研究方向为溶液热力学，胶体化学和复杂流体。研究复杂流体宏观热力学行为，局部结构和粒子间的相互作用以及宏观和微观性质的联系；研究溶液和复杂流体体系的相平衡、临界现象与相变动力学；研究流体由非临界态向临界态过渡的临界跨接现象；研究在复杂体系中及其复杂体系在复杂状态（近临界态和超临界态等）下的化学反应的热力学和动力学，探讨化学反应与流体的局部结构的联系；研究在复杂体系、复杂状态下新型功能材料制备和性能

主要代表性论文：
1.Shiyan Mao, Zhiyun Chen, Dashuang Fan, Xueqin An, Weiguo Shen (2012). "Spectrometric Study of AOT-Hydrolysis Reaction in Water/AOT/Isooctane Microemulsions Using Phenolphthalein as a Chemical Probe." J. Phys. Chem. A 116: 158-165.
2.Shiyan Mao, Zhiyun Chen, Xueqin An, Weiguo Shen (2011). "Study of the Alkaline Fading of Phenolphthalein in Microemulsions." J. Phys. Chem. A 115: 5560-5567.
3.Peizhu Zheng, Yuanming Ma, Xuhong Peng, Tianxiang Yin, Xueqin An, Weiguo Shen (2011). "Determination of the Interaction Enthalpy between Microemulsion Droplets by Isothermal Titration Microcalorimetry." Langmuir 27: 12280-12283.
4.Meijun Huang, Yuntao Lei, Tianxiang Yin, Zhiyun Chen, Xueqin An, Weiguo Shen (2011). "Heat Capacities and Asymmetric Criticality of Coexistence Curves for Benzonitrile + Alkanes and Dimethyl Carbonate + Alkanes." J. Phys. Chem. B 115: 13608.
5.Nong Wang, Xueqin An, Jinshou Wang, Xuhong Peng, Weiguo Shen (2010). "Light scattering and sum rules of three coexisting phases for quasiternary solutions near the tricrical point." J. Chem. Phys. 132: 074501.
6.Peizhu Zheng, Xueqin An, Xuhong Peng, Weiguo Shen (2009). "Interactions and Aggregations in Aqueous and Brine Solutions of Poly(diallydimethylammonium chloride)/Sodium Bis(2-ethylhexyl) Sulfosuccinate." J. Phys. Chem. B 113: 13566-13575.