We are pleased to announce that Prof. Dr. Di Wei has been appointed Associate Editor of Section “Nanoelectronics, Nanosensors and Devices” in Nanomaterials (ISSN: 2079-4991).

Prof. Dr. Di Wei is a principal researcher at the Beijing Institute of Nanoenergy and Nanosystems (BINN). He oversees the Iontronics Laboratory, holding the titles of Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry (FRSC) and Senior Member of Wolfson College at Cambridge University. Additionally, he holds the adjunct position at both Cambridge University in the UK and Åbo Akademi University in Finland. He has published over 100 journal papers including Nat. Energy, Nat. Commun., PNAS, Adv. Mater., Energ. Environ Sci., Chem. Soc. Rev., Matter, Device etc., as the first/corresponding author. He has also edited three English books, published by Wiley, Cambridge University Press etc., focusing on nanoengineering for energy and information. The book published by Cambridge University Press was highlighted and reviewed in Science. Recent advancements from his research group have been reported by Cell Press, MIT Technology Review, DeepTech, and the American Physical Society (phys.org) etc. His academic achievements have been recognized by the Brian Conway Prize in Physical Electrochemistry from the International Society of Electrochemistry (ISE) and he has received various other prizes from ISE and RSC.

Name: Prof. Dr. Di Wei
Affiliation: Beijing Institute of Nanoenergy and Nanosystems, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
Interests: iontronics; triboiontronics; nanoenergy; contact-electro-chemistry; nanosensor
Website: http://iontronics.group/en/

The following is a short Q&A with Prof. Dr. Di Wei, who shared his vision for the journal with us, as well as his views of the research area:

1. What motivated you to assume the role of Section Associate Editor for this journal?
My academic background and research experience, which include extensive scholarly work and participation in numerous research projects, have provided a robust foundation and fostered critical thinking, meticulous problem-solving, and effective communication skills. I am committed to collaborating with a diverse array of scholars to drive academic progress and make significant contributions to the academic community. In the digital age, leveraging the internet and social media to actively promote the content of academic journals and establish close connections with readers and researchers is crucial. By fully utilizing modern technological means, we can disseminate academic achievements to a broader audience, thereby enhancing the impact of academic journals. In particular, the importance of nanotechnology in nanoelectronics, nanosensors, and devices cannot be overstated. The journal Nanomaterials has a strong history of advancing these fields, and I am eager to contribute to its mission of fostering innovation and excellence in nanotechnology research.

2. Could you share your vision for the Section and its future direction?
The future of nanoelectronics, nanosensors, and devices lies in transcending the limitations of traditional von Neumann architectures. Nanoconfined iontronics, which involves the precise control of ion flow within nano-confined spaces, promises to revolutionize these fields. This innovative approach offers unprecedented applications in efficient, low-energy sensing and energy provision. By leveraging nano-confinement to manipulate ionic behavior, we can develop new generations of sensors and energy devices that are not only more efficient but also significantly reduce energy consumption. This paradigm shift heralds a new era of technological advancement, driving forward the capabilities and impact of nanoelectronics, nanosensors, and devices.

3. How do you envision the evolution of this research field in the coming years?
Iontronics, once a nascent concept when I established my lab, has now emerged as a burgeoning field of interest. Iontronics, which utilizes ions as carriers, offers a wide array of possibilities and stands at the forefront of future technological advancements. By harnessing ions to transmit signals, this field enables the control of charge flux and the regulation of ion currents in ways analogous to neural systems. This capability allows for signal amplification and operation at high frequencies, opening new avenues for innovation and application in advanced electronics and sensing technologies.

4. What are your thoughts on the progress of open access within the publishing realm?
Open access not only improves researchers' access to literature and promotes academic progress but also enhances the efficiency of scholarly communication, becoming a pivotal form of academic research.

5. What advice or principles would you offer to young scholars aiming to pursue similar research paths with a focus on excellence?
The allure of research lies in its inherent uncertainty, much like life itself. While uncertainty can evoke a sense of the unknown, it simultaneously signifies boundless possibilities. It is often said that one must believe in the power of belief to transform the impossible into the possible; this principle applies equally to scientific research. Looking forward, our efforts may seem scattered, but retrospectively, they form a coherent whole. Life resembles a hidden blind box, and the purpose of living is to find and earnestly unveil it.

6. Your research background spans various institutions and countries. What key moments influenced your decisions in this regard?
From China to Finland, to the UK, and back to China, I have consistently adhered to the principle of “conducting useful research” when confronting career crossroads. My ability to face all uncertainties with composure stems from this unwavering commitment. Although my path has not followed a conventional academic trajectory, it is precisely this divergence that has enabled me to confront the unknown and embrace uncertainty.

7. Having secured more than 50 US patents, many of which have had transformative impacts, what challenges do you foresee in transitioning scientific technologies from the lab to industrial applications?
In my book, National Science and Technology Strategy Engine: New R&D Institutions, published by China Economic Publishing Press, I introduce the concept of the two “valleys of death” between science, technology, and the market. The first “valley of death” is the transition from science to technology; the second is the commercialization of technology into the market. Successfully navigating these “valleys of death” requires exceptional talent with distinct skills at each of the three stages. First, in the initial scientific research phase, we need outstanding scientists—individuals deeply passionate about science and capable of conducting pioneering fundamental research. Second, the transition from science to technology demands excellent engineers, whose design and engineering skills can swiftly amplify technological advancements. Third, the phase from technology to market requires extraordinary tech product managers—distinct from current market product managers—who possess profound insights into industry and technological development and a strong understanding of the essence of commerce, all grounded in their education and experience.

We warmly welcome Prof. Dr. Di Wei as the Associate Editor of Section “Nanoelectronics, Nanosensors and Devices” of Nanomaterials, and we wish his every success in his new position.