Yun Li

Yun Li is a Research Assistant Professor and Master's Supervisor at Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech), affiliated with the Department of Earth and Space Sciences within the Faculty of Science. He serves as a youth council member of the mineral materials division of the Chinese Ceramic Society and holds multiple research grants including the National Natural Science Foundation of China Youth Fund Project.

• Research Assistant Professor at SUSTech (2022-present)
• Postdoctoral Research Associate at SUSTech (2020-2022)
• Youth Director of International Association of Clay Minerals (2025-2029)
• Principal Investigator for multiple research projects

Dr. Li earned his B.S. in Petroleum Engineering from Yan'an University (2010-2014), M.S. in Oil and Gas Field Development Engineering from Southwest Petroleum University (2014-2017), and Ph.D. in Mineralogy, Petrology, Mineral Deposit Geology from Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences (2017-2020).

Dr. Li's research focuses on mineral surface-interface interactions and gas hydrates, with particular emphasis on unconventional oil and gas resources including gas hydrates, shale oil and gas, and geological hydrogen/helium. His work investigates the geological storage and mineralization of carbon dioxide, employing surface-interface analysis techniques, molecular simulation methods, and in-situ visualization experimental techniques (X-ray and neutron) to study energy/environmental fluid interactions with clay minerals. His research has significant applications in unconventional oil and gas development and carbon capture technologies.

Analysis of Dr. Li's recent publications reveals a strong focus on molecular dynamics simulations of hydrate formation mechanisms in clay minerals, particularly examining how different cations, organic matter, and mineral structures affect methane and carbon dioxide hydrate formation. His work bridges fundamental surface science with practical energy applications, showing increasing emphasis on carbon dioxide storage mechanisms in recent years. His publications appear in high-impact journals including ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering, Applied Surface Science, Applied Clay Science, and Langmuir.

• Young Director of International Association of Clay Minerals (AIPEA) (2025-2029)
• Young Director of Mineral Materials Branch of Chinese Ceramic Society (2023-2028)
• SUSTech 'Qiming' and 'Taiyi' Star Scientific Research Achievement Awards (2024)
• Top Ten Young Scholars' Report at 10th National Conference on Mineral Science and Engineering (2024)
• Excellent Presentation Awards at multiple international clay and mineral conferences
• Outstanding reviewer for Applied Clay Science journal

As a Master's Supervisor, Dr. Li mentors graduate students in earth sciences and energy-related research. He has secured significant research funding including the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation, Guangdong Basic and Applied Basic Research Foundation, and Shenzhen Science and Technology Program. His current projects include the National Natural Science Foundation of China Youth Fund Project (2025-2027) focusing on unconventional energy resources. Dr. Li has participated in major infrastructure projects including the material genomics experimental facility in Shenzhen and the high-pressure neutron diffraction/imaging spectrometer at Chinese Spallation Neutron Source.

Dr. Li's research integrates computational modeling with experimental techniques through collaborations with major research facilities. His work on in-situ visualization techniques connects with neutron source facilities, while his molecular simulation research requires high-performance computing resources. He serves on editorial boards for journals including Unconventional Resources and special issues on unconventional oil and gas, demonstrating leadership in his research community.