My Study
Dr. Gu studies the stability and transformation of minerals important to Earth/planetary evolution and critical mineral resources. Using high-pressure experiments, microanalytical characterization, and modeling, she investigates mineral structures, element mobility, and volatile behavior across deep-Earth and planetary interior. Her work integrates experimental mineralogy with geological observations and applications relevant to critical elements, super-deep diamonds, and the deep carbon cycle.
Research Interests:
1. Micro- to nanoscale mineral characterization and formation mechanism
2. Super-deep diamond formation and inclusion studies
3. Laboratory synthesis of mineral analogs and functional materials under various P/T/fO2 conditions
4. Physicochemical behavior and stability of minerals inside Earth and other planets
Key Research Strengths:
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Physicochemical behavior and stability of carbon- and metal-bearing minerals relevant to deep-Earth processes and material properties
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High-pressure experimental synthesis of metallic and volatile-bearing phases under core–mantle boundary and deep-mantle conditions
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Micro- to nanoscale mineral characterization (Synchrotron X-ray, Electron Microscopy and Microanalytical Spectroscopy) for analyzing element partitioning and crystal chemistry
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Super-deep diamond and inclusion studies providing insights into metal, carbon, and volatile cycling in the deep Earth
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Laboratory synthesis and structural characterization of mineral analogs, linking deep-Earth materials to synthetic and functional materials
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Integration of experimental mineralogy, geochemistry, and materials science to understand the formation and transformation of minerals under extreme conditions
Research gallery
ZPL
EBSD
Soli Deo Gloria