معرفی
Laurent Pilon is a Professor in the Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Department at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), part of the Henry Samueli School of Engineering. His research focuses on biophotonics for biomedical applications, photobiological processes for energy, and materials electrochemistry, with a strong emphasis on battery technologies and thermal management. He has pioneered studies on nanoporous materials, aerogels, and advanced energy storage systems.
Pilon holds a B.S. and M.S. in Applied Physics and Energy Engineering from the Grenoble Institute of Technology, France, and a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from Purdue University. He has received numerous accolades, including the 2023 Outstanding Mechanical Engineering Award (Purdue University), ASME Heat Transfer Memorial Award (2021), and ASME Fellow (2015). His work has been featured in UCLA Newsroom for advancing INFEWS (Food-Energy-Water Nexus) initiatives.
His research group explores light-matter interactions, electrochemical systems, and sustainable materials, with applications in solar energy, battery innovation, and thermal insulation. Pilon has developed transparent aerogel coatings, 3D-printed electrodes, and methods to enhance energy storage efficiency. His contributions bridge materials science, thermal engineering, and environmental sustainability.
Awards & Recognition:
- 2023 Outstanding Mechanical Engineering Award
- 2021 ASME Heat Transfer Memorial Award
- 2018 Elected member of the International Center for Heat and Mass Transfer
- 2015 ASME Fellow
- 2008 Bergles-Rohsenow Young Investigator Award
Research Themes:
- Electrochemical energy storage (batteries, supercapacitors)
- Thermal management in energy systems
- Bio-inspired materials and photonics
- Advanced manufacturing for sustainable materials
His work on operando calorimetry has provided critical insights into battery charging mechanisms and material degradation. Pilon also leads initiatives to repurpose industrial waste for calcium hydroxide production and upcycled concrete, aligning with circular economy principles.
