Zhe Li

Dr. Zhe Li is a Reader in Materials Science at the School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London. He chairs both Undergraduate and Taught Postgraduate Exam Boards and leads research initiatives at the Centre for Sustainable Engineering. His work bridges materials development with sustainability, focusing on photovoltaics, organic semiconductors, and quantum dot devices.

• Education: PhD (Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, 2012), MPhys and BSc in Physics

Dr. Li’s research explores the structure-function-stability-exotoxicity relationships of solution-processed semiconductors, aiming to create high-efficiency, high-stability and environmentally friendly solar cells and optoelectronic devices. His recent work targets perovskite, quantum dot, and organic solar cells, with a strong emphasis on environmental sustainability and device longevity.

Key trends in his publications include: improving perovskite stability via molecular engineering, developing green solvents for organic photovoltaics, analyzing lead ecotoxicity in solar cells, and innovating quantum dot interfacial engineering. His work spans materials synthesis, device physics, and environmental impact studies.

Scientific Awards:

• Fellow of Higher Education Academy (FHEA)
• Fellow of Royal Society of Chemistry (FRSC)
• EPSRC New Investigator Award (2018)
• Welsh Government Ser Cymru II Fellowship (2016)
• Imperial College London Best Poster Prize (2016)

Dr. Li actively supervises PhD students on projects like Indoor Light-Induced Degradation and Scalable Perovskite Deposition. He secured major grants from EPSRC, Royal Society, and AXA to advance stable solar technologies and ecotoxicity mitigation. His group also collaborates on environmental monitoring using PFAS exposure wristbands and microplastics analysis.