Professor Qian Yang
Royal Society University Research Fellow at Imperial College London
Astronomy and physics
Water is one of our most valuable resources, and one we might think we understand well. But there is far more to Hâ‚‚O than first meets the eye. Qian Yang studies water at the nanoscale, investigating how it behaves when confined within tiny gaps and pores just a few molecules wide.
Using graphene, a material just one atom thick, Qian creates spaces so small that water begins to behave in unexpected ways. At these scales, its structure, movement and properties can be completely different from the water we encounter in everyday life.
Qian is fascinated by the mysteries of water and the closer she looks, the more questions emerge. Working at the forefront of the field, she studies water in extreme confinement, constantly driven by the opportunity to uncover some of the secrets it still holds.
In one study, her team discovered that a phenomenon many researchers thought was caused by water was actually being caused by the equipment used to study it. The finding highlighted the importance of keeping an open mind in science, reflecting Qian's belief that unexpected results can often be just as valuable as the ones we set out to find.
By revealing how water behaves at the tiniest of scales, Qian hopes to contribute to the development of technologies that support clean water and clean energy. From improving water purification systems to advancing batteries and energy storage technologies, her research shows how studying one of the most familiar substances on Earth can unlock possibilities for a more sustainable future.
