Dr. Zong Lu | 2D Materials | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Zong Lu, South China University of Technology, China

Dr. Zong Lu is a postdoctoral researcher at the South China University of Technology, renowned for his pioneering work on 2D material membranes. His research focuses on the structural modulation and scalable fabrication of advanced MXene-based membranes for selective ion separation, lithium-ion recovery, and hydrogen purification. With over 2,200 citations, his work is widely recognized in high-impact journals like Angewandte Chemie and ACS Nano. Dr. Lu has significantly advanced techniques such as self-crosslinking and asymmetric amplification, pushing the frontiers of membrane science and clean energy applications.

Author Profile

Scopus

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Zong Lu began his journey into the world of materials science with a strong academic foundation rooted in curiosity and a passion for innovation. From the outset of his education, he exhibited a keen interest in nanomaterials and separation technologies, particularly the fascinating behavior and properties of two-dimensional (2D) materials. His academic path was guided by a vision to engineer functional materials with high performance for real-world applications.

Throughout his undergraduate and graduate studies, Dr. Lu delved deeply into the synthesis, characterization, and application of novel materials, with a growing focus on membrane science. He was particularly drawn to MXenes—a family of 2D transition metal carbides and nitrides—which later became the centerpiece of his research career.

🧪 Professional Endeavors

Currently serving as a Postdoctoral Researcher at the South China University of Technology, Dr. Lu has firmly established himself in the international research community. He works under the guidance of experienced mentors and in collaboration with distinguished research teams to develop scalable membrane technologies for ion separation, energy purification, and environmental sustainability.

One of his professional goals has been the scalable and precise engineering of MXene-based composite membranes. In pursuit of this, he has developed several structural modulation techniques including self-crosslinking strategies, asymmetric amplification, and large-area electrodeposition. These efforts have enabled real-world applicability of 2D materials in industrial-scale separation technologies.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Lu’s research revolves around 2D membrane materials, particularly MXene-based membranes used for selective ion rejection and energy-efficient separation. His innovations include:

• Application of 2D Self-Crosslinked MXene Membranes for enhanced ion exclusion, especially monovalent ions like Li⁺ and Na⁺.

• Asymmetric Membrane Strategies to achieve superior K⁺/Na⁺ selectivity, a crucial challenge in lithium resource recovery.

• Scalable Electrodeposition Techniques for rapid and efficient production of large-area MXene membranes.

• Composite Membrane Engineering using materials like ZIF-8 and Graphene Oxide for hydrogen purification and CO₂ separation.

With over 10 peer-reviewed publications in top-tier journals such as Angewandte Chemie International Edition, ACS Nano, Chemical Engineering Journal, and AIChE Journal, his contributions have significantly advanced both the science and technology of membrane-based separations.

🏅 Accolades and Recognition

Dr. Lu’s growing influence in the scientific community is reflected by his Google Scholar citation index of 2,204, a testament to the relevance and quality of his research. He is a recipient of the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation (76th batch, General Funding), which supports high-potential researchers in their early career development.

His work has gained traction not only in academic settings but also in industrial and environmental applications—where scalable, efficient separation techniques are critically needed. His collaboration with global experts like Prof. Haihui Wang and Yanying Wei has further solidified his reputation as a rising expert in membrane technologies.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Dr. Lu’s impact spans multiple interdisciplinary fields including nanotechnology, chemical engineering, environmental science, and energy purification. His research on lithium-ion and potassium-ion separation aligns with global demands for sustainable resource recovery, particularly important for the electric vehicle and battery industries.

Additionally, his work on hydrogen purification membranes contributes to the global push toward clean and renewable energy sources. His methods enable scalable and practical applications, moving fundamental research out of the lab and into industry. Through his publications, he has influenced peers and upcoming researchers, offering new strategies for dealing with swelling in 2D membranes and enhancing ion selectivity.

🌟 Legacy and Future Contributions

As a young researcher, Dr. Zong Lu is poised to leave a lasting legacy in membrane science and nanotechnology. His innovative synthesis techniques, combined with his ability to scale laboratory discoveries for industrial application, position him as a leading figure in the next generation of materials scientists.

Looking forward, Dr. Lu aims to expand his research into multifunctional membrane systems for water purification, bio-separation, and energy storage. With his strong interdisciplinary background, mentorship potential, and relentless drive for innovation, he is well on his way to establishing a center of excellence in 2D membrane technologies.

He is also expected to contribute significantly to academic mentorship, international collaboration, and applied research through continued partnerships and grant projects.

✍️ Publication Top Notes