Prof. Nian Ran | University of Chinese Academy of Sciences | China
Dr. Nian Ran is a distinguished researcher in materials science whose work bridges high-performance ceramics, electrocatalysis, computational modeling, and renewable energy technologies. Currently serving as an Associate Researcher at the Shanghai Institute of Ceramics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, within the State Key Laboratory of High Performance Ceramics and Superfine Microstructure, he has established himself as a leading figure in the integration of computational and experimental methodologies. His research focuses on designing advanced materials for energy conversion and storage, incorporating machine learning models, electrochemical analysis, and nanoscale characterization to solve pressing challenges in clean energy and sustainability. Over the years, Dr. Ran has authored multiple high-impact publications in internationally renowned journals, contributing to the advancement of both fundamental science and practical energy solutions.
Author Profile
Education
Dr. Nian Ran began his academic journey with a Bachelor of Engineering degree from the Southwest University of Science and Technology, where he developed a strong foundation in materials engineering and physical chemistry. He then pursued a Doctor of Science degree at the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, further honing his expertise in materials modeling, catalysis, and electrochemical systems. His doctoral studies provided a critical platform for his future research, combining theoretical knowledge with practical laboratory skills to explore the frontiers of materials science.
Research Interests
The research interests of Dr. Nian Ran span a wide range of topics, with a particular emphasis on the synergy between computational simulations, machine learning, and experimental verification. In the field of electrocatalysis, he designs and optimizes catalysts for hydrogen evolution, oxygen evolution, and seawater electrolysis, employing transition-metal dichalcogenides and single-atom catalysts to enhance catalytic activity and stability. His work in machine learning focuses on developing interatomic potentials for cross-scale computational simulations, enabling the rapid discovery of novel materials with tailored properties. Another significant area of his research involves investigating hydrogen spillover mechanisms at the nanoscale, which has implications for both catalysis and energy storage. Additionally, he explores the biomedical potential of nanozymes, particularly in cancer treatment strategies such as ferroptosis. His commitment to high-performance ceramics also includes the development of scalable materials for industrial energy applications, reflecting his dedication to both innovation and practicality.
Academic Positions
Following the completion of his doctorate, Dr. Nian Ran joined the Shanghai Institute of Ceramics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, as a Postdoctoral Fellow. In this role, he expanded his expertise in high-performance functional materials, deepening his understanding of catalytic systems and computational modeling. He was subsequently appointed Assistant Researcher, and later promoted to Associate Researcher, a position he currently holds. Throughout his academic career, he has led several prestigious research projects, including those funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China Youth Science Fund, the Shanghai Sailing Program, the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation, and the Shanghai Post-doctoral Excellence Program. These leadership roles demonstrate his capacity to manage complex research initiatives and contribute meaningfully to the advancement of his field.
Selected Publications
Dynamic oxygen-redox evolution of cathode reactions – npj Computational Materials, 2025, 11, 208.
Recent Advances in Machine Learning Interatomic Potentials for Cross-Scale Computational Simulation of Materials – Science China Materials, 2024, 67(4): 1082-1100.
Dynamic coordination transformation of active sites in single-atom MoS₂ catalysts for boosted oxygen evolution catalysis – Energy & Environmental Science, 2022, 15(5): 2071-2083.
Identifying metallic transition-metal dichalcogenides for hydrogen evolution through high-throughput calculations and machine learning – Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters, 2021, 12(8): 2102-2111.
Bond electronegativity as hydrogen evolution reaction catalysts descriptor for transition metal dichalcogenides – Chemistry of Materials, 2020, 32(3): 1224-1234.
Neighboring Pt Atoms Enhance Ni/Co Activity in Electrocatalytic Alkaline Hydrogen Evolution – Angewandte Chemie International Edition, 2024, e202401819.
Revealing Hydrogen Spillover on 1T/2H MoS₂ Heterostructures – Analytical Chemistry, 2024.
Conclusion
Dr. Nian Ran represents a new generation of interdisciplinary scientists whose work stands at the intersection of computational modeling, experimental innovation, and sustainable technology development. His contributions to electrocatalysis, hydrogen energy, seawater electrolysis, nanozyme-based biomedical applications, and machine learning-driven materials simulations showcase his ability to address both fundamental scientific questions and real-world challenges. With a growing portfolio of influential publications and leadership in high-profile research projects, he continues to advance the boundaries of materials science while fostering innovations that have the potential to shape the future of clean energy. As his career progresses, his commitment to scientific excellence, practical application, and collaborative advancement positions him as a key contributor to the global research community.