He specializes in geomechanics and fluid dynamics and their applications in unconventional resources development, underground mining, carbon sequestration, and natural hazard prevention. His current research interests include reservoir assessment of coal and shale resources; geomechanics modeling with continuous gas depletion; ground control for mines; coal mine gas control and management; carbon sequestration in deep rocks; nanoscale rock imaging.

Liu’s Unconventional Geomechanics Lab (UGL) hosts various funded research projects related to rock/geomechanics, fluid transport in porous media, fluid-rock interactions, mine ventilation, and ground control. UGL can conduct the top-notch multiscale rock characterization under best replicated in situ pressure and temperature conditions, including pressure-dependent permeability, sorption-induced rock swelling, gas sorption and diffusion in stressed rocks, stress-path monitoring, single core envelope measurement etc. The UGL also services various industry stakeholders, including coalbed methane companies, shale gas companies, mining and tunneling companies.