Dr. Zhongyang Wang

Education

• B.S., Polymer Science and Engineering, Yantai University, 2012
• M. Eng., Chemical Engineering, Illinois Institute of Technology, 2014
• Ph.D., Energy, Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, 2019

Biography

Polymer electrolytes are at the heart of many electrochemical systems such as fuel cells, electrolyzers, and batteries. In addition, they are the key components for sustainable technologies such as electrodialysis for seawater desalination and the chloralkali process. One of the main drivers that will advance the commercialization of these sustainable processes is the development of mechanical robust, highly ion conductive, ion selective, and chemically resistive polymer electrolytes.

The Wang group aims to empower high-performance electrochemical systems and sustainable technologies by solving fundamental problems at the interface of polymer science and electrochemical engineering. The group focuses on three distinct areas: (1) understanding ion/electron transport in nanostructured block copolymers and liquid crystals, (2) developing efficient pH-gradient-enabled microscale bipolar interfaces for water and CO2 electrolysis, and (3) engineering sub-2 nm structured liquid crystals for efficient water treatment and energy storage.

A more detailed description can be found in the group website: zhongyangwang.com

Honors and Awards

• 12/2022 2022 Maria Lastra Excellence in Mentoring Award for Postdoctoral Researchers, Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, The University of Chicago. (1 out of 100 each year)
• 05/2020 Industrial Electrochemistry and Electrochemical Engineering (IEEE) Division H.H. Dow Memorial Student Achievement Award, The Electrochemical Society
• 04/2020 Annual Research Impact Award, Department of Energy, Environmental & Chemical Engineering, Washington University in Saint Louis