Leiting Zhang: A Five-Sense Analogy for Probing the Chemistry of Energy Materials

Chairperson: Professor Daniel Brandell

Representative of the Docentship Committee: Professor Gunnar Westin

Abstract

"Much like our five senses help us perceive and interpret the world, chemists can use a diverse set of tools — each echoing a human sense — to investigate the behaviour and properties of matter. Optical sensors allow us to "see" structural changes or thermal gradients in materials and reactions. Acoustic methods "hear" molecular and structural events, from crack propagation in solids to bubble bursting in confined environments. Pressure sensors reflect our sense of "touch", capturing subtle deformations or pressure build-up that might indicate phase transition, volume change, or gas evolution. Gas sensing techniques act as our sense of "smell", detecting volatile compounds that signal decomposition, contamination, or chemical instability. Electrochemical sensors give us a "taste" of a system’s status, enabling precise insight into redox reactions. Together, these "chemical senses" form an interconnected toolkit, allowing chemists to decode complex behaviours in, for example, materials for next-generation energy storage technologies."

The lecture is an obligatory teaching test for those applying for admittance as docent and it should be possible for students and others with basic academic education in the relevant field to follow it. The lecture lasts 40-45 minutes with subsequent discussion. The lecture will be given in English.

Welcome!