Yi Cui

Yi Cui is the Fortinet Founders Professor and Professor of Materials Science and Engineering, Energy Science and Engineering, and Photon Science at Stanford University. He is also a Senior Fellow at the Woods Institute for the Environment and Precourt Institute for Energy, and a Professor by courtesy of Chemistry. His research focuses on fundamentals and applications of nanomaterials and developing tools for their understanding.

Dr. Cui earned his PhD from Harvard University in 2002 and has established himself as a leading researcher in materials science and energy storage. His academic appointments span multiple departments and institutes at Stanford, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of his work.

His research interests encompass nanotechnology, batteries, electrocatalysis, wearables, 2D materials, environmental technology (water, air, soil), and cryogenic electron microscopy. Dr. Cui's work has produced significant innovations in silicon anodes for lithium-ion batteries, cooling textiles for personal thermal management, and water disinfection nanofilters. His research bridges fundamental science with practical applications that address critical energy and environmental challenges.

Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on energy storage technologies, particularly lithium-based batteries and novel electrode materials. His work spans from fundamental nanoscale phenomena to practical applications with real-world impact, with notable contributions in solid-state batteries, stretchable energy storage, and environmental applications of nanomaterials.

His scientific excellence has been recognized with numerous prestigious awards:

• Battery Research Award, International Automotive Lithium Battery Association (2019)
• ECS Battery Technology Award, Electrochemical Society (2019)
• Nano Today Award, Nano Today Journal (2019)
• Inaugural Dan Maydan Prize for Nanoscience, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem (2019)
• ECS Fellow, Electrochemical Society (2018)
• Blavatnik National Laureate in Physical Sciences and Engineering, Blavatnik Foundation (2017)
• MRS Fellow, Materials Research Society (2016)
• Multiple Top 10 World Changing Technology awards from Scientific American

Dr. Cui has mentored numerous students across various levels, serving as Doctoral Dissertation Reader, Advisor, and Co-Advisor for multiple PhD students, as Master's Program Advisor, and as Postdoctoral Faculty Sponsor. His leadership extends to directing the Cui Lab and co-directing major initiatives including the Battery500 Consortium (2016-Present) and Stanford StorageX Initiative (2019-Present), which are advancing the frontiers of energy storage technology.