Yan Yao

Dr. Yan Yao is a Professor at the University of Houston's Cullen College of Engineering, specializing in the Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering. His research focuses on energy materials and devices, particularly in next-generation batteries (multivalent, solid-state, and aqueous systems). He leads DOE consortia such as the Energy Storage Research Alliance and the Low-cost Earth-abundant Na-ion Storage (LENS) Consortium. Yao has authored over 150 papers and received prestigious awards including the 2025 Edith and Peter O’Donnell Award and Fellowships from the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Education: Postdoc at Stanford (2010-2012), PhD in Materials Science from UCLA (2008), MS and BS from Fudan University (2003/2000). His work emphasizes sustainable energy storage solutions with a focus on improving safety and environmental impact.

Research Interests: Multivalent-ion batteries, solid-state electrolytes, organic electrode materials, and advanced battery designs. His lab develops novel materials and architectures for energy storage, addressing challenges in ion transport and interface stability.

Key Publications (2015-2025) include breakthroughs in magnesium batteries, solid-state electrolytes, and organic cathode materials. Recent trends show focus on lithium-solid electrolyte interfaces, fluorine-free membranes, and high-energy organic batteries.

Awards include the ONR Young Investigator Award (2013), Welch Foundation Professorship (2012), and multiple teaching/research excellence awards at UH. Leadership roles include co-directing PEMSEC and serving on editorial boards.