National Natural Science Foundation of China | China
Author Profile
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🎓 Early Academic Pursuits
Dr. Jin Deng's journey into the world of chemistry began with a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from Hunan University of Science and Technology (1999–2003). With a strong passion for sustainable and green chemistry, he advanced his academic journey with a Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry from the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) (2007–2013), under the mentorship of Prof. Dr. Liu Youcheng and Prof. Dr. Fu Yao. His early research laid the foundation for his future explorations into catalytic conversion processes.
🧪 Professional Endeavors
Dr. Deng’s professional career is deeply tied to USTC, one of China's premier research institutions. Following his Ph.D., he continued as a Postdoctoral Researcher (2013–2016), before becoming a Special Research Associate (2016–2019). Since 2019, he has served as an Associate Professor in the Department of Applied Chemistry, where he leads advanced studies on catalysis, waste conversion, and sustainable fuel production. His close collaboration with Prof. Dr. Fu Yao has fostered interdisciplinary innovation and meaningful scientific breakthroughs.
🔬 Contributions and Research Focus
Dr. Deng specializes in creating catalytic technologies for converting biomass and plastic waste into fuels and valuable chemicals, contributing directly to environmental sustainability. His research uniquely combines organic synthesis, chemical engineering, materials science, and life cycle assessment. From photo- and electrocatalytic decarboxylation to plastic upcycling and green hydrogenolysis, his work addresses some of the most pressing global challenges in waste management and carbon neutrality.
🏅 Accolades and Recognition
Dr. Deng’s scientific excellence is reflected in his numerous nationally funded projects, including several prestigious grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China. As a principal investigator, he has led over six major research projects to successful completion or ongoing progress. His research output includes more than 15 high-impact journal publications in journals like Nature Communications, Green Chemistry, Angewandte Chemie, and ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering. He is also the holder of 10 Chinese patents, demonstrating real-world application and innovation.
🌍 Impact and Influence
Dr. Deng’s research is not only academically impactful but also environmentally transformative. His carbon footprint analyses and life cycle assessments guide industries toward more sustainable practices. Collaborating with leading scientists such as Prof. Yao Fu and Prof. Menachem Elimelech, his work has helped bridge the gap between academic research and industrial application, influencing both Chinese and global green chemistry landscapes.
🔮 Legacy and Future Contributions
As a rising leader in green catalysis and environmental chemistry, Dr. Deng continues to shape the future of sustainable technology. His current research under NSFC projects (running through 2028) aims to push the boundaries of biomass valorization and plastic recycling. With a strong foundation in cross-disciplinary methods, a proven record of high-impact publications and patents, and an unwavering commitment to ecological responsibility, Dr. Deng is poised to become a defining figure in the global pursuit of a circular chemical economy.
Publications
📄 Photocatalytic decarboxylation of waste cooking oil for green and efficient biodiesel production and life cycle assessment
📄 Advances of the past 12 years in decarboxylation of biomass carboxylic acids to biofuels and high-value chemicals via photo- or electrocatalysis
📄 Thermal catalytic reforming for hydrogen production with zero CO₂ emission
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Authors: Rui Gao, Hui Zhang, Jie Zhang, Zhiheng Xie, Jihan Zhou, Yuzhen Ge, Aowen Li, Graham Hutchings, Wu Zhou, Hiroyuki Asakura, et al.
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Journal: Science
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Year: 2025
📄 Preparation of methyl ethyl ketone from biomass-derived levulinic acid using a metal-free photocatalytic system and life cycle assessment study
📄 Depolymerization mechanisms and closed-loop assessment in polyester waste recycling
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Authors: Jingjing Cao, Huaxing Liang, Jie Yang, Zhiyang Zhu, Jin Deng, Xiaodong Li, Menachem Elimelech, Xinglin Lu
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Journal: Nature Communications
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Year: 2024