Penghao Li, Assistant Professor of Chemistry & Biochemistry

Assistant Professor of Chemistry & Biochemistry

Office: 480 Coulter Hall
662-915-5337| penghao@olemiss.edu

EDUCATIONAL AND PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND
B.S., Nankai University, China, 2011
M.A., Boston University, 2014
Ph.D., University of Oregon, 2017
Postdoctoral Fellow, Northwestern University, 2017-2023
Assistant Professor, University of Mississippi, 2023-present

RESEARCH INTERESTS
Synthesis of carbon nanoarchitectures, organic electronics, molecular recognition, self-assembly, organic synthesis, and physical organic chemistry

RESEARCH OVERVIEW
My research group aims to gain precise control over the spatial arrangement of π-conjugated molecules by means of covalent and non-covalent linkages to create functional entities with tailored physical properties. We rely on physical organic and supramolecular principles to guide the design of novel molecular, supramolecular, and macromolecular materials with unique optoelectronic, magnetic, and recognition behaviors for the development of enabling technologies related to energy, sustainability, and human health. Additionally, we seek to implement high-throughput and automated synthetic methods based on sustainable and green protocols. Major thrusts of our research group include (1) precise synthesis of graphene-based carbon nanoarchitectures, (2) molecular recognition of curved polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and (3) discovery of porous materials though hierarchical self-assembly.