ZIQI LU

Diligent Postdoctoral Research Fellow holding a PhD in Chemistry Science from the University of Auckland and NZ resident VISA. I bring a broad research background and a proactive, meticulous approach to my work. As a self-motivated early-career researcher committed to high professional standards, I have effectively collaborated on multiple high-impact projects, demonstrating strong analytical skills and a thorough understanding of complex scientific processes.

• Biosensor Development for Predator detection in forests, Oct 2022 – present

Summary: This ongoing project, co-funded by Science for Technological Innovation (SfTI) and Predator Free 2050 Ltd (PF2050), aims to develop a robust, field-deployable biosensor capable of detecting odours emitted by forest predators, functioning reliably in both room temperature and harsh environments. The project has employed Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) to identify volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in predator secretions. It features a polymer-based, multi-layered biosensor using biodegradable materials, integrated with hydrophobic layers and advanced data analysis techniques to enhance performance in challenging conditions.
Technical Expertise: The project leveraged advanced knowledge in material science and inorganic chemistry, utilizing techniques such as Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman Spectroscopy, Additive Manufacturing (3D printing), and printing techniques including screen-printing and spin-coating to assist in characterizing and fabricating the sensor.

• One-pot Fabrication of Potent Antimicrobial and Antiviral Films With Eco-friendly In-situ After-use Disposal, June 2022 – Mar 2023

Summary: The project developed a cost-effective and eco-friendly method to produce potent antimicrobial and antiviral films using a one-step in situ thermal curing process. The developed film, made from polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) acidified with sulphuric acid and loaded with 0-1%(w/w) of β-FeCOOH nanorods, effectively eliminate up to 100% of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Influenza A viruses within 10 minutes of contact. The films can be further activated by hydrogen peroxide and sunlight, enhancing their antimicrobial properties and allowing complete dissolution to prevent environmental waste.

Contributions: Offered advices on investigation strategies and experimental design; designed and executed X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) experiments for the characterization of the films, and analyzed the results.

• Plasma Printing of Conducting Polymer for Stimulated Encapsulation/Release applications, June 2022 – Oct 2022

Summary: Plasma printing of hollow sphere structures using conducting polymer materials, encapsulating beneficial compounds for applications in electrically stimulated delivery.
Contributions: Designed and executed experiments using 3,4-Ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT) to create hollow structured Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) materials on substrates including the copper film, silica wafer, and indium tin oxide-coated glass through plasma printing. Characterized these materials using Raman spectroscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM).

• Metalloporphyrin-decorated semiconducting oxides for gas sensing applications, Sep 2015 – Sep 2019

Summary: This PhD project developed novel solid-state materials, specifically metalloporphyrin-decorated metal oxides, for detecting low concentrations of nitrogen dioxide in air. The hypothesis posited that metalloporphyrins on tin dioxide surfaces would modulate the electrical properties of the substrate. The study successfully synthesized tin oxide doped with 0.5 – 5% indium and 12 types of metalloporphyrins, including ruthenium(II)-carbonyl, platinum, and palladium porphyrins. These sensors were comprehensively evaluated using an MFC sensing system.
Technical Expertise: This project applied in-depth knowledge of organic, inorganic, and material science to prepare various samples and conduct gas sensing experiments. Comprehensive characterization was achieved using techniques including 1H Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (1H NMR), Ultraviolet-Visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy, Mass Spectroscopy (MS), powder X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) adsorption. Additionally, the band gaps of metalloporphyrins and their composites were determined through Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations and XPS analysis.

• Review of Predator Emitted Volatile Organic Compounds and Their Potential for Predator Detection in New Zealand Forests, Lu, Z.; Whitton, R.; Strand, T.; Chen, Y., Forests, 2024, 15, 2, 227
• One-pot fabrication of potent antimicrobial and antiviral films with eco-friendly in situ after-use disposal, Liu L, Swift S, Taylor J, Nutsford AN, Tollemache C, Lu Z, Yadav P, Zujovic Z, Ross J, Vella J, Chen S., Chemical Engineering Journal, 2024, 481, 148406
• Metalloporphyrin-decorated semiconducting oxides for gas sensing applications, Lu, Z., University of Auckland, 2020

• Rob Whitton, Research Group Leader, Scion Research, rob.whitton@scionresearch.com, 027 512 1950
• Dr Yi Chen, Project Leader, Scion Research, yi.chen@scionresearch.com, 022 368 9703