Kent Zheng

Kent Zheng is an Assistant Professor in the McKetta Department of Chemical Engineering at the University of Texas at Austin, officially joining in Spring 2024 after serving as an Affiliate PI since May 2023. His research focuses on electrochemical synthesis of crystalline materials for energy and sustainability applications, with particular emphasis on next-generation batteries and quantum materials. He leads the Crystalline Materials for Energy & Sustainability (CMES) research group within the Cockrell School of Engineering.

Dr. Zheng earned his B.S. in Materials Science & Engineering and History from Shanghai Jiao Tong University (2017), followed by a Ph.D. in Materials Science & Engineering from Cornell University (2020), and completed postdoctoral research at MIT in Physics (2021-2023). His educational background reflects the interdisciplinary nature of his current research program.

His research interests center around understanding and controlling electrochemical synthesis of crystalline materials for energy & sustainability. This unifying theme spans multiple disciplines including electrochemistry, materials science, chemical engineering, and condensed matter physics. His group's work encompasses next-generation batteries, atomically-precise additive manufacturing, exotic quantum phases, and fundamental electrochemistry. The research aims to accelerate the realization of next-generation materials that underpin 'electrification of everything' for energy security and sustainability.

Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong trend toward understanding dynamic electrochemical interfaces in battery systems, with particular focus on metal anodes. His work bridges fundamental materials science with practical energy storage applications, often incorporating computational guidance with experimental efforts. The publications span multiple subfields including electrodeposition control, interfacial phenomena, crystal growth mechanisms, and novel electrolyte design.

• Forbes 30 Under 30 in Science, 2025
• ACS National Chemistry Olympiad Coach (USNCO), 2025
• Associate editor, ECS Advances, 2024-present
• ECS Electrodeposition Division Early Career Investigator Award, 2021
• Neware Research Excellence Award, 2021
• Top Prize in National Competition of Science Innovations, 2017

Dr. Zheng actively mentors both graduate and undergraduate students through his i-REU (Independent Research Experiences for Undergraduates) program, which emphasizes early research experiences leading to first-author publications. His lab functions as a 'crucible' that fosters active exchange of ideas and fruitful collaboration. The group has secured competitive fellowships for students including the DoD NDSEG Fellowship, NSF GRF, and Bard CEC Fellowship. Dr. Zheng also serves as a coach for the American Chemical Society US Chemistry Olympiad.

The CMES research group operates with strong values of individual opportunity and team synergy, bringing together members from diverse backgrounds united by the shared goal of pursuing world-class interdisciplinary research. The lab is structured to encourage members at all education levels to identify distinctive career paths and develop independent research projects that maximize their potential.