Dr. Fengtao Fan is a distinguished researcher and doctoral supervisor at the Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics (DICP), Chinese Academy of Sciences. He is a recipient of the National Science Fund for Distinguished Young Scholars and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry (FRSC). Currently, Dr. Fan serves as the Deputy Director of the National Key Laboratory of Energy Catalytic Transformation, Secretary-General of the Catalysis Committee of the Chinese Chemical Society, Secretary-General of the Asia-Pacific Association of Catalysis Societies, and Associate Editor of the Royal Society of Chemistry journal ChemComm.

Dr. Fan’s research primarily focuses on the development and application of in situ and dynamic advanced imaging techniques for the characterization of (photo)catalysts and (photo)catalytic reaction processes. He pioneered the use of UV Raman spectroscopy under high-temperature and high-pressure conditions to study the synthesis mechanisms of molecular sieves. Additionally, he developed spatially resolved surface photovoltage imaging techniques, which were among the earliest applications in imaging charge separation in micro-nano photocatalytic materials. By innovating a “spatiotemporal relay camera,” Dr. Fan achieved full spatiotemporal dynamic tracking of photogenerated charge transfer processes, capturing the complete evolution of photogenerated charge transfer. This breakthrough provides critical insights for diagnosing and overcoming bottlenecks in photocatalytic water splitting. Addressing national strategic needs, Dr. Fan has also contributed to the development of in situ spectrometers for deep-sea resource exploration, setting a world record with UV Raman detection at a depth of 7,449 meters in the Mariana Trench.

Dr. Fan has published over 140 papers in prestigious international journals, including Nature, Nature Energy, Nature Materials, Nature Protocols, National Science Review, Chemical Society Reviews, Accounts of Chemical Research, Journal of the American Chemical Society, and Angewandte Chemie International Edition. He has been invited to deliver keynote speeches at prominent international conferences such as the Faraday Discussions and Gordon Research Conferences. His accolades include the Second Prize of the National Natural Science Award (2011, fourth contributor), the Second Prize of the Sinopec Basic and Forward-Looking Research Award (2019, second contributor), the “Young Scientist Award” from the International Congress on Catalysis (2008, 2012), and the inaugural “China Catalysis Rising Star Award” from the Catalysis Committee of the Chinese Chemical Society (2012).

Dr. Fan’s groundbreaking research and leadership in catalysis and advanced imaging techniques have significantly advanced the field, earning him international recognition and contributing to both fundamental science and practical applications in energy and environmental sustainability.