Xiao Su

Xiao Su is an Associate Professor of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, with affiliations in Chemistry, the Lemann Center for Brazilian Studies, and multiple research institutes. Her research focuses on advanced materials for molecularly selective separations, electrochemical systems, and process intensification in energy, environmental, and chemical manufacturing sectors. She holds a BASc from the University of Waterloo (2011), a PhD from MIT (2017), and postdoctoral training at MIT (2017–2018).

Her work integrates stimuli-responsive materials and electrochemistry to develop sustainable separation technologies. Notable achievements include PFAS remediation, rare earth element recovery, and electrochemical recycling of precious metals. Key awards include the 2024 ACS Satinder Ahuja Award, 2023 AIChE Kunesh Award, and 2022 Fellowship at the Center for Advanced Study.

Recent publications highlight innovations in chiral metallopolymers for enantioselectivity, redox-mediated liquid-liquid extraction, and photoelectrochemical separations. She advises over 10 graduate students and collaborates with industry (e.g., Dow Partnership for platinum catalyst recycling). Her labs are located in Roger Adams Laboratory and affiliated with the Beckman Institute and Prairie Research Institute.