Dr LEUNG, Chi Fai    梁致輝 博士
Associate Professor
Department of Science and Environmental Studies
Contact
ORCiD
0000-0003-2830-0737
Phone
(852) 2948 8790
Email
cfleung@eduhk.hk
Address
10 Lo Ping Road, Tai Po, New Territories, Hong Kong
Website
https://pappl.eduhk.hk/rich/web/person.xhtml?pid=146960&name=LEUNG, Chi Fai
Scopus ID
8280665000
Research Interests

 

  • Photochemical energy conversion and Photocatalysis
  • Photochemical and photophysical properties of transition metal compounds
  • Anticancer Metallodrugs
  • Metal-ligand multiple bonds
  • Chemical degradation of persisting organic pollutants

 

Selected Publications

Peer Reviewed Journal Articles (2010 onward):

Ÿ Chi-Fai Leung, Shek-Man Yiu, Jing Xiang and Tai-Chu Lau, Addition of [CH(CN)2]- and [TCNE]- to RuVIN bearing 8-Quinolinolato ligands, Chem. Comm., 2010, 46, 7575-7577.

Ÿ Chi-Fai Leung, Yong-Zhen Chen, Han-Qing Yu, Shek-Man Yiu, Chi-Chiu Ko, Tai-Chu Lau, Electro- and Photocatalytic Hydrogen Generation in acetonitrile and aqueous solutions by a Cobalt Macrocyclic Schiff-base Complex, Int. J. Hydrogen Energy, 2011, 36, 11640 – 11645.

Ÿ Zongmin Hu, Chi-Fai Leung, Yat-Kwai Tsang, Hongxia Du, Haojun Liang, Yongfu Qiu and Tai-Chu Lau, Recyclable Polymer-supported Ruthenium Catalyst for the Oxidative Degradation of Bisphenol A in Water using Hydrogen Peroxide, New J. Chem. 2011, 35, 149 – 155.

Ÿ Zongmin Hu, Hongxia Du, Chi-Fai Leung, Haojun Liang, Tai-Chu Lau, A Highly Active and Robust Solid-Supported Polypyridylruthenium(II) Catalyst for the Oxidation of Alcohols and Alkenes by Cerium(IV) and Periodate in Water, Ind. Eng. Chem. Res. 2011, 50, 12288–12292.

Ÿ Yongfu Qiu, Lei Wang, Chi-Fai Leung, Guijian Liu, Shihe Yang, Tai-Chu Lau, Preparation of Nitrogen doped K2Nb4O11 with High Photocatalytic Activity for Degradation of Organic Pollutants, Appl. Catal. A General, 2011, 402, 23 – 30.

Ÿ Zongmin Hu, Hongxia Du,Wai-Lun Man, Chi-Fai Leung, Haojun Liang and Tai-Chu Lau, Catalytic Reactions of Chlorite with Polypyridylruthenium(II) complex: Disproportionation, Chlorine Dioxide formation and Alcohol Oxidation, Chem. Commun., 2012, 48, 1102–1104.

Ÿ Chi-Fai Leung , Siu-Mui Ng , Chi-Chiu Ko , Wai-Lun Man , Jiashou Wu , Lingjing Chen and Tai-Chu Lau , A cobalt(II) quaterpyridine complex as a visible light-driven catalyst for both water oxidation and reduction, Energy and Environmental Science, 2012, 5, 7903-7907.

Ÿ Jing Xiang, Larry Tso-Lun Lo, Chi-Fai Leung, Shek-Man Yiu, Chi-Chiu Ko, and Tai-Chu Lau, Synthesis, Structures, and Photophysical Properties of Ruthenium(II) Quinolinolato Complexes, Organometallics, 2012, 31, 7101–7108.

Ruwei Wang, Yufeng Zhu, Yongfu Qiu, Chi-Fai Leung, Jun He, Guijian Liu and Tai-Chu Lau (2013). Synthesis of nitrogen-doped KNbO3 nanocubes with high photocatalytic activity for water splitting and degradation of organic pollutants under visible light. Chemical Engineering Journal, 226, 123-130.

Quan Tang, Wen-Xiu Ni, Chi-Fai Leung, Wai-Lun Man, Kenneth King-Kwan Lau, Yimin Liang, Yun-Wah Lam, Wai-Yeung Wong, Shie-Ming Peng, Gui-Jian Liu and Tai-Chu Lau (2013). Synthesis and antitumor activity of a series of osmium(VI) nitrido complexes bearing quinolinolato ligands. Chemical Communications, 49, 9980-9982.

Lu-Lu Fu, Ya Luo, Jing Xiang and Chi-Fai Leung (2015). Construction of Three Coordination Compounds Formed by in-situ Ligand Reaction of 1-Cyanobenzoimidazole. Zeitschrift für anorganische und allgemeine Chemie, 641(5), 842-847.

Lingjing Chen, Gui Chen, Chi-Fai Leung, Shek-Man Yiu, Chi-Chiu Ko, Elodie Anxolabéhère-Mallart, Marc Robert, and Tai-Chu Lau (2014). Dual Homogeneous and Heterogeneous Pathways in Photo- and Electrocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution with Nickel(II) Catalysts Bearing Tetradentate Macrocyclic Ligands. ACS Catal, 5(1), 356-364.

  

 Conference Papers (2012 onward):

A Visible Light-Driven Cobalt Catalyst for both Water Oxidation and Reduction, 20th EuCheMS Conference on Organometallic Chemistry, St. Andrews (2013).

A Cobalt Catalyst for Light-driven Water Oxidation and Reduction, International Conference for Hydrogen Atom Transfer (iCHAT), Rome (2014).

Synthesis and Photophysical Properties of Isocyano Ruthenium(II) Quinoline-8-thiolate Complexes with Visible-light and Near-Infrared Emission, 27th International Conference on Photochemistry (ICP), Jeju (2015).

Synthesis and Photophysical Properties of Ruthenium(II) Isocyanide Complexes with Visible-light and Infrared Emission, 5th Asian Conference on Coordination Chemistry (ACCC5), Hong Kong (2015).

Visible Light-driven Solar Fuels Generation with Cobalt(II) Tripodal Iminopyridine Complexes, 42nd International Conference on Coordination Chemistry (ICCC), Brest-France (2016).

 

Oral Presentation (2012 onward):

Synthesis and Photophysical Properties of Isocyano Ruthenium(II) Quinoline-8-thiolate Complexes with Visible-light and Near-Infrared Emission, 27th International Conference on Photochemistry, Jeju (2015).

 

Teaching Interests
  • Inorganic and Physical Chemistry
  • Environmental Studies
Personal Profile

Academic Qualification:

BSc (CityU HK),MSc (HKU), PhD (CityU HK)

 

Professional Experience:

  • Chemical Engineer, 2005-2006, Alstom Power Service (HK).
  • Research Fellow, 2008-2012, City University of Hong Kong.
  • Visiting Postdoctoral Researcher (Summer), 2012 & 2013, Université Paris.
  • Lecturer, 2012-2015, The Hong Kong Institute of Education.
  • Assist. Professor, 2015-present, The Education University of Hong Kong.
Research Interests

 

  • Photochemical energy conversion and Photocatalysis
  • Photochemical and photophysical properties of transition metal compounds
  • Anticancer Metallodrugs
  • Metal-ligand multiple bonds
  • Chemical degradation of persisting organic pollutants

 

Selected Publications

Peer Reviewed Journal Articles (2010 onward):

Ÿ Chi-Fai Leung, Shek-Man Yiu, Jing Xiang and Tai-Chu Lau, Addition of [CH(CN)2]- and [TCNE]- to RuVIN bearing 8-Quinolinolato ligands, Chem. Comm., 2010, 46, 7575-7577.

Ÿ Chi-Fai Leung, Yong-Zhen Chen, Han-Qing Yu, Shek-Man Yiu, Chi-Chiu Ko, Tai-Chu Lau, Electro- and Photocatalytic Hydrogen Generation in acetonitrile and aqueous solutions by a Cobalt Macrocyclic Schiff-base Complex, Int. J. Hydrogen Energy, 2011, 36, 11640 – 11645.

Ÿ Zongmin Hu, Chi-Fai Leung, Yat-Kwai Tsang, Hongxia Du, Haojun Liang, Yongfu Qiu and Tai-Chu Lau, Recyclable Polymer-supported Ruthenium Catalyst for the Oxidative Degradation of Bisphenol A in Water using Hydrogen Peroxide, New J. Chem. 2011, 35, 149 – 155.

Ÿ Zongmin Hu, Hongxia Du, Chi-Fai Leung, Haojun Liang, Tai-Chu Lau, A Highly Active and Robust Solid-Supported Polypyridylruthenium(II) Catalyst for the Oxidation of Alcohols and Alkenes by Cerium(IV) and Periodate in Water, Ind. Eng. Chem. Res. 2011, 50, 12288–12292.

Ÿ Yongfu Qiu, Lei Wang, Chi-Fai Leung, Guijian Liu, Shihe Yang, Tai-Chu Lau, Preparation of Nitrogen doped K2Nb4O11 with High Photocatalytic Activity for Degradation of Organic Pollutants, Appl. Catal. A General, 2011, 402, 23 – 30.

Ÿ Zongmin Hu, Hongxia Du,Wai-Lun Man, Chi-Fai Leung, Haojun Liang and Tai-Chu Lau, Catalytic Reactions of Chlorite with Polypyridylruthenium(II) complex: Disproportionation, Chlorine Dioxide formation and Alcohol Oxidation, Chem. Commun., 2012, 48, 1102–1104.

Ÿ Chi-Fai Leung , Siu-Mui Ng , Chi-Chiu Ko , Wai-Lun Man , Jiashou Wu , Lingjing Chen and Tai-Chu Lau , A cobalt(II) quaterpyridine complex as a visible light-driven catalyst for both water oxidation and reduction, Energy and Environmental Science, 2012, 5, 7903-7907.

Ÿ Jing Xiang, Larry Tso-Lun Lo, Chi-Fai Leung, Shek-Man Yiu, Chi-Chiu Ko, and Tai-Chu Lau, Synthesis, Structures, and Photophysical Properties of Ruthenium(II) Quinolinolato Complexes, Organometallics, 2012, 31, 7101–7108.

Ruwei Wang, Yufeng Zhu, Yongfu Qiu, Chi-Fai Leung, Jun He, Guijian Liu and Tai-Chu Lau (2013). Synthesis of nitrogen-doped KNbO3 nanocubes with high photocatalytic activity for water splitting and degradation of organic pollutants under visible light. Chemical Engineering Journal, 226, 123-130.

Quan Tang, Wen-Xiu Ni, Chi-Fai Leung, Wai-Lun Man, Kenneth King-Kwan Lau, Yimin Liang, Yun-Wah Lam, Wai-Yeung Wong, Shie-Ming Peng, Gui-Jian Liu and Tai-Chu Lau (2013). Synthesis and antitumor activity of a series of osmium(VI) nitrido complexes bearing quinolinolato ligands. Chemical Communications, 49, 9980-9982.

Lu-Lu Fu, Ya Luo, Jing Xiang and Chi-Fai Leung (2015). Construction of Three Coordination Compounds Formed by in-situ Ligand Reaction of 1-Cyanobenzoimidazole. Zeitschrift für anorganische und allgemeine Chemie, 641(5), 842-847.

Lingjing Chen, Gui Chen, Chi-Fai Leung, Shek-Man Yiu, Chi-Chiu Ko, Elodie Anxolabéhère-Mallart, Marc Robert, and Tai-Chu Lau (2014). Dual Homogeneous and Heterogeneous Pathways in Photo- and Electrocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution with Nickel(II) Catalysts Bearing Tetradentate Macrocyclic Ligands. ACS Catal, 5(1), 356-364.

  

 Conference Papers (2012 onward):

A Visible Light-Driven Cobalt Catalyst for both Water Oxidation and Reduction, 20th EuCheMS Conference on Organometallic Chemistry, St. Andrews (2013).

A Cobalt Catalyst for Light-driven Water Oxidation and Reduction, International Conference for Hydrogen Atom Transfer (iCHAT), Rome (2014).

Synthesis and Photophysical Properties of Isocyano Ruthenium(II) Quinoline-8-thiolate Complexes with Visible-light and Near-Infrared Emission, 27th International Conference on Photochemistry (ICP), Jeju (2015).

Synthesis and Photophysical Properties of Ruthenium(II) Isocyanide Complexes with Visible-light and Infrared Emission, 5th Asian Conference on Coordination Chemistry (ACCC5), Hong Kong (2015).

Visible Light-driven Solar Fuels Generation with Cobalt(II) Tripodal Iminopyridine Complexes, 42nd International Conference on Coordination Chemistry (ICCC), Brest-France (2016).

 

Oral Presentation (2012 onward):

Synthesis and Photophysical Properties of Isocyano Ruthenium(II) Quinoline-8-thiolate Complexes with Visible-light and Near-Infrared Emission, 27th International Conference on Photochemistry, Jeju (2015).

 

Teaching Interests
  • Inorganic and Physical Chemistry
  • Environmental Studies
Research Outputs
Scholarly Books, Monographs and Chapters
Chapter in an edited book (author)
LEUNG, C. F. (2013)。 塑膠產品及其『升級再造』。So, W. M.， 論文發表於「第十七屆『常識百搭』創新科學與環境探究(教師講座)」。publisher。
Edited book (editor)
Li, W. C., Lee, H. M., So, W. M., Leung, C. F. (2021)。 《第二十三屆「常識百搭」小學STEM探究展覽：走進各行各業中》。教育局課程發展處資優教育組。 https://www.edcity.hk/pspe/zh-hant/content/%E7%AC%AC%E4%BA%8C%E5%8D%81%E4%B8%89%E5%B1%86%E3%80%8C%E5%B8%B8%E8%AD%98%E7%99%BE%E6%90%AD%E3%80%8Dpublished version
蘇詠梅、梁致輝 (2019)。 第二十二屆「常識百搭」小學STEM探究—「智」得其樂。香港: 教育局課程發展處資優教育組。
蘇詠梅、梁致輝 (2018)。 第二十一屆「常識百搭」小學STEM探究—STEM世代建設—智慧城市生活。香港: 教育局課程發展處資優教育組。
蘇詠梅、梁致輝 (2017)。 第二十屆「常識百搭」小學STEM探究—都市簡約生活。香港: 教育局課程發展處資優教育組。
蘇詠梅、梁致輝 (2016)。 第十九屆「常識百搭」創新科學與環境探究—綠色啟航。香港: 教育局課程發展處資優教育組。

Journal Publications
Publication in refereed journal
Jing Xiang*, Yi Pan, Lu-Lu Liu, Li-Xin Wang, Huan Yang, Shun-Cheung Cheng, Shek-Man Yiu, Chi-Fai Leung, Chi-Chiu Ko*, Kai-Chung Lau*, and Tai-Chu Lau* (2023). Visible light-induced oxidation of alcohols by a luminescent osmium(VI) nitrido complex: Evidence for the generation of PhIO⁺ as a highly active oxidant in the presence of PhIO. Journal of the American Chemical Society, 145(16), 9129-9135. https://doi.org/10.1021/jacs.3c00760
Pui-Yu Ho, Shun-Cheung Cheng, Fei Yu, Yau-Yuen Yeung, Wen-Xiu Ni, Chi-Chiu Ko, Chi-Fai Leung*, Tai-Chu Lau*, and Marc Robert* (2023). Light-driven reduction of CO₂ to CO in water with a cobalt molecular catalyst and an organic sensitizer. ACS Catalysis, 13(9), 5979-5985. https://doi.org/10.1021/acscatal.3c00036
Hou, B.-S., Wang, L.-X., Zhang, L., Xiang, D., Leung, C.-F., Xiang, J. (2023). Synthesis, crystal structures, photophysics and computational study of a series of luminescent Pb2+ compounds bearing various functionalized diimine ligands. Polyhedron, 230 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.poly.2022.116220
Kwok, C.-L.; Cheng, S.-C.; Ho, P.-Y.; Yiu, S.-M.; Au, V. K.-M.; Ho, W.-K.; Tsang, P.-K.; Xiang, J.*; Leung, C.-F.*, Ko, C.-C.* (2022). Ligand Substituent Effects on Light-Driven Hydrogen Evolution by Cobalt(II) Tripodal Iminopyridine Catalysts under Precious-Metal-Free Conditions. European Journal of Inorganic Chemistry, (31), e202200361. https://doi.org/10.1002/ejic.202200361
Wang, L.-X., Xiang, J, Xiang, D., Cheng, S.-C., Leung, C.-F., Ko, C.-C., Xiang, J. (2022). Multifunctional Luminescent Sensor Based on the Pb2+ Complex Containing a Tetrazolato Ligand. Inorganic Chemistry, 61 (42), 16831-16840. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.inorgchem.2c02783
Xiang, J., Wang, L.-X., Zhang, X., Zhu, D.-S., Wang, L., Liu, L.-L., Leung, C.-F., Xiang, J. (2022). Effect of the dangling aromatic ring on neutral luminescent bis(phosphine) Cu(i)/Ag(i) complexes with the asymmetric pyridyl-tetrazolate ligands. RSC Advances, 12, 27267-27274. https://DOI https://doi.org/10.1039/D2RA04684A
Lin, J.; Ho, W.*; Qin, X.; Leung, C.-F.*; Au, V. K.-M.*; Lee, S.-c. (2022). Metal–Organic Frameworks for NOx Adsorption and Their Applications in Separation, Sensing, Catalysis, and Biology. Small, 18, 2105484. https://doi.org/10.1002/smll.202105484
LEUNG, Chi-Fai, & LAU, Tai-Chu (2021). Organic Photosensitizers for Catalytic Solar Fuel Generation. ACS Energy and Fuels, 35 (23), 18888-18899.
Wang, L.X., Xiang, J., Li, C.H., Leung, C.F., & Xiang, J. (2021). Recent Advances on the Applications of Luminescent Pb2+-Containing Metal–Organic Frameworks in White-Light Emission and Sensing. Frontiers in Chemistry, 9, 636431.
Lingjing CHEN, Gui CHEN, Chi-Fai LEUNG, Claudio COMETTO, Marc ROBERT, Tai-Chu LAU (2020). Molecular quaterpyridine-based metal complexes for small molecule activation: Water splitting and CO₂ reduction. Chemical Society Reviews, 49, 7271-7283.
Xin-Xin JIN, Tian LI, Dong-Po SHI, Li-Juan LUO, Qian-Qian SU, Jing XIANG, Hai-Bing XU, Chi-Fai LEUNG, Ming-Hua ZENG (2020). Luminescent phosphine copper(i) complexes with various functionalized bipyridine ligands: Synthesis, structures, photophysics and computational study. New Journal of Chemistry, 44, 13393-13400.
Kwok, C.-L.; Cheng, S.-C.; Ho, P.-Y.; Yiu, S.-M.; Man, W.-L.; Au, V. K.-M.; Tsang, P.-K.; Leung, C.-F.*; Ko, C.-C.*; Robert, M.* (2020). Precious-metal free photocatalytic production of an NADH analogue using cobalt diimine–dioxime catalysts under both aqueous and organic conditions. Chemical Communications, 56, 0-0.
Leung, C.-F. & Ho, P.-Y. (2019). Molecular Catalysis for Utilizing CO2 in Fuel Electro-Generation and in Chemical Feedstock. Catalysts, 9 (9), 760.
Ho, P.-Y., Cheng, S.-C., Yiu, S.-M., Au, V. K.-M., Xiang, J., Leung, C.-F. & Ko, C.-C. (2019). The Important Role of Coordination Geometry on Photophysical Properties of Blue-Green Emitting Ruthenium(II) Diisocyano Complexes Bearing 2-Benzoxazol-2-ylphenolate. Inorganic Chemistry, 58 (17), 11372-11381. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.inorgchem.9b00560
Yelan XIAO, Apple Wai-Yi CHEUNG, Sze-Wing LAI, Shun-Cheung CHENG, Shek-Man YIU, Chi Fai LEUNG, Chi-Chiu KO (2019). Electronic communication in luminescent dicyanorhenate-bridged homotrinuclear rhenium(I) complexes. Inorganic Chemistry, 58(10), 6696-6705.
Hong‐Rui ZHANG, Xin-Xin JIN, Xin ZHOU, Yunxia ZHANG, Chi Fai LEUNG, Jing XIANG (2019). Effect of coordination modes on the tunable luminescence of 1,10‐phenanthroline‐based complexes. Crystal Research and Technology, 54(1), 1800168.
Jing XIANG, Shun-Cheung CHENG, Xin-Xin JIN, Qian-Qian SU, Xin ZHOU, Wing-Kin CHU, Chi-Fai LEUNG, Chi-Chiu KO (2018). Polynuclear Cu(I) and Ag(I) phosphine complexes containing multi-dentate polytopic ligands: Syntheses, crystal structures and photoluminescence properties. Dalton Transactions, 48(2), 741-750.
So, W. M. W., Zhan, Y., Chow, C. F., Leung, C. F. (2018). Analysis of STEM Activities in Primary Students' Science Projects in an Informal Learning Environment.. International Journal of Science and Mathematics Education, 16, 1003-1023.
Xin-Xin Jin, Xiao-Xiang Chen, Jing Xiang, Yun-Zhou Chen, Li-Hui Jia, Bing-Wu Wang, Shun-Cheung Cheng, Xin Zhou, Chi-Fai Leung, and Song Gao (2018). Slow Magnetic Relaxation in a Series of Mononuclear 8-Coordinate Fe(II) and Co(II) Complexes. Inorganic Chemistry, 57 (7), 3761-3774.
Chi-Fai Leung, Shun-Cheung Cheng, Ying Yang, Jing Xiang, Shek-Man Yiu, Chi-Chiu Ko and Tai-Chu Lau (2018). Efficient Photocatalytic Water Reduction by a Cobalt(II) Tripodal Iminopyridine Complex. Catalysis Science & Technology, 8, 307-313.
Zhenguo Guo, Fei Yu, Ying Yang, Chi-Fai Leung, Siu-Mui Ng, Chi-Chiu Ko, Claudio Cometto, Tai-Chu Lau, and Marc Robert (2017). Photocatalytic Conversion of CO2 to CO by a Copper(II) Quaterpyridine Complex. ChemSusChem, 10, 1-6.
Lin-Li Hu, Chang Shen, Wing-Kin Chu, Jing Xiang, Fei Yu, Ge Xiang, Yan Nie, Chun-Leung Kwok, Chi-Fai Leung, Chi-Chiu Ko (2017). Synthesis, Structures and Photophysical Properties of Cu(I) Phosphine Complexes with Various Diimine Ligands. Polyhedron, 127, 203-211.
Hu, L.L., Shen, C. Xiang, J., & Leung, C.F. (2017). Synthesis and Crystal Structure of a 3-D Ag+ Coordination Polymer with White-light Emission. Crystal Research & Technology, 52(4), .-..
Bang-xing LI, Chi-fai LEUNG, Yau-yuen YEUNG (2017). First-principles calculations and re-analysis of optical spectra and electron paramagnetic resonance parameters for Yb3+ in YAl3(BO3)4 crystal. Journal of Rare Earths, 35 (3), 254-258.
Xiang, J., Shen, C., Cheng, S. C., Yu, F., Chu, W. K., Feng, H., Yiu, S. M., Ko, C. C. & Leung, C. F. (2016). Luminescence behaviour of Pb2+-based cage-containing and channel-containing porous coordination polymers. Dalton Transactions, 45, 16134-16138.
Shen, C., Yu, F., Chu, W.-K., Xiang, J., Tan, P., Luo, Y., Feng, H., Guo, Z.-Q., Leung, C. F. & Lau, T. C. (2016). Synthesis, structures and photophysical properties of luminescent cyanoruthenate(II) complexes with hydroxylated bipyridine and phenanthroline ligands. RSC Advances, 6, 87389-87399.
Leung, C. F., & Ko, C. C. (2016). Synthesis and Photophysical Properties of Isocyano Ruthenium(II) Quinoline-8-thiolate Complexes with Visible-light and Near-Infrared Emission. Journal of Organometallic Chemistry, 804, 101-107.
Lu-Lu Fu, Ya Luo, Jing Xiang and Chi-Fai Leung (2015). Construction of Three Coordination Compounds Formed by in-situ Ligand Reaction of 1-Cyanobenzoimidazole. Zeitschrift für anorganische und allgemeine Chemie, 641(5), 842-847.
Lingjing Chen, Gui Chen, Chi-Fai Leung, Shek-Man Yiu, Chi-Chiu Ko, Elodie Anxolabéhère-Mallart, Marc Robert, and Tai-Chu Lau (2014). Dual Homogeneous and Heterogeneous Pathways in Photo- and Electrocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution with Nickel(II) Catalysts Bearing Tetradentate Macrocyclic Ligands. ACS Catal., 5(1), 356-364.
LEUNG, C. F. (2013). Energy sustainability: The need for a more rigorous chemistry education. The Newsletter of the East-Asian Association for Science Education, 6(4), 15. https://theease.org/list.php?bdid=2&page=1&st=published version
Quan Tang, Wen-Xiu Ni, Chi-Fai Leung, Wai-Lun Man, Kenneth King-Kwan Lau, Yimin Liang, Yun-Wah Lam, Wai-Yeung Wong, Shie-Ming Peng, Gui-Jian Liu and Tai-Chu Lau (2013). Synthesis and antitumor activity of a series of osmium(VI) nitrido complexes bearing quinolinolato ligands. Chemical Communications, 49, 9980-9982.
Ruwei Wang, Yufeng Zhu, Yongfu Qiu, Chi-Fai Leung, Jun He, Guijian Liu and Tai-Chu Lau (2013). Synthesis of nitrogen-doped KNbO3 nanocubes with high photocatalytic activity for water splitting and degradation of organic pollutants under visible light. Chemical Engineering Journal, 226, 123-130.

Projects
Two-photon Excited Photoredox Transformation with Carbon Dioxide and Oxygen
The project concerns the development of novel organic photocatalysts, which are excited by two-photon absorption process, for photoredox transformation by using carbon dioxide and oxygen respectively as the reagents.
Project Start Year: 2024, Principal Investigator(s): LEUNG, Chi Fai

 
Oxidation of Ammonia by 3d Metal Molecular Catalysts
The project concerns the development and catalytic study for new molecular 3d metal catalysts for the oxidation of ammonia, a process which has potential application in future energy technology, such as fuel cells.
Project Start Year: 2023, Principal Investigator(s): LEUNG, Chi Fai

 
Design of Cyclometalated Ruthenium Isocyano Complexes as Function-integrated Photocatalyst for Tandem Oxidative Dehydrogenation of Organics and Carbon Dioxide Reduction
The project concerns the design of cyclometallated ruthenium isocyano complexes as a photocatalysts for the reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2) and oxidative dehydrogenation of organics. CO2 reduction is a multi-electron process which is an important means of energy conversion and storage. Currently, the many reported catalytic processes for CO2 reduction required the use of sacrificial donor. By coupling the process with oxidative conversion of organic, the electrons from the organic compound can thus be diverted to the reduction CO2.
Project Start Year: 2021, Principal Investigator(s): LEUNG, Chi Fai

 
Self-sensitized Photocatalysts for Hydrogen Generation
The project concerns the develop of photocatalyst for producing hydrogen by reducing water. In contrast to conventional approach, the function-integrated catalysts will harvest the solar light to promote reduce water reduction without the presence of added photosensitizer.
Project Start Year: 2021, Principal Investigator(s): LEUNG, Chi Fai 梁致輝

 
Photoluminescent Transition-metal Isocyano and Carbene Complexes as Anticancer Agents
The project concerns the preparation and characterizations of a series of Ru(II) and Os(II) complexes bearing isocyano and carbene ligands. Besides, the luminescence and anti-cancer cytotoxic properties of these complexes will be studied.
Project Start Year: 2021, Principal Investigator(s): LEUNG, Chi Fai 梁致輝

 
Catalysis for the Photochemical Generation of Hydrogen Peroxide from Dioxygen
The studies concerns the design and development of noble metal-free catalysts for photochemical production of H2O2 from O2
Project Start Year: 2020, Principal Investigator(s): LEUNG, Chi Fai

 
Solar Photocatalytic Biomass Reforming for Energy Generation
This project aims at developing functional materials for environmental and energy applications. We propose to develop a series of composite photocatalysts for the generation of fuels. It is believed the proposed technology will be a promising approach to partly circumvent the global issues of fossil fuel depletion.
Project Start Year: 2019, Principal Investigator(s): HO, Wing Kei (LEUNG, Chi Fai as Co-Principal Investigator)

 
Molecular Functional Materials for Energy and Electronic Application
The project is funded under faculty Research Impact Prize and concerns the design and applications of functional molecular materials with interesting magnetic, luminescence and photocatalytic properties.
Project Start Year: 2019, Principal Investigator(s): LEUNG, Chi Fai 梁致輝

 
Molecular Catalysis for Electro- and Photochemical CO2 Reductive Functionalization
The projects concerns the study on molecular transition-metal catalysts for the reductive coupling of CO2 with nucleophilic substrate bearing various donor atoms. The reductive coupling reactions will be investigated under electro- and photocatalytic condition.
Project Start Year: 2019, Principal Investigator(s): LEUNG, Chi Fai

 
Design of Metal-Organic Framework (MOP) Materials and their Environmental Applications on Pollutant Analysis and Treatment
We propose in this project to extend their applications as multifunctional materials for pollutant analysis and treatment, i.e. the luminous sensing, absorption and catalytic degradation of various pollutant ions (e.g. cyanides, nitrate, chlorite, phosphate or heavy metals) and small molecules (nitrogen, nitrous oxides (NOx), ozone (O3) and carbon monoxide (CO)). These target ions/molecules are detrimental to the quality of water resources and air. Detailed protocols for these applications will be developed by our team and will initially be trialed by our partner in Mainland China in the detection and treatment of various pollutants in freshwater/atmospheric environment.
Project Start Year: 2017, Principal Investigator(s): LEUNG, Chi Fai 梁致輝

 
Molecular Catalysis for Sustainable Generation of Hydrogen Peroxide
In this project, we propose to design and study a new class of first-row transition metal (cobalt, copper, nickel and iron) catalysts for the reductive conversion of O2 to H2O2. The reactivity of these catalysts for selective two-electron reduction of O2 to H2O2 will initially be studied by electrochemical and chemical methods. The light-driven photochemical generation of H2O2 will then be investigated using the selected catalysts. In particular, the influence of metal active sites and their coordination environment on the catalytic properties, as well as the corresponding reaction mechanism will also be examined, so as to gain insight for the design of efficient systems for the photocatalytic generation of H2O2.
Project Start Year: 2017, Principal Investigator(s): LEUNG, Chi Fai 梁致輝

 
Proton-assisted Oxygen Reduction on Nonheme Transition-metal Molecular Catalysts
The project concerns the development of transition-metal catalysts for the reduction of oxygen using non-heme ligands such as macrocyclic or polydentate iminopyridine and polypyridine. The reactivity of these classes of complexes toward oxygen has been investigated using chemical and electrochemical approaches.
Project Start Year: 2016, Principal Investigator(s): LEUNG, Chi Fai 梁致輝

 
Ruthenium (II) Isocyano Complexes as Functional Materials for Photoluminescence and Photosensitization
Design and synthesis of isocyanide-based luminescent and photosensitizing materials of ruthenium and other transition metals
Project Start Year: 2016, Principal Investigator(s): LEUNG, Chi Fai 梁致輝

 
Global Artificial Mussel Watch
Earlier, we have developed a chemical device known as the “Artificial Mussel” (AM) which can provide a time-integrated estimate of metal concentrations in the environment. This has attracted international collaboration with Scotland, Iceland, Portugal, South Africa, Australia and South Korea. The overall results demonstrated that AM can provide a reliable time-integrated estimate of metal concentration over large biogeographic areas with very different hydrographic conditions, and overcome the shortcomings of monitoring metals in water, sediment and the use of biomonitors. Since 2016, we have further extended our collaboration to Bangladesh, the Philippines, Russia, Thailand, Norway, Mexico and Mainland China.
Project Start Year: 2016, Principal Investigator(s): WU, Shiu Sun Rudolf 胡紹燊, MURPHY, Mason, JACINTO, Gil S (LEUNG, Chi Fai 梁致輝 as Co-Investigator)

 
Sustainable Organohydride Cofactor Regeneration on Molecular Transition Metal Catalysts for Enzymatic Biotransformation
Our industrial and societal development is heavily dependent on a number of unsustainable and energy intensive multi-electron redox processes, e.g. Haber-Bosch process, to derive and utilize the necessary resources, generating thus excessive greenhouse gas (carbon dioxide). In face of fossil fuel depletion and global climate change, a sustainable and efficient approach of resource and energy utilization will be desirable.

Enzyme-catalyzed redox transformation, e.g. by NAD(P)-dependent oxidoreductase, is not only pivotal in biological solar energy conversion (photosynthesis), but also considered as a promising approach for chemoselective and enantiospecific conversion at preparative scale, especially in pharmaceutical industry. However, for its full potential to be harnessed, the co-enzyme challenge, i.e. the regeneration of the oxidizing/reducing equivalents NAD(P)+/NAD(P)H, must be overcome. Reductive regeneration of the enzymatically active 1,4-dihydronicotinamide cofactor involves the concerted transfer of one-proton and two electrons, usually in form of a hydride. Direct electrochemical or chemical regenerations are often inefficient as a result of side-reactions, which produce enzymatically inactive product. Indirect electro- or chemoenzymatic approach using a second enzyme as the electron mediator, though extensively studied, is usually substrate-selective and less tolerant to the change in reaction conditions, rendering the overall coupled reactions complicated to control. So far, only a few literature examples of enzymatic relay fulfill the efficiency needed for commercial applications

Transition-metal catalysts are found to effectively mediate concerted transfer of multiple electrons. However, transition-metal regeneration catalysts studied so far are mostly confined to second and third-row transition metals (Rh, Ir and Ru). Catalysts of precious metals are not only uneconomic, but also more tend be toxic and susceptible to poisoning or inhibition, especially by enzymes with metal-binding amino acid side-chains. Therefore, we propose herein to develop sustainable organohydride cofactor regeneration catalysts using earth abundant first-row transition metals. A series of Co, Cu, Fe and Ni complexes containing macrocyclic π-acceptor ligands (imines, oximes and porphyrins) will be synthesized. A systematic investigation will be performed, so that these catalysts will be fine-tuned structurally and electronically to catalyze the reaction with a lowered overpotential and enhanced efficiency. Their catalytic activities will be examined using an electrochemical approach. Variation of intrinsic catalytic properties such as apparent catalytic rate constant (kcat) and turnover frequency as a function of the overpotential (TOF vs η) with different substituents and functionality will be investigated. The catalytic activities will also be evaluated in terms of catalyst stability, product selectivity for the active isomer, current efficiency and product turnover number (TON). It is believed the efficiency and selectivity of the catalytic process will be enhanced through such systematic variations in the coordination sphere. Chemical, electro- and photochemical cofactor regeneration will be performed with selected catalysts. Finally, the catalysts will then be assessed for their compatibility with various amino acids/enzymes and coupled with the enzymatic redox synthesis using common model enzyme/substrate combinations. Our proposed studies should provide valuable insights in the design of molecular catalysts for efficient cofactor regeneration and contribute to the sustainable application of enzymatic redox biotransformation.
Project Start Year: 2016, Principal Investigator(s): LEUNG, Chi Fai 梁致輝

 
Theoretical calculations of the luminescence properties of transition metals for developing eco-friendly optical devices
Luminescence (or spectroscopic) properties of open-shell ions like transition metals (TMs) and rare earths play a crucially important role in many optical devices such as plasma display panels (PDPs); field emission displays (FEDs); white LED (light-emitting diode) lamps, optical communication amplifiers, optical sensing, optical data storage, solid state lasers and solar panels (as quantum cutters or downconversion materials for maximization of solar energy). The past applications lead to two important environmental issues. First, rare earth ions are widely utilized not only as the light-emitting activator ions for many types of lighting and display devices but also for magnets, catalysts, ceramics, metallurgical alloys, as well as other areas such as nuclear, defence, hybrid cars, clean energy technologies, high-tech appliances etc. Severe water pollution and soil erosion have been caused by the mining and processing of those rare earth materials over the last half century in China, leading to the Chinese government’s restriction of their exports and sharp rise of their prices in recent years. Besides, deposits of some rare earths, such as europium and thulium, are likely exhausted very soon because they are scarce in the earth’s crust. Second, fluorescent tubes and compact fluorescent lamps use mercury for lighting so they render pollution and toxicity in the disposed places. Therefore, there is a genuine need to search for alternative green materials for developing more eco-friendly lighting and display devices which will no longer require the use of rare earths and mercury.

In this project, we propose to use TMs to replace the rare earth ions in those optical devices which normally require an excitation source or discharge in the ultraviolet (UV) and vacuum UV (VUV) spectral region. It is relatively cheaper to mine and process those TM elements because the earth’s crust contains most of them with a huge amount. The emission transitions from TMs in this spectral region may not only occur within the d-electron configuration, but may also involve other electronic configurations. Consequently, not only the experimental, but also the theoretical aspects remain to be investigated and developed. Employing quantum mechanical molecular simulation and first-principles model calculations, it is possible to select appropriate host materials doped with TMs for applications in PDP, FED and/or solar energy conversion. Our predicted results for potential luminescent materials will provide useful guidance for further detailed experiments, with varying activator concentrations, relating to their quantum efficiency and emission lifetime. Therefore, the time and tedious efforts required to search for efficient luminescent materials and to develop the lighting and display devices could be substantially reduced.
Project Start Year: 2015, Principal Investigator(s): YEUNG, Yau Yuen 楊友源 (LEUNG, Chi Fai 梁致輝 as Co-Investigator)

 
Acid-assisted strategy for efficient carbon dioxide reduction on molecular transition-metal catalysts
This project is mainly concerned with the fundamental studies of transition metal-catalyzed carbon dioxide (CO2) reduction as a means of energy conversion. This reaction may convert CO2 into useful compounds such as carbon monoxide (CO), formate, formaldehyde and fuels such as methanol and methane. The stability of CO2, however, imposes a high energy barrier for its reduction and a catalyst is required for it to occur under mild conditions. Various homogeneous/heterogeneous organic and metal catalysts have been reported. However, most of these catalysts suffer large overpotentials and low efficiencies. In some cases, nature of the catalytic species and the reaction pathway were not well studied and documented.

We will investigate various structural/electronic factors, e.g. metals, ligand electron density and on-site intramolecular proton sources, governing the catalytic properties of a series of earth-abundant transition metal (Co, Cu, Fe and Ni) CO2 reduction catalysts. In particular, the use of acids to activate the reduction of CO2 by these catalysts will be studied in details. Multidentate π-acid ligands (imines and pyridines) will be used to stabilize the low-valent intermediate involved. In principle, the presence of Brønsted or Lewis acid should facilitate the reduction of CO2 by promoting concerted atom and electron transfer: O=C=O + E (acid) = O=C=O→E. To date, however, studies on such synergistic effects on CO2 reduction are limited to iron porphyrin complexes. CO2 reduction of our catalysts will be investigated and compared using an electrochemical approach. Variation of intrinsic catalytic properties such as apparent catalytic rate constant (kcat), turnover frequency (TOF), and overpotential (η) in the presence of acids will be studied. The catalytic reactions will also be evaluated in terms of catalyst stability, nature and selectivity of product (CO, HCOOH, CH3OH, and so on), current efficiency, and product turnover number (TON). Reaction mechanism and active intermediates in Brønsted/Lewis acid-assisted CO2 reduction will be investigated as well. The above investigations will be complemented with theoretical computation. The light-driven CO2 reduction of selected catalysts will also be explored by using various photosensitizers and sacrificial reductants.

Project Start Year: 2015, Principal Investigator(s): LEUNG, Chi Fai 梁致輝

 
New lighting and display sources using transition metals
Current studies on luminescence mostly focus on the use of phosphors as scintillators, in plasma display panels (PDPs), in field emission displays (FEDs) and as quantum cutters (QCs) or down-conversion materials for solar energy maximization. These applications have previously utilized lanthanide ions as the light-emitting activator ions. However, lanthanide chemicals have recently become expensive as the major exporter—China—has curtailed its supply of such chemicals by 72% in 2008. These chemicals are likewise used for the production of magnets, catalysts, batteries, ceramics and metallurgical alloys. Other areas, such as nuclear and defence, similarly use lanthanide chemicals in their operations. Some lanthanides, particularly europium and thulium, have become scarce in the earth’s crust and their deposits may soon become exhausted. Besides, the mining and processing of those rare earths minerals are causing huge pollution to the nearby environment. Therefore, environmentally green alternatives for such chemicals must be identified as soon as possible.
The toxicity of mercury in fluorescent tubes and compact fluorescent lamps has prompted a search for alternative and environmentally friendly lighting and display devices. These devices utilize an excitation source or discharge in the vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) spectral region, which extends to wavelengths that are shorter than 200 nm. This study aims to explore the utilization of transition metals (TMs) as alternatives to lanthanide ions in optical devices of the UV and VUV spectral regions. The main advantage of using TM instead of rare earths is that the abundance of these metals has relatively reduced the cost of obtaining and processing TMs. The visible and near-UV optical spectra of those ions have been thoroughly investigated, assigned and interpreted through theoretical calculations, but their VUV spectra have seldom been investigated. In this spectral region, the emission transitions from TMs may occur within the 3d electron configuration or other electron configurations. The experimental and theoretical aspects of the VUV spectra are yet to be investigated and developed. Guided by preliminary quantum mechanical molecular simulation and semi-ab initio calculation, certain host materials that are doped with TMs will be selected for excitation by synchrotron radiation. The luminescent materials for applications of PDP, FED and/or QC will be further assessed through different activator concentrations for uncovering the quantum efficiency and emission lifetime of the materials. Based on the experimental findings, the developed theoretical models will be refined further to improve their predictive capability in searching for alternative efficient luminescent materials.
Project Start Year: 2014, Principal Investigator(s): YEUNG, Yau Yuen 楊友源 (LEUNG, Chi Fai 梁致輝 as Co-Investigator)

 
Effects of Brønsted and Lewis Acids on Electro- and Photocatalytic Carbon Dioxide Reduction
The aim of this project is to develop efficient CO2 reduction catalysts of the earth-abundant metals cobalt and nickel. Effects of various Brønsted and Lewis acids on the catalytic reaction will be investigated. Photocatalytic reduction of CO2 will also be investigated.
Project Start Year: 2013, Principal Investigator(s): LEUNG, Chi Fai 梁致輝

 
Transition-metal Water Oxidation Catalysts for Chemical Energy Conversion(ECR16)
The project involves the development of water-oxidation catalysts of earth-abundant transition metals. The activities of the catalysts will be examined using electrochemical methods and the influence of the electronic and structural factors on the activities will be investigated. Chemical and photocatalytic water oxidation of selected catalysts will finally be studied.
Project Start Year: 2013, Principal Investigator(s): LEUNG, Chi Fai 梁致輝

 
Transition Metal Catalyzed Hydrogen Generation
The project involves the design of first-row transition metal catalysts for hydrogen generation and investigate the structural and electronic factors affecting the catalytic process. Co and Ni catalysts for hydrogen generation will be synthesized and the influence of ligand on the catalytic activities will be investigated by the systematic variation of the first and second coordination spheres of the metal centers.
Project Start Year: 2013, Principal Investigator(s): LEUNG, Chi Fai 梁致輝

 
Transition-metal Compounds as Photosensitizing and Luminescent Materials
The project involves the development of photosensitizing and luminescent molecular materials containing transition elements for the application of photochemical solar energy conversion and electronic display (Organic Light Emitting Diode), biological cell-imaging and molecular sensing of toxic substances and pollutants.
Project Start Year: 2012, Principal Investigator(s): LEUNG, Chi Fai 梁致輝

 
Prizes and awards
Research Output Prize - Dean's Research Fund 2019-20

Date of receipt: 10/6/2020, Conferred by: Faculty of Liberal Art and Social Science
 
Research Impact Prize - Dean's Research Fund 2018-19

Date of receipt: 7/5/2019, Conferred by: Faculty of Liberal Art and Social Science
 
Research Output Prize - Dean's Research Fund 2018 - 19

Date of receipt: 7/4/2019, Conferred by: Faculty of Liberal Arts and Social Science, The Education University of Hong Kong
 
Research Output Prize - Dean’s Research Fund 2017-18

Date of receipt: /4/2018, Conferred by: Faculty of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, The Education University of Hong Kong
 
Grand Award, Knowledge Transfer Awards Scheme (as Team member)

Date of receipt: 13/1/2016, Conferred by: RDO