Xiangwu Zhang

Xiangwu Zhang is the Samuel S. Walker Distinguished Professor in Textile Innovation and Associate Dean for Research at the Wilson College of Textiles, North Carolina State University. He holds additional titles including Alumni Distinguished Graduate Professor and Inaugural University Faculty Scholar. His research focuses on nanostructured and multifunctional polymer, composite, and textile materials, with applications in energy storage (lithium-ion/sulfur/air batteries), chemical/biological protection fabrics, nanofinishing, and advanced spinning technologies. He has secured over $8 million in research funding and authored over 300 peer-reviewed articles.

Research highlights include innovations in solid-state electrolytes for batteries, electrospun nanofiber composites, and sustainable materials derived from lignin. Notable awards include the 2024 Distinguished Service Award (The Fiber Society), 2022 Best of Advanced Materials Technologies (Wiley-VCH), and 2015 Distinguished Achievement Award in Fiber Science. He serves as Vice President of The Fiber Society and holds fellowships with IETI and NC State's Research Leadership Academy.

Current advisees include Ph.D. students Zezhao Li and Rafy Orenstein, and visiting scholar Meltem Yanilmaz. The Zhang Research Group operates at NC State’s Textiles Complex, emphasizing translational research in textile-based energy systems and functional materials.