Tianbo Duan

PhD Candidate
University of Amsterdam

Department

Van ‘t Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences

Contact information

Room
E1.12

Email address
t.duan@uva.nl

Key expertises

Photochemistry, upconversion nanoparticles, free-radical polymerization, UV-curing

About me

I was born and raised in Beijing, China. I completed my bachelor's degree at Jiangnan University, Wuxi. At that time, I realize chemistry can solve real-world issues and am passionate about it. Then I came to the Netherlands and obtained my master's degree in Amsterdam. In November 2023, I started my PhD under Prof. dr. Bas de Bruin at University of Amsterdam.

About my research

My research project focuses on UV-initiated radical polymerization of coatings. UV-curing is a widely applied technique for industrial coatings. Throughout the project I will be exploring a variety of novel approaches to UV curing. In particular, upconversion nanoparticles, which convert near-infrared light into ultraviolet light, can be used for deep coating curing. The ultimate goal is to reduce the energy consumption of curing coatings, and thereby contribute to a more sustainable future.

Academic career

2023 – present: PhD candidate in the group of Homogeneous, Supramolecular and Bio-Inspired Catalysis (HomKat) at University of Amsterdam, under the supervision of Prof. B. de Bruin.

MSc
2020 – 2023: Master in Chemistry at University of Amsterdam, under the supervision of Prof. J. N. H. Reek.

BSc
2016 – 2020: Bachelor in Applied Chemistry at Jiangnan University, China.