Chenjie Zeng
Assistant Professor
Research Focus
Our research focuses on extending precision chemistry from the molecular scale to the nanoscale. We emphasize rational synthesis of nanomaterials with atomic precision as well as an in-depth understanding of the structures and properties correlation of nanomaterials. Through the integration of precise nanochemistry with solid-state physics and molecular biology, our lab also embraces some significant topics, such as efficient optoelectronic devices for energy conversions and hierarchical solids for exotic physical properties.
Education and Training
2017–2019: NatureNet Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Pennsylvania (labs of Christopher B. Murray & Cherie R. Kagan)
2011–2016: Ph.D. Chemistry, Carnegie Mellon University (lab of Rongchao Jin)
2007–2011: B.S. Chemistry, Nankai University
Selected Awards
Scialog Fellow, Quantum Matter and Information (2025)
Nanoscale, Emerging Investigator (2023)
IUPAC 100 Periodic Table of Younger Chemists: Element 21 (2019)
IUPAC-Solvay International Award for Young Chemists (2017)
1st Place Poster Prize at 67th Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting (2017)
Selected Activities
Symposium organizer, ACS 2025 Fall Meeting. “Atomically Precise Nanomaterials: Connecting Coordination, Cluster, Colloidal, and Crystal Chemistry”
Selected Publications
Ma, F.; Ivanov, S. A.; Dobrzyski, L. M.; Zeng, C.* Programmable Synthesis of Atomically Precise Semiconductor Artificial Atoms. Nat. Synth. 2025, DOI: 10.1038/s44160-025-00823-6.
Mech, S. A.; Gibson, J. O.; Ma, F.; Dobrzycki, L. M.; Zeng, C.* From Magic Size to Atomic Precision: Facile Synthesis of a CdTe Semiconductor Nanocluster. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2025, 147, 7507–7512.
Ma, F.; Abboud, K. A.; Zeng, C.* Precision Synthesis of a CdSe Semiconductor Nanocluster via Cation Exchange. Nat. Synth. 2023, 2, 949–959.