Peng Zhang

Peng Zhang is a Professor at Dalhousie University, affiliated with the Department of Chemistry and School of Biomedical Engineering. His research focuses on nanoscience and nanotechnology, particularly metal nanoparticles (NPs) for applications in catalysis, biomedical engineering, and nanoelectronics. He leads a group synthesizing structure-tailored NPs, studying their electronic properties via X-ray spectroscopy, and exploring their use in drug delivery and fuel-cell catalysts. Collaborative projects include biomedical applications of gold nanoparticles with Dr. Michael Dunbar.

Key research themes include:

• Chemical synthesis of ligand-free and ligand-capped NPs
• Atomic structure and electronic properties analysis using XPS, XAFS, and synchrotron facilities
• Catalytic applications in fuel cells, CO oxidation, and hydrogen evolution

His lab utilizes advanced facilities such as the Canadian Light Source synchrotron and a surface photovoltaic spectrometer. Recent work emphasizes high-entropy alloys and single-atom catalysts for energy storage and conversion systems.

Publications highlight innovations in nanoparticle design, catalytic mechanisms, and material characterization, with over 50 peer-reviewed articles since 2016.