Rezan Demir-Cakan

Prof. Dr. Rezan Demir-Cakan is a leading academic in Chemical Engineering at Gebze Technical University’s Faculty of Engineering, with a focus on rechargeable battery technologies and electrochemical systems. Holding a PhD (2006-2009) from the Max Planck Institute and postdoctoral experience at CNRS (2009-2012), she bridges fundamental research with industrial applications through projects like Türkiye-France bilateral collaborations and TÜBİTAK grants. Her work spans Li-S, Na-ion, and aqueous electrolyte batteries, emphasizing scalable solutions and sustainable materials.

Education:

• PhD: Max Planck Institute Colloids and Interfaces (2006-2009)
• MSc: Yildiz Technical University (2002-2005)
• BSc: Yildiz Technical University (1997-2002)

Research Interests: Her group investigates advanced electrode materials, hydrothermal carbonization for battery components, and aqueous electrolyte systems. Specialized areas include polysulfide/polysulfate cathodes, inverse vulcanization polymer synthesis, and sustainable carbon precursor utilization from agricultural waste. Projects often address capacity fading mechanisms and industrial-scale battery design.

Recent Publications: Her 15 most recent articles (2019-2020) focus on sodium-ion anodes, Li-S interlayer engineering, and aqueous electrolyte stability. Keywords span Energy Storage, Electrochemistry, and Polymer Chemistry, with subfields like Tin Sulfide Synthesis, Polysulfide Management, and Biomass-Derived Electrodes.

Scientific Contributions:

• ODTU Research Incentive Award (2019)
• TÜBİTAK METATEG Advisory Board (2018-2019)
• Sorbonne University Invited Professor (2019)
• TUBA-GEBIP Distinguished Scientist (2018)
• Horizon 2020 Evaluator (2014-present)

Advising & Projects: She has mentored 10+ PhD and Master’s students in sodium/Li-S battery research and led or advised 12+ grants including TÜBİTAK 1001 projects and France-Turkey bilateral collaborations. Her lab integrates materials synthesis, electrochemical testing, and industrial scalability analysis.