Professor Can Li stands as a preeminent figure in the field of chemical catalysis and sustainable energy research. He currently serves as a chair professor at the Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics (DICP), Chinese Academy of Sciences, where he also directs the Fundamental Research Center for Artificial Photosynthesis. Since 1998, he has led the State Key Laboratory of Catalysis at DICP, demonstrating sustained leadership in the field for over two decades. Holding a PhD in Physical Chemistry from DICP awarded in 1988, Professor Li has cultivated an illustrious career marked by strategic institutional leadership and scientific vision. He additionally serves as president of the Catalysis Society of China and Dean of the Materials and Chemical Science School at the University of Science and Technology of China.
Professor Li's groundbreaking research has fundamentally advanced the science of artificial photosynthesis for solar fuel production and value-added chemical synthesis through multiple catalytic approaches. His extensive body of work, comprising approximately 800 peer-reviewed publications with over 32,000 citations and 80 granted patents, demonstrates exceptional scholarly impact and practical application. His investigations span spectroscopic characterization of catalysts, environmental catalysis, and heterogeneous chiral catalysis, with particular focus over the past twenty years on photocatalytic, photoelectrocatalytic, and electrolytic water splitting and CO2 reduction technologies. These contributions have established foundational knowledge for converting renewable energy sources into storable chemical fuels, addressing critical global challenges in energy sustainability. His seminal work on the intercrossing of photocatalysis, photoelectrocatalysis, and electrocatalysis represents a paradigm shift in how researchers approach solar-to-fuel conversion.
Beyond his research achievements, Professor Li has profoundly shaped the global scientific community through leadership roles including his position as Editor-in-Chief of the journal Artificial Photosynthesis. He has mentored more than 150 doctoral students, cultivating the next generation of scientists in the field of sustainable energy research. As director of the Dalian National Laboratory for Clean Energy, he continues to drive interdisciplinary innovation at the intersection of chemistry, materials science, and energy engineering. Professor Li actively promotes international scientific collaboration, recognizing that solving complex energy challenges requires communication between researchers across diverse disciplines. His current vision focuses on creating an integrated academic platform that fosters high-level exchanges and meaningful international partnerships to accelerate progress in artificial photosynthesis research.
