About

I am a PhD student in the Department of Chemistry at The Chinese University of Hong Kong, working in the F.Y. KWONG Research Team and the Zhang Lab. My research combines computational and synthetic chemistry, with a particular interest in understanding the mechanisms of organic and organometallic reactions and applying theoretical insights to catalyst and reaction development.

Before joining CUHK, I completed an MSci in Chemistry with Medicinal Chemistry at Imperial College London, graduating with First-Class Honours. My final-year project focused on palladium-catalysed carbon–carbon bond-forming reactions, particularly Heck and Sonogashira couplings, using catalysts derived from recovered palladium, under the supervision of Prof. James Wilton-Ely.

My previous research also includes investigating gas evolution and degradation pathways in lithium-ion batteries using GC-MS and ultrasonic imaging.

Research Interests

  • Computational and synthetic chemistry
  • DFT-based mechanistic studies
  • Organic and organometallic catalysis
  • Catalyst and reaction development

Publications

Conference Abstracts

  1. Weng, J.; Garcia, C.; Gai, Z.; Offer, G. J. “Probing Fast Discharge-Driven Degradation and Interfacial Failure in Lithium-Ion Batteries.” 249th Meeting of The Electrochemical Society, 24 May 2026.
  2. Weng, J.; Garcia, C.; Gai, Z.; Offer, G. J. “Gas Evolution and Swelling Mechanisms in Lithium-Ion Power Batteries during Long-Term High-Rate Cycling.” 248th Meeting of The Electrochemical Society, 12–16 October 2025.

Research Experience

Jun–Aug 2026

Electrolyte-Dependent Cycling Stability and Degradation in Solid-State and Liquid Lithium-Metal Batteries

Department of Materials, Imperial College London

  • Evaluated gas evolution from degraded commercial lithium-ion batteries using a GC-MS system equipped with FID, MS and TCD.
  • Developed a GC-MS calibration method for carbon dioxide, one of the major gaseous products generated in lithium-ion batteries.
  • Assembled and disassembled solid-state cells containing LATP and LLZTO electrolytes and evaluated their cycling behaviour under different testing protocols and applied pressures.
May–Sep 2025

Faraday Undergraduate Summer Experience (FUSE)

Department of Mechanical Engineering, Imperial College London

  • Evaluated gas evolution associated with degradation in nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) lithium-ion batteries using a GC-MS system equipped with FID, MS and TCD.
  • Conducted quantitative gas analysis using GC-MS calibration.
  • Monitored structural degradation in NMC batteries using ultrasonic imaging and analysed CT scans.
  • Investigated battery degradation pathways during fast charging and discharging.
  • Disassembled pouch cells for subsequent XPS and SEM analysis.

Work Experience

Technician and Research Assistant

Guowei Biotechnology

  • Cultured haematopoietic stem cells and immune cells.
  • Cultured, expanded and cryopreserved natural killer cells, cytokine-induced killer cells and mesenchymal stem cells.

Quality Control Assistant

Jiangsu Shindery Pharmatech Co.

  • Performed analytical tests, including titration and calcium content determination, to assess the properties and purity of nucleoside and nucleotide products.
  • Operated analytical instruments including HPLC, GC, turbidimeter and pH meter and analysed experimental results and spectra while developing an understanding of the instruments’ operating principles.

More About Me

Beyond chemistry, I am also interested in humanities projects and have explored the relationship between social media and mental well-being among adolescents. My broader interests include learning other languages, particularly German and Spanish, and exploring topics in philosophy.

For any further enquiries, please feel free to contact me.