Assist Prof Dr. Yuan Zhang | Renewable Energy Technologies | Research Excellence Award

Shenzhen University | China

Dr. Yuan Zhang is an accomplished Assistant Professor and Research Fellow at the Department of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Shenzhen University, recognized internationally for her pioneering contributions to solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs), electrolysis technologies, and hydrogen energy systems. She earned her Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from Nanjing Tech University and completed prestigious postdoctoral training at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University and The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. Dr. Zhang’s research focuses on resolving critical thermo-mechanical and interfacial stability challenges in high-temperature electrochemical energy devices, which are major bottlenecks limiting the commercialization of solid oxide fuel cells and electrolysis systems. Through original concepts such as negative thermal expansion compensation, chemical expansion regulation, and surface/interface reconstruction engineering, she has successfully addressed electrode delamination, thermal mismatch, and catalyst poisoning under extreme operating conditions. Her work has enabled long-life, high-performance SOC operation and provided transformative design strategies applicable to a broad range of high-temperature catalytic materials and energy devices. Dr. Zhang has published over 40 SCI-indexed papers, including 17 as first or corresponding author, in leading journals such as Nature, Nature Communications, Advanced Materials, Advanced Functional Materials, and Applied Catalysis B. Her publications have received more than 3,000 citations, with one ESI Highly Cited Paper and three ESI Hot Papers, reflecting strong global influence. She has served as Principal Investigator for multiple competitive research grants, including NSFC Youth and General Programs, Shenzhen Science Foundation projects, and major industry-academia collaborations, while also acting as Co-PI on large-scale hydrogen energy system initiatives. Beyond research, Dr. Zhang actively contributes to the scientific community as an Early-Career Editorial Board Member of Energy Reviews, a reviewer for top journals, and a member of several professional committees including the Chinese Society of Rare Earths and the Shenzhen Hydrogen Energy and Fuel Cell Association. Her innovations have supported real-world applications, notably contributing to the world’s first open-sea demonstration of direct seawater hydrogen production. In recognition of her excellence, she has received multiple prestigious awards, including national and regional innovation prizes. Dr. Yuan Zhang’s work exemplifies outstanding scientific leadership, originality, and impact in clean energy research, making her a highly deserving candidate for international research recognition.

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