Yimin Chao

Yimin Chao is an Associate Professor in Nanosciences at the School of Chemistry, Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of East Anglia (UEA). He joined UEA in 2007 after completing his PhD in Nanosciences at Newcastle University (2004) and a postdoctoral fellowship at the Wolfson Chemical Nanosciences Centre.

His research focuses on nanostructured systems, including silicon nanoparticles for energy storage (e.g., lithium-ion batteries and thermoelectrics) and biomedical applications. Key themes include functionalization of Si quantum dots, biomass conversion for battery anodes, and nanomedicine. His work leverages facilities like Diamond Light Source (UK) and PSI (Switzerland).

Current group members include Dr Qi Wang (PDRA), Dr Chenghao Yue (PDRA), and PhD students Alireza Fereydoonisefiddashti and Qinfeng Li. He has supervised over 30 students and researchers since 2008, including notable former students like Jayshree Ahire and Shane Ashby.

Chao teaches modules such as 'Energy Materials' and 'Nano-scale Synthesis.' Administrative roles include Associate Director of the Energy Materials Laboratory and membership in the UEA China Strategy Board. External roles include Secretary of the Royal Society of Chemistry and PhD thesis examiner at Newcastle University.

Recent research output includes articles on silicon nanoparticles in batteries (2024) and antimicrobial wound dressings (2024). Major projects include collaborations with Changzhou Ruibo Electric Engineering Ltd and Innovate UK, focusing on high-capacity batteries and biomass-derived anodes.