EXTENDED ABSTRACT: The increasing complexity of chemical compositions, structures, and dimensions poses signiffcant challenges for modern materials screening and optimization through traditional trial-and-error or experimental methods. Consequently, the need to develop efficient, precise, and cost-effective approaches in materials chemistry has become paramount. To address fundamental scientiffc questions in materials discovery, our research group focuses on using data-driven approaches to accelerate this process. In this presentation, we will discuss two research projects currently underway in our group. The ffrst focuses on utilizing computational intelligence, electron diffraction, and molecular simulations to resolve the structures of poorly crystalline covalent organic frameworks (COFs). To achieve this, we implement the particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm, which automatically generates trial structures, allowing for comprehensive exploration of potential conffgurations. These models are further optimized using force ffeld calculations and reffned with experimental diffraction data to determine the most precise and accurate structures. The second project highlights the critical role of automation tools in accelerating on-demand material synthesis and improving the materials discovery process. Specifically, we have developed an efficient methodology to speed up the discovery of polar hydrogen-bonded cocrystals. This approach combines molecular similarity-based screening, machine learning-driven cocrystal predictions, and automated synthesis techniques to streamline the assembly of cocrystals.
Shan Jiang completed her PhD at the University of Liverpool, UK, in 2013 and she has worked with Prof. Andy Cooper (FRS) on the rational design of porous organic cages. After that, she worked at the University of Liverpool and Durham University for her postdoctoral studies. In 2020, she joined ShanghaiTech University as a PI, and her research interests include combining high-throughput computational and synthetic approaches to expedite new materials discovery, and designing new porous molecular materials with new functions.