member-institutions to further advance cutting-edge energy-related research while also training younger generations for research excellence by strengthening collaboration between the research community and industry. Over the past decade, iChEM has focused on common scientific issues in energy chemistry by jointly tackling energy chemistry and energy material systems and introducing a number of core key technologies. Researchers at iChEM focus on three main areas: the optimal utilization of carbon resources, chemical energy storage and conversion, and solar energy conversion chemistry. Investigations in these energy-oriented areas use a number of approaches: basic research in synthesis and fabrication, theory and simulation, and instrumentation and methodology. As a result, we are able to make advances in the approaches themselves, as well as in the aforementioned three research areas. To realize the new energy strategic objectives, iChEM has adhered to the principle of “chemistry as the foundation, materials as the carrier, and energy as the goal”, addressing critical scientific issues in the development of petroleum alternatives. This approach has led to a series of original results that are both urgently needed by the country and recognized as world-class. In order to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the iChEM, The Journal of Physical Chemistry C (JPC C), The Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters (JPCL), and ACS Energy Letters are publishing a joint Special Issue (SI). This SI, organized by the center’s directors, Zhong-Qun Tian (Xiamen Univ.), Dongyuan Zhao (Fudan Univ.), Can Li (DICP, CAS), and Jinlong Yang (USTC), brings together 37 articles on energy materials and chemistry. It is with great pride and reflection that we look back on a decade of groundbreaking research, collaboration, and innovation. iChEM has grown into a world-class hub for scientific exploration, fostering multidisciplinary partnerships and pioneering advancements in energy materials chemistry. Since its inception, iChEM has been driven by a vision to address the critical challenges facing our world’s energy future. Our researchers, drawn from diverse backgrounds and expertise, have worked tirelessly to push the boundaries of knowledge, leading to transformative discoveries that have profoundly impacted both academic research and industrial applications. In this special issue, we are proud to highlight the significant milestones and achievements that have defined our journey. The contributions presented here not only showcase the excellence of our research but also reflect the collaborative spirit that lies at the core of iChEM. This collection of work underscores the importance of interdisciplinary approaches in tackling complex energy-related problems and exemplifies our commitment to advancing the frontiers of energy science. Looking forward, we remain steadfast in our dedication to innovation and collaboration. The challenges ahead are significant, but with the continued support of our partners and the unwavering commitment of our talented researchers, we are confident that iChEM will continue to play a leading role in shaping the future of energy materials research. We extend our deepest gratitude to all those who have contributed to iChEM’s success over the past decade. Your dedication, creativity, and passion have been the driving force behind our achievements. We also thank our partners and supporters for their invaluable contributions and look forward to continuing our work together in the years to come. This preface is jointly published in The Journal of Physical Chemistry C, ACS Energy Letters, and The Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters. This article has not yet been cited by other publications.