Prof. PingAn Hu, Harbin Institute Technology, China
Professor PingAn Hu is a globally recognized materials scientist and innovator in 2D semiconductors, flexible intelligent devices, and neuromorphic vision systems. Currently serving as a Professor at Harbin Institute of Technology (HIT), he is known for groundbreaking work in the interface-engineered growth of large-area single-crystal thin films. With over 240 SCI-indexed publications and accolades including the Elsevier Highly Cited Researcher (2022–2024), his research has gained international recognition and transformed the field of smart sensors and semiconductor technologies.
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📘 Early Academic Pursuits
Prof. Hu began his academic journey with a Ph.D. in Chemistry from the Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences (2004). His early postdoctoral experiences reflect a rich international academic exposure, serving as a JSPS Fellow at Waseda University, Japan (2004–2006) and a Research Associate at the University of Cambridge, UK (2006–2009). These formative years helped shape his cross-disciplinary research philosophy, integrating material chemistry, surface physics, and device engineering.
🏛️ Professional Endeavors
Upon returning to China, Prof. Hu joined the Harbin Institute of Technology, where he has played a pivotal role in advancing the university’s global reputation in materials science and applied nanotechnology. He currently serves as Editor-in-Chief of the international journal Smart Wearable Technology and is an active member of several academic societies including the China Microelectronics Association, American Carbon Society, and Chinese Society of Nanotechnology.
🔬 Contributions and Research Focus
Prof. Hu’s research addresses some of the most critical challenges in semiconductor device engineering, especially those involving interface sensitivity, optical signal processing, and mechanical-electrical signal transduction. His three core innovations include:
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Wafer-scale growth of 2D single-crystal materials (like graphene and h-BN) using a liquid copper strategy.
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Discovery of interlayer-dependent piezoelectric enhancement in van der Waals materials, crucial for next-gen energy devices.
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Development of low-power neuromorphic vision devices through interface modulation of photocarrier relaxation dynamics, enabling bioinspired and skin-like sensors.
These innovations establish new theoretical foundations for surface/interface-mediated growth and flexible optoelectronic systems, directly impacting fields such as wearable tech, AI-driven sensing, and energy harvesting.
🌍 Impact and Influence
Prof. Hu’s research has not only led to over 240 peer-reviewed publications in top-tier journals (e.g., Nature Communications, Advanced Materials, ACS Nano, Chemical Engineering Journal) but has also been recognized by Nobel Laureates such as Prof. Andre K. Geim and Prof. Konstantin Novoselov. His work is widely cited, contributing to key advances in piezoelectric and neuromorphic research. He maintains active collaborations with over 30 global research institutions, including the University of Cambridge and the University of Michigan, fostering strong international partnerships.
📊 Academic Citations and Metrics
With an extensive body of work cited thousands of times globally, Prof. Hu’s H-index and citation count reflect his authoritative influence in semiconductor materials, nanostructures, and bioinspired electronic systems. Being named a Highly Cited Researcher by Elsevier (2022, 2023, 2024) further substantiates the global reach and reliability of his contributions.
🧠 Research Skills and Interdisciplinary Expertise
Prof. Hu is proficient in a broad range of advanced techniques, including:
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CVD and epitaxial growth of 2D materials,
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Piezoelectric and optoelectronic property characterization,
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Photodetector and tactile sensor engineering,
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Device simulation and theoretical modeling,
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Surface/interface modification for neuromorphic functions.
His ability to bridge fundamental research with practical applications makes him a leading voice in interdisciplinary material sciences.
👨🏫 Teaching Experience
As a senior faculty member at HIT, Prof. Hu has supervised numerous Ph.D. and postdoctoral researchers, many of whom now hold academic and industrial positions worldwide. His courses on nanomaterials, advanced electronic devices, and flexible electronics are considered core components of the institute’s postgraduate curriculum. He is also involved in talent training through China’s National Talent Programs.
🏆 Awards and Honors
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Elsevier Highly Cited Researcher (2022–2024)
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First Prize, Science and Technology Award (2015, 2020 – Principal Investigator)
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Second Prize, Science and Technology Award (2024 – Third Contributor)
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Editor-in-Chief, Smart Wearable Technology (International Journal)
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21 authorized invention patents in flexible electronics, sensors, and 2D materials.
These awards reflect his sustained excellence, innovation, and leadership across academia and applied research.
🔮 Legacy and Future Contributions
Looking ahead, Prof. Hu aims to advance AI-integrated sensor systems, energy-autonomous wearables, and interface-programmable devices for next-generation applications in healthcare, soft robotics, and environmental monitoring. His vision includes creating eco-friendly, bioinspired smart systems and globalizing knowledge transfer through deeper international collaborations and industrial translation of lab breakthroughs.
Top Publications
Prestrain Guided Yield of Large Single-Crystal Nickel Foils, with High-Index Facets
- Authors: Zhen Su, Meixiu Song, Huyang Li, Xin Song, Yuming Feng, Shuai Wang, Xin Zhang, Hongying Yang, Xingji Li, Yanxiang Zhang, Yuhang Jing, PingAn Hu
Journal: Advanced Materials
Year: 2024
Flexible Optical Synapses Based on In₂Se₃/MoS₂ Heterojunctions for Artificial Vision Systems in the Near-Infrared Range
- Authors: Hu YX, Yang HY, (…) Hu PA
Journal: ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
Year: 2022
Engineering the Optoelectronic Properties of 2D Hexagonal Boron Nitride Monolayer Films by Sulfur Substitutional Doping
- Authors: Biying Tan, You Wu, Feng Gao, Huihui Yang, Yunxia Hu, Huiming Shang, Xin Zhang, Jia Zhang, Zhonghua Li, YongQing Fu, PingAn Hu
Journal: ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
Year: 2022
Skin-Inspired Tactile Sensor Based on Gradient Pore Structure Enables Broad Range Response and Ultrahigh Pressure Resolution
- Authors: S. Wang, F. Gao, Y. Hu, S. Zhang, H. Shang, C. Ge, B. Tan, X. Zhang, J. Zhang, P. Hu
Journal: Chemical Engineering Journal
Year: 2022
Field Effect Transistor Sensors Based on In-Plane 1T′/2H/1T′ MoTe₂ Heterophases with Superior Sensitivity and Output Signals
- Authors: Shichao Zhang, You Wu, Feng Gao, Huiming Shang, Jia Zhang, Zhonghua Li, YongQing Fu, PingAn Hu
Journal: Advanced Functional Materials
Year: 2022