Yuanhui Zhang

Yuanhui Zhang is Founder Professor in Agricultural and Biological Engineering at the University of Illinois, with appointments in Mechanical Science and Engineering, Bioengineering, and the Center for Digital Agriculture. His research advances sustainable waste conversion technologies and circular bioeconomy systems.

Primary research areas include hydrothermal liquefaction for biofuel production, waste valorization pathways, renewable energy systems, and circularity metrics for agricultural systems. Recent innovations focus on hydrogen-free biocrude upgrading, microbial electrolysis integration, and nanofiltration for aqueous phase valorization.

Publications demonstrate strong focus on hydrothermal processing of algal and food waste feedstocks, catalytic bio-oil upgrading, and development of circularity indices for bioeconomy assessment. Research trends show increasing emphasis on pilot-scale implementation and integrated biorefinery approaches.

Honored as ASABE Fellow (2011), Zhang directs research on sustainable production of renewable fuels and carbon materials from waste streams. Current projects include hydrothermal humification of lignocellulose, CO2 conversion to fuels, and ecological sanitation systems.