Joel Jie Foo is a final-phase PhD candidate in New Energy Science and Engineering at Xiamen University Malaysia, with a degree in Chemical Engineering with Honours. His research focuses on defect-engineered carbon nitride photocatalysts for sustainable chemical transformations, combining experimental and computational approaches to address urgent energy and climate challenges.

Joel’s work explores how atomic-level modifications, such as boron doping in C₃N₅ and potassium intercalation in crystalline carbon nitride, regulating charge dynamics and unlock wide pH-range hydrogen evolution. His recent studies demonstrate dual-functional photoredox coupling for simultaneous H₂O₂ and benzaldehyde production, offering scalable routes to green chemical synthesis. Through density functional theory (DFT) and mechanistic validation, he has also investigated the competition between CO₂ reduction and hydrogen evolution, revealing how single-atom catalysts on graphitic carbon nitride can tune selectivity toward carbon-neutral fuels.

Driven by the urgency of climate action, Joel aims to design photocatalytic systems that integrate life cycle sustainability with molecular precision. His interdisciplinary work bridges theory and practice, contributing to the development of next-generation catalysts for solar-driven reactions.

Looking ahead, Joel is passionate about exploring the intersection of experimental chemistry, first-principles modeling, and artificial intelligence to accelerate sustainable materials discovery. He envisions a future where AI-guided catalyst screening, data-driven reaction optimization, and mechanistic modeling converge to reshape how we design green technologies. By integrating these disciplines, Joel seeks to build intelligent photocatalytic platforms that respond adaptively to environmental conditions and maximize resource efficiency. His commitment to mechanistically guided innovation and cross-domain collaboration reflect a broader mission: to contribute meaningfully to the global transition toward net-zero energy systems.