Dr. Likun Zhu is a Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Purdue University's School of Mechanical Engineering in Indianapolis. His research focuses on advanced battery technologies, including lithium-ion and solid-state batteries, with an emphasis on in situ and operando characterization, modeling, and micro/nano fabrication. Dr. Zhu's work addresses critical challenges in battery energy density, safety, and longevity through innovative materials and manufacturing processes. Education: Ph.D. Mechanical Engineering, University of Maryland (2006); M.S./B.S., Tsinghua University (2001/1998). His lab is affiliated with the Birck Nanotechnology Center and equipped with advanced facilities such as gloveboxes, electrochemical analyzers, and microscopy systems. Recent milestones include securing an NSF grant for solid-state battery research (2023) and advising over 30 graduate students. Research Interests: Solid-state batteries, micro/nano fabrication, operando characterization, and sustainable energy materials. His group develops novel electrode materials and designs for high-performance batteries, leveraging cutting-edge in situ techniques to study dynamic processes during cycling. Grants & Awards: NSF grant (2023) for solid-state battery research. Advising: Notable students include Hua Wang (Ph.D. 2024), Xintong Li, and Tianyi Li. Collaborations include work with Professors Hazim El-Mounayri and Andres Tovar on Bayesian optimization of battery materials. Labs & Facilities: The lab, located at ET 118, houses equipment like Arbin battery cyclers, FIB-SEM systems, and Comsol Multiphysics software. Dr. Zhu teaches courses including ME 330 (Dynamic Systems), ME 509 (Fluid Mechanics), and ME 597 (Renewable Energy).
Professor Peter Wells is an Associate Professor at the University of Southampton, with a joint appointment at Diamond Light Source. His research focuses on operando spectroscopy, heterogeneous catalysis, and nanoparticle design. He coordinates the CHEM3054 module on Inorganic Materials Chemistry and holds a Fellow accreditation from the Higher Education Academy. Education: MChem in Chemistry (University of Surrey, 2003) PhD in tailored metal nanoparticle preparation and characterization (University of Southampton, 2007) His research integrates advanced X-ray techniques (e.g., X-ray absorption spectroscopy) with computational methods like DFT simulations to study catalyst dynamics. Key areas include stabilizing structural changes in palladium nanoparticles and designing nanoparticle catalysts for sustainable chemical production from waste biomass. He collaborates with the UK Catalysis Hub and serves on peer-review panels for Diamond Light Source and the Swiss Light Source. Active Research Projects (EPSRC): Core Equipment 2024 (£1.26M, PI) Nitridic and Carbidic Pd Nanoparticles for Directed Catalysis Peter supervises multiple PhD students in Chemistry and actively mentors researchers through collaborative grants. His work bridges experimental and theoretical approaches to catalysis, emphasizing real-time structural analysis under operational conditions.
Giuliana Di Martino is an Associate Professor in Device Materials at the Department of Materials Science & Metallurgy, University of Cambridge. She leads the Di Martino Lab, which focuses on sustainable power solutions for non-volatile memory (NVM) and brain-like computing systems. Education : Bachelor and Master degrees from Università di Catania and Scuola Superiore di Eccellenza di Catania; PhD in Nanoplasmonics for Materials Innovation at Imperial College London (2014). Her research bridges plasmon-enhanced light-matter interactions and optically-accessible memristive devices , leveraging ultra-concentrated light in plasmonic nanocavities to study atomic-scale dynamics in memory nano-devices. Recent work includes self-assembly of nanomaterials , surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) , and low-power electronics for sustainable IT. Scientific Awards : Winton Advanced Research Fellowship (2018) Her grants include funding from EPSRC , Leverhulme Trust , Isaac Newton Trust , Royal Society , and ERC Starting Grant . The Di Martino Lab collaborates within the Device Materials Group (DMG), which includes three Principal Investigators.
Cameron L. Bentley is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Chemistry at Monash University, Australia. He holds a PhD in Chemistry from Monash University (2015), focusing on electroanalysis in ionic liquids. After completing his doctorate, he worked at the University of Warwick (UK) through prestigious fellowships including Endeavour, Marie Skłodowska-Curie, and Ramsay Memorial. In November 2020, he returned to Monash to lead an independent research group funded by a DECRA Fellowship. Affiliations: School of Chemistry (Monash University), Warwick Electrochemistry and Interfaces Group (former) Research Focus: Nanoscale electrochemistry, electrocatalyst design for renewable energy (water splitting, CO₂ reduction), and single nanoparticle electrochemistry. Bentley’s research innovatively combines scanning electrochemical cell microscopy (SECCM) with correlative microscopy/spectroscopy to study structure-activity relationships in electrochemical materials. Key projects include nanoscale imaging of water-splitting electrodes and developing platforms to probe individual nanoparticles for battery materials. Research Outputs: Over 77 publications since 2013, with recent focus on SECCM advancements, electrocatalyst optimization, and nanoscale reaction imaging. His work addresses pressing challenges in renewable energy storage and nanomaterials. Awards: A.M. Bond Medal (2023), Early Career Analytical Electrochemistry Prize (ISE Division 1, 2020) Grants: ARC DECRA Fellowship, CSIRO collaboration (2023–2027) He supervises PhD students in nanoscale reaction imaging and single nanoparticle electrochemistry, requiring competitive scholarships for international candidates.
Dr. Hongli (Julie) Zhu is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering at Northeastern University's College of Engineering. Her research focuses on sustainable energy storage, multifunctional materials, and advanced manufacturing, with emphasis on developing environmentally friendly biomass-derived materials, all solid-state batteries, and flow batteries. She leads the ZHU Lab at Northeastern University, which is dedicated to creating safer, cheaper, and higher performance energy storage solutions while exploring multifunctional materials derived from nature. Dr. Zhu received her PhD from South China University of Technology and Western Michigan University (2004-2009). She conducted postdoctoral research at KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Sweden (2009-2011), focusing on biodegradable and renewable biomaterials from natural wood, followed by additional postdoctoral work at the University of Maryland (2012-2015), where she researched nanocellulose and energy storage. Dr. Zhu's research spans multiple disciplines at the intersection of materials science, energy storage, and sustainable manufacturing. Her work addresses critical challenges in energy storage technology, including developing all solid-state batteries, flow batteries, and high energy density battery systems. She has pioneered research in sustainable biomass-derived materials, particularly investigating cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin for applications in bendable, implantable, and biocompatible electronics. Her lab also focuses on advanced manufacturing techniques, including high-speed roll-to-roll processing for emerging advanced materials and devices. Analysis of Dr. Zhu's publication record reveals a strong focus on next-generation battery technologies, particularly solid-state systems. Her research demonstrates significant contributions to understanding and improving lithium dendrite suppression, electrode architecture optimization, and interface stabilization in solid-state batteries. She has also made substantial advances in sustainable materials derived from natural resources, developing applications for cellulose nanostructured fibers, paper, and aerogel/hydrogel systems. MRS Communications Early Career Distinguished Presenters and JMR Distinguished Invited Speakers (2024) Selected in Stanford University List of Top 2% Scientists Worldwide (2021-2024) College of Engineering Faculty Fellow (2023) Soren Buus Outstanding Research Award (2022) Women in Materials Science, Advanced Materials (2021 and 2022) Women Scientists at the Forefront of Energy Research, ACS Energy Letters (2020) Innovator of the Year 2013, Maryland Jakob Wallenberg Scholarship, Sweden Dr. Zhu has secured significant research funding from various sources, including the National Science Foundation and Department of Energy. Her current projects include "Uncovering the mechano-electro-chemo mechanism of fresh Li in sulfide based all solid-state batteries through operando studies" (NSF), "Enabling Advanced Electrode Architecture through Printing Technique" (DOE), and "Engineering the Metal Sulfide Interface in All Solid State Batteries through Operando Study" (NSF). She collaborates with industry partners including Rogers Corporation and has developed patented technologies related to sustainable materials and energy storage. Dr. Zhu serves as Codirector of Advanced & Intelligent Manufacturing, Editor of Progress in Materials Science, and on the Editorial Advisory Board of Chemical Society Reviews. The ZHU Lab at Northeastern University is a highly interdisciplinary research group that bridges scales from the nanoscopic to macroscopic and system level. The lab's work has led to numerous patents, including "Natural fiber composites as a low-cost plastic alternative" and "Fire-retardant Nanocellulose Aerogel, and Methods of Preparation and Uses Thereof." The group focuses on making energy storage safer, cheaper, and higher performing while exploring multifunctional materials derived from nature, with particular emphasis on applying high-speed roll-to-roll manufacturing to emerging advanced materials and devices.
Juan-Pablo Correa-Baena is an Associate Professor at the Georgia Institute of Technology , holding the Goizueta Early Career Faculty Chair in the School of Materials Science and Engineering. He leads the Materials for Solar Energy Harvesting and Conversion research initiative at the Institute for Materials (IMat) and Strategic Energy Institute, aiming to consolidate Georgia Tech's expertise in photovoltaics and interdisciplinary energy research. Education: PhD in Environmental Engineering, University of Connecticut (2014) MS in Environmental Engineering, University of Connecticut (2011) BS in Management and Engineering for Manufacturing, University of Connecticut (2008) His research focuses on the chemistry-structure-property relationships of low-cost semiconductors for optoelectronic applications. Key areas include halide perovskites , nanoscale control , and advanced deposition/characterization techniques . He develops atomic layer deposition and synchrotron-based imaging to address metastable material behavior. Recent publications highlight innovations in dimensional control , machine learning for thermal stability , and flexible photovoltaic devices . His work integrates materials synthesis , quantum phenomena , and industrial scalability . Scientific recognition: Highly Cited Researcher (Web of Science, 2019–2021) Nature Index Leading Early Career Researcher in Materials Science (2019) NSF, DoE, and industry-funded projects Students and team: He advises 14 graduate students and postdocs, including Sanggyun Kim, Diana LaFollette, and Leonardo Josué Lugo Salas, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration through workshops and symposia.
Unni Olsbye is a Professor in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Oslo, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences. Her research focuses on catalytic processes in micro- and nanoporous materials, with particular emphasis on structure-composition-function correlations in catalytic reactions and mechanistic studies of product formation. She is affiliated with several research groups including the Catalysis Section, SMN (Center for Materials Science and Nanotechnology), ProfMOF A/S, and iCSI (industrial Catalysis, Science and Technology). Professor Olsbye's research interests center on heterogeneous catalysis, particularly examining how the chemical composition of catalytic sites, their immediate environment, and steric factors influence reaction rates and selectivity in porous materials. Her work spans zeolites, zeotypes, and metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) for applications in CO 2 conversion, methane activation, methanol-to-hydrocarbons processes, and light alkane dehydrogenation. She investigates confinement effects in micro- and nanoporous materials, with processes studied including C-H activation, C-O activation, methane partial oxidation to methanol and syngas, methyl halide conversion, and ethene oxychlorination. Analysis of her recent publications reveals a strong focus on energy-related catalysis for sustainability, particularly CO 2 conversion to fuels and chemicals, methane activation to methanol, and olefin production. Her work frequently employs copper-based catalysts in zeolites and MOFs, with increasing attention to bio-inspired catalytic systems. The research combines experimental approaches with advanced characterization techniques to understand reaction mechanisms at the molecular level. Professor Olsbye leads or participates in several significant research projects including BIZEOLCAT (bifunctional catalysts for alkane activation), CCU-NET (Nordic mobility network), CO 2 LO (CO 2 hydrogenation, TRL1-3), COZMOS (CO 2 hydrogenation, TRL3-5), CUBE (C-H activation, ERC Synergy), and ProfMOF (MOF scale-up and testing). These projects address critical challenges in catalysis for sustainable energy and chemical production. Her laboratory work focuses on advanced characterization of catalytic materials, particularly using in situ and operando techniques to monitor reactions as they occur. The research group collaborates extensively with experts in organic and inorganic synthesis, advanced spectroscopy, and theoretical calculations to develop a comprehensive understanding of catalytic processes in confined environments.
Sylvain Cristol is a Professor at the University of Lille within the Heterogeneous Catalysis department and the Modeling and Spectroscopy (MODSPEC) group. He teaches quantum chemistry, chemical bonding, statistical physics , and X-ray absorption spectroscopy at the university’s European Master’s program. PhD in Molecular and Organic Chemistry (1997-2000, Université de Provence) Postdoctoral work at Davy-Faraday Research Lab, Royal Institution of Great Britain (2000-2002) His research focuses on modeling hydrodesulfurization and hydrodeoxygenation catalysts for biomass valorization, supported by ANR-PNRB project ECOHDOC (with Caen, Poitiers, and TOTAL). He pioneered operando X-ray absorption spectroscopy for characterizing supported oxides (Mo/Re on alumina/anatase) via the ANR SAXO project (Paris VI, Grenoble, SOLEIL). Collaborative work with Francesco Mauri (Paris VI) advanced NMR parameter modeling in solids. Publications span DFT studies , XANES spectroscopy , and solid-state NMR applied to catalysis. Scientific awards include the UCCS Thesis Prize (highest honors) for his work on dibenzothiophene reactivity on molybdenum sulfide.
Gary Koenig is Associate Professor of Chemical Engineering at the University of Virginia. His research program focuses on advanced materials for energy storage systems, particularly lithium-ion batteries and flow batteries. He holds a PhD from University of Wisconsin-Madison and completed postdoctoral research at Argonne National Laboratory. His group develops novel electrode architectures, including thick sintered electrodes and all-active-material designs, to improve battery energy density and rate capability. Research spans materials synthesis, electrochemical characterization, and transport modeling to overcome limitations in current energy storage technologies. Honors include the NSF CAREER Award (2017) and Fulbright Research Fellowship (2020). Recent publications examine electrode processing techniques, lithium extraction methods, and transport phenomena in battery systems. His work demonstrates innovations in electrode design that enable higher energy densities while maintaining cycling stability. He has taught courses including Applied Statistics, Chemical Reaction Engineering, and Energy Technology Options.
Mitra Taheri is a Professor in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at Johns Hopkins University, serving as Director of the Materials Characterization and Processing (MCP) facility and a member of the Hopkins Extreme Materials Institute. She holds affiliations with the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and the Ralph O’Connor Sustainable Energy Institute. Her research focuses on electron microscopy, particularly in-situ and operando techniques, combined with artificial intelligence to study materials under extreme conditions (e.g., high temperatures, radiation, and oxidation). She aims to accelerate materials discovery by integrating AI with microscopy for real-time analysis. Dr. Taheri earned her BS, MSE, and PhD in Materials Science and Engineering from Carnegie Mellon University. Her work spans corrosion-resistant alloys, additive manufacturing, quantum materials, and biomaterials. Research sponsors include PNNL, JHU, NSF, ARPA-E, and ONR. She leads the Dynamic Characterization Group (DCG), which develops autonomous platforms for materials analysis and explores applications in energy, aerospace, and medical systems. Key research areas include: Design of corrosion-resistant multi-principal element alloys AI-driven microscopy for real-time material behavior insights Additive manufacturing of soft magnetic composites for electric vehicles Biomedical hydrogels for tissue engineering Her team develops novel materials and tools to probe structural, functional, and biological systems across scales, with an emphasis on sustainability and extreme environment applications.
Professor Ian Metcalfe is a distinguished academic at Newcastle University, specializing in advanced materials for energy applications, particularly in the areas of membrane technology, chemical looping processes, and catalysis. His research spans multiple interdisciplinary fields with significant implications for carbon capture, hydrogen production, and sustainable energy systems. Professor Metcalfe's research primarily focuses on membrane technology for gas separation, particularly CO 2 capture and hydrogen production . His work extensively investigates chemical looping processes using various oxygen carrier materials, particularly perovskite-based materials . A significant portion of his recent research explores nanoparticle exsolution for creating highly stable and active catalysts. His research group has made notable contributions to understanding the thermodynamics of non-stoichiometric materials and developing novel membrane configurations for enhanced gas separation. Analysis of Professor Metcalfe's recent publications (2023-2025) reveals a strong focus on CO 2 separation technologies , particularly using molten-carbonate membranes with innovative support structures. His work on exsolution has expanded to include room-temperature processes using plasma techniques and applications in methane reforming. The research shows increasing emphasis on direct air capture technologies and ammonia synthesis via chemical looping, indicating strategic expansion into emerging energy storage and carbon utilization areas. Professor Metcalfe maintains extensive collaborations with researchers including Dr. Wenting Hu, Dr. Evangelos Papaioannou, Dr. Dragos Neagu, and Dr. Greg Mutch. His research has significant implications for decarbonization technologies and sustainable energy systems, particularly in hard-to-abate sectors where efficient CO 2 separation and clean hydrogen production are critical.
J. Tyler Mefford is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering at the University of California, Santa Barbara , where he leads the Mefford Group. His research focuses on electrochemical engineering, materials science, and renewable energy technologies. Education : BS in Chemistry from Stanford University (2012), PhD in Chemistry from the University of Texas at Austin (2016). The Mefford Group develops redox-active polymers and inorganic electrode materials for applications in electrochemical energy conversion , storage , and chemical separations . Their work integrates material design , operando spectroscopy , microscopy , and computational modeling to study charge transfer at electrified interfaces. Recent publications highlight advancements in aqueous battery technology , bifunctional electrocatalysis , and mixed-conducting polymer electrodes . The group emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches and diversity in research environments. Scientific Awards : 2020 Best In-situ and Operando Characterization Presentation Award, MRS 2016 Excellence in Renewable & Clean Energy Research Award, UT Energy Institute 2016 Nano Portfolio Presentation Award, University of Texas at Austin
Prof. Ian D. Sharp is a Professor and Head of the Functional Semiconductors and Catalysts Group at the Walter Schottky Institute, Technical University of Munich (TUM). His research focuses on synthesizing and characterizing semiconductors and catalysts for renewable energy applications, particularly solar fuel production and photocatalytic systems. He leads a multidisciplinary team investigating material interfaces, charge carrier dynamics, and advanced deposition techniques like atomic layer deposition (ALD) and molecular beam epitaxy (MBE). Research Interests: His work centers on developing materials for efficient photochemical conversion, including nitride/oxynitride thin films, nanostructured catalysts, and heterostructured materials. Key areas include optimizing semiconductor interfaces for water splitting, enhancing charge collection efficiency, and studying defect properties using advanced spectroscopic and microscopic tools. Publications: Recent work emphasizes stable photoelectrodes, chiral perovskite heterostructures, and functional nanoarchitectures. His group's contributions span energy materials, nanotechnology, and sustainable chemistry, with a focus on bridging fundamental science and practical applications. Awards: ERC Consolidator Grant (2019) Grants: Active funding for solar fuels research and materials engineering. Advising: Mentors ~20 PhD and Master's students in experimental and theoretical projects. Labs/Teams: Oversees state-of-the-art facilities for thin film deposition, characterization (e.g., in situ spectroscopy), and nanofabrication. Collaborates with institutions like EPFL, National Taiwan University, and Lawrence Berkeley National Lab.
Chuan-Fu Lin is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at The Catholic University of America (CUA), School of Engineering. His research focuses on energy storage systems , nanotechnology , and materials innovation for renewable energy and advanced manufacturing . He founded and directs the Energy Materials Innovations Laboratory (EMI-Lab) , which develops solid-state electrolytes , Li/Na metal anodes , and low-cost eco-friendly energy storage solutions through atomic layer deposition (ALD) and thin film engineering . 2024 : Secured $637k DOE grant to study interfacial kinetics of conversion materials 2023 : Published on fluorinated SEI layers for sodium batteries 2022 : Advanced LiPON protection strategies 2021 : Developed Al2O3-coated Mg anodes 2020 : NSF collaborative award with Prof. Rubloff and Qi His work spans solid-state batteries , aqueous battery systems , and conversion electrode materials , with a strong emphasis on preventing corrosion , enhancing cycling stability , and reducing overpotential . Key projects include polymer/ceramic hybrid electrolytes , in-operando characterization cells , and scalable current collector designs . Notable scientific awards include the 2024 Charles H. Kaman Award and NSF support for collaborative research.
Drew Higgins serves as an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering within the Faculty of Engineering at McMaster University. His research profile demonstrates extensive scholarly activity with numerous publications spanning electrocatalysis, CO 2 conversion technologies, and energy storage systems. Higgins leads research initiatives focused on converting carbon emissions to usable fuels and has secured significant funding, including McMaster's $4.2M award for critical minerals research. His research interests center on electrocatalysis for sustainable energy technologies, with particular emphasis on CO 2 reduction, nanoscale catalyst development, and advanced characterization techniques. Higgins' work bridges fundamental electrochemical principles with practical applications for addressing climate change through carbon capture and utilization. His research group employs sophisticated in situ characterization methods including X-ray spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy to understand catalyst behavior under operating conditions. The publication trends reveal a strong focus on electrochemical CO 2 conversion, with recent work exploring tandem catalysis systems, membrane electrode assemblies, and catalyst reconstruction phenomena. His research spans both fundamental catalyst design and practical engineering applications for energy conversion systems. Higgins has made significant contributions to understanding the atomic-scale mechanisms behind electrocatalytic processes, particularly for carbon dioxide reduction and nitrogen cycle electrochemistry. Higgins teaches core chemical engineering courses including Electrochemistry and Electrochemical Engineering (CHEMENG 4EC3/6EC3) and Chemical Engineering Principles I (CHEMENG 2D04). His scholarly impact is evident through extensive citation metrics, with multiple publications picked up by news outlets, referenced in patents, and widely read across academic platforms like Mendeley.
