Manling Sui champions innovation at the atomic level, enhancing energy materials and advocating for women's participation in physics.
At Beijing University of Technology, Manling Sui merges physics with materials engineering, pioneering efforts that significantly enhance our understanding of material behavior and its evolution. Her advanced characterization techniques are critical in addressing pressing issues in energy and catalysis, as well as contributing to the development of advanced structural materials.
With over 200 research papers under her belt, Sui has established collaborative ties with esteemed institutions like the University of Wisconsin-Madison, University of Cambridge, and Risø National Laboratory in Denmark. Her substantial contributions to the scientific community have earned her several accolades, including the prestigious 2026 Wiley Women in Science Award.
Advocating for women in physics, Sui leads the Status of Women in Physics Committee within the International Organization of Chinese Physicists and Astronomers. Her commitment to mentoring and promoting equitable opportunities for women in academia is evident through initiatives like panels and surveys assessing the status of women in physics across China. Moreover, her efforts include launching an annual women’s special issue of Physics magazine and starting a prize to honor female physicists in China.
Transformative Insights Through Electron Microscopy
Sui’s passion for electron microscopy originated during her master’s studies under renowned physicist Professor K.H. Kuo, who is celebrated for his groundbreaking work in the field. It was here that she first encountered high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (TEM), which unveiled atomic structures and defects pivotal to understanding material properties.
She became deeply invested in exploring how advanced materials evolve at the atomic scale, recognizing that many essential behaviors at the nanoscale necessitate real-time observation. This insight propelled her to specialize in in-situ and operando TEM techniques, aimed at tackling fundamental problems in materials science.
Advancing Energy Storage and Catalysis
Sui's research primarily investigates the structural and property relationships of advanced materials, especially focusing on energy-related applications. Her current projects include next-generation lithium-ion and sodium-ion battery cathodes and halide perovskite solar cells, where she delves into aspects such as degradation mechanisms, interfacial reactions, and ion transport efficiency.
In catalysis, her work encompasses studying atomic-scale dynamics in single-atom catalysts and photocatalysts, with an aim to enhance their stability and activity. She also explores the properties of nanostructured materials and lightweight alloys, investigating their deformation and phase transitions during various processing conditions.
The innovative use of in situ operando and low-dose TEM techniques is pivotal in this research. These methods allow for observing the dynamic structural evolution of materials while mitigating electron-beam damage, which is crucial for sensitive materials.
Bridging Micro and Macro Perspectives
Sui envisions a future where the insights gained from atomic-scale observations directly inform material design for sustainable energy and structural applications. By understanding the degradation processes at the atomic level, her research aims to establish foundational principles for developing safer batteries, more stable solar cells, and high-performance alloys.
The semiconductor field’s evolving landscape—from static imaging to dynamic, multimodal characterization—marks an important shift in electron microscopy capabilities. Sui notes essential advancements, including the widespread use of aberration-corrected TEM, low-dose imaging techniques, and increased application of data-driven analysis, which allows researchers to extract insights from extensive datasets more effectively.
Challenges and Future Directions
Despite these advancements, persistent challenges remain for electron microscopy. A major concern is the electron-beam damage to soft materials, such as organic compounds and ionic structures. Understanding and managing beam-matter interactions remains critical for improving observational fidelity.
Another challenge lies in replicating realistic working environments promptly and preventing the introduction of artifacts that can skew interpretative data. As a growing amount of data is generated from experiments, moving towards quantitative analyses from qualitative observations is essential for yielding reliable conclusions.
Accessibility to advanced in-situ TEM setups is another hurdle. The high costs associated with these technologies can create disparities in global scientific collaboration, limiting widespread advancements in the field.
The Importance of Diversity in Science
Sui emphasizes that diversity fosters excellence in physics, arguing that historical barriers have hindered women's participation at every career stage. Advocating for inclusivity not only aids in bridging talent gaps but also enriches scientific inquiry.
By fostering a supportive environment, the goal is to establish a culture where anyone passionate about physics can thrive. Such efforts not only benefit individuals but also contribute to solving global challenges with a diverse set of views and solutions.
As the scientific community convenes for events like the Wiley Women in Science Awards, which celebrates exceptional contributions from female researchers, we recognize the value of diverse perspectives in advancing progressive research.
Image Credit: Beijing University of Technology
Discussion
Sign in to join the discussion.