Shengli Zou

Shengli Zou is a Professor and Interim Chair in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Central Florida (UCF). His research focuses on computational chemistry and nano materials, particularly the optical properties of metal nanoparticles, quantum mechanics-driven catalysis, and plasmonic phenomena. He holds a B.S. from Shandong University and a Ph.D. from Emory University. His work bridges theoretical and applied research, addressing challenges in renewable energy, analytical tools, and nanotechnology.

Research interests include modeling catalytic reactions using non-metallic catalysts for sustainable energy applications, developing algorithms for Schrodinger equation solutions, and studying energy transfer in quantum dot-metal nanoparticle systems. His group also explores surface-enhanced Raman scattering and novel optical device designs through plasmonic engineering.

Dr. Zou teaches courses such as Applied Physical Chemistry (CHM3422), Physical Chemistry II (CHM3411), and Chemical Thermodynamics (CH6240). His lab’s contributions span nanomaterial synthesis, optical property calculations, and interdisciplinary applications in photonics and renewable energy.