Research Directions

1. Organic Boron Chemistry

Focusing on the radical chemistry of organoboranes, this research employs Lewis base ligand modulation and photocatalytic strategies to achieve efficient generation and controllable transformation of boryl radicals, with the goal of expanding their applications in complex molecular construction, drug synthesis, and green processes.

(1) Ligand-Controlled Generation and Reactivity of Boryl Radicals

Based on the tunable electronic effects of Lewis bases such as amines and N‑heterocyclic carbenes on borane structures, we develop radical activation systems for coordinated boranes. By systematically varying the ligand type and steric configuration, selective homolysis of B–H bonds is achieved under mild conditions, enabling efficient generation of boryl radical intermediates. This strategy circumvents the reliance on traditional transition-metal catalysis, enhances functional group tolerance, and provides new avenues for precise control over the reactivity and selectivity of boryl radical reactions.

(2) Visible-Light-Driven B–H Bond Functionalization of Boranes

We develop visible-light-induced methods for the direct functionalization of B–H bonds in boranes. Using photocatalysts or photosensitizers, boranes are excited to active states under mild conditions, followed by B–H bond cleavage and the formation of new B–C, B–O, and other bonds.

(3) Borane-Mediated Multicomponent Coupling Reactions

We develop borane-initiated radical cascade transformations that enable ordered connections of multiple components through single-electron transfer processes, allowing efficient construction of complex molecular frameworks under mild conditions. This strategy not only expands the boundaries of borane applications in green synthetic methodology but also offers new design concepts for late-stage modification of drug molecules and modular construction of functional compound libraries.

2. Rare Earth Chemistry

Focusing on the efficient separation and recovery of rare earth elements, particularly critical elements such as scandium, we develop novel extraction systems and elucidate medium-dependent extraction mechanisms. This work provides theoretical and technical support for the selective enrichment and purification of rare earths from complex matrices, contributing to the high-value utilization of secondary resources.

(1) Design and Application of Novel Rare-Earth Extractants

To address the limitations of conventional extractants—such as insufficient selectivity and difficult stripping—we develop novel extractants, including amine-amide derivatives, that leverage tunable ligand frameworks and adjustable lipophilicity to achieve highly selective extraction of Sc³⁺ and other rare-earth ions. The extraction efficiency and selectivity over coexisting impurities are systematically evaluated in various acid media. In the future, the structural library of extractants can be further expanded, and computational chemistry can be integrated to predict ligand performance, accelerating the iterative discovery of high-performance extractants.

(2) Acid-Mediated Extraction Mechanisms and Structure–Performance Correlations

Focusing on the critical influence of acid type on rare-earth extraction behavior, we investigate the regulatory effects of different anions on extractant–metal coordination modes through complex characterization and thermodynamic analysis. The synergistic roles of anion coordination ability and solvation effects in determining complex stability and extraction efficiency are elucidated, establishing a correlative framework linking acid medium, coordination chemistry, and extraction performance. This theoretical model can provide a predictive basis for process design in leach liquors from diverse sources and holds potential for extension to other dispersed element separation systems.

(3) Functionalized Deep Eutectic Solvents for Multivalent Actinide Group Separation

We design hydrophobic deep eutectic solvents that integrate both coordination and redox functionalities. Through the synergistic mechanism of coordination-driven interfacial migration and in situ reduction, these systems achieve highly efficient group separation of multivalent actinides. This strategy eliminates the need for external reducing agents or organic diluents, maintains excellent stability over a wide range of acidity and irradiation conditions, and offers a fully solvated, integrated solution for green nuclear waste treatment. Looking ahead, functionalized deep eutectic solvents can be further advanced toward selective recognition of specific actinides and recyclable regeneration, promoting their application in advanced nuclear fuel cycles.