Yu Zhong: Crafting materials on the molecular- and nano-scale

Yu Zhong
  • New Faculty Year: 2022

Assistant Professor, Materials Science and Engineering

Academic focus: Organic materials, 2D materials, materials for electronics and sustainability.

Research summary: My research focuses on the design and synthesis of new soft materials and nanomaterials. The main research topics include: (1) mixed ionic-electronic materials and devices for electronics and healthcare applications, (2) synthesis and transport study of hybrid organic-inorganic 2D materials, (3) and ultrathin nanoporous membranes for separation and sustainability. We explore new structural designs and develop new synthesis technologies. Our research aims to uncover novel materials design principles and study structure-property relationships for the advancement of flexible electronics, energy devices, separation processes, and beyond.

What inspired you to pursue a career in this field? Innovations in materials have profoundly transformed every aspect of society. As a material scientist trained in chemistry, I was intrigued by the unlimited flexibility of designing materials at the bottom, i.e., tailoring the structure and properties of materials at the molecular- and nano-scale. For this reason, I started my research career in organic electronics to develop next-generation flexible and wearable devices. I then continued to explore ultrathin 2D membranes for energy harvesting and separation. I am motivated to make new materials that will broadly impact energy, electronics, and sustainability.

What are you most looking forward to as a Cornell Engineering faculty member? Cornell has a supportive and collaborative research culture created by many world-leading researchers. I very much look forward to working with Cornell colleagues and students to explore highly interdisciplinary research at the interface of materials, chemistry, physics, etc.

What do you like to do when you’re not working? I like to enjoy the food and explore new restaurants with my wife around our neighborhood.

 

Yu Zhong faculty page

Zhong Group website

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