PhD student at University of Wisconsin-Madison, United States
Zilong Zhuang is a dedicated researcher and a Ph.D. student in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. With a solid academic background and extensive research experience in electrochemistry, materials science, and mechanical engineering, he has developed significant expertise in hydrogen production, battery technology, and energy storage. His research focuses on advancing the performance and efficiency of lithium-ion batteries and hydrogen energy systems. Zhuang’s commitment to innovative solutions in energy storage and his contributions to developing novel materials have earned him recognition in the field of electrochemical energy research.
Profile
Google Scholar
Education
Zilong Zhuang’s educational journey began with a Bachelor of Engineering degree in Resource Recycling Science and Engineering from Hunan Normal University in 2017, where he ranked among the top students in his class. He pursued a Master of Engineering in Materials Science at the Changsha Research Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, completing it in 2020 with a GPA of 3.62/4.00. During his master’s studies, he also took classes at Central South University. Currently, he is a Ph.D. student in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he is working under the guidance of Prof. Luca Mastropasqua. His doctoral research focuses on the development of proton-conducting ceramics for efficient hydrogen production and separation.
Experience
Zhuang’s research career includes various positions across prestigious institutions. From 2021 to 2023, he worked as a Research Assistant at the Guangdong Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, focusing on the modification of lithium metal anodes and cathodes for lithium-ion batteries. His earlier work at Fudan University involved metal-organic chemistry, where he synthesized ligands for nitrogen fixation and explored lithium-nitrogen battery applications. At the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Zhuang is currently involved in developing novel electrode-supported ceramic structures and scaling up cell structures for hydrogen production. His diverse research experiences have provided him with a deep understanding of electrochemical processes, materials characterization, and battery technology.
Research Interests
Zhuang’s research interests are centered on energy storage and conversion technologies, with a primary focus on lithium-ion batteries, solid-state electrolytes, and hydrogen production. His current work on proton-conducting ceramics aims to create high-efficiency, cost-effective solutions for hydrogen separation and electrochemical hydrogen production. Additionally, he has explored the synthesis of metal-organic frameworks and nanostructured materials for battery applications, addressing challenges in electrode design and interfacial stability. Zhuang is particularly interested in the development of novel thermodynamic and electrochemical cycles to enhance energy conversion efficiency.
Awards
Throughout his academic journey, Zhuang has earned numerous awards that recognize his research excellence and academic performance. He received a $2,000 Lump Sum Scholarship from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2023, and has been acknowledged as an outstanding graduate at Hunan Normal University. His research presentations have earned accolades, including the Excellent Poster Award at the 9th Graduate Forum of Wuhan University of Technology in 2019 and the Excellent Thesis Award at the 13th Graduate Forum in Hunan Province in 2020. Zhuang’s continuous dedication to his field is further highlighted by certificates from ACS Reviewer Lab and recognition as a reviewer for prominent journals.
Publications
Zhuang has contributed to numerous publications in high-impact journals, showcasing his research in electrochemical energy storage. Some notable publications include:
Z Zhuang, et al. “Plasma-activated tightly bonded uniform metal-organic framework on carbon cloth for stable Li metal anode.” Journal of Power Sources, 2024. Link (Cited by 109 articles)
D Gandla, Z Zhuang, et al. “Lewis acid molten salt method for 2D MXene synthesis and energy storage applications: A review.” Energy Storage Materials, 2023. Link (Cited by 75 articles)
V Jadhav, Z Zhuang, et al. “Tailoring Performance of the LiNi0.8Mn0.1Co0.1O2 Cathode by Al2O3 and MoO3 artificial CEI layers through plasma enhanced atomic layer deposition coating.” Dalton Transactions, 2023. Link (Cited by 56 articles)
Z Zhuang, et al. “Metal-Organic Framework Derived ZnO, N-Dually Doped Nanocages as an Efficient Host for Stable Li Metal Anodes.” ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, 2023. Link (Cited by 67 articles)
Z Zhuang, et al. “Brittle star-like nanoweb modified carbon cloth synthesized by self-templated hollow ZIF-8 for ultra-stable Li metal anodes.” Materials Today Energy, 2022. Link (Cited by 45 articles)
P Ma, Z Zhuang, et al. “ZnO-CoO composite nano-sphere arrays modified carbon cloth for low voltage hysteresis Li metal anodes.” ACS Applied Energy Materials, 2022. Link (Cited by 39 articles)
Conclusion
Zilong Zhuang’s impressive research track record, coupled with his ongoing work on innovative energy storage technologies, makes him a strong candidate for the “Best Researcher Award.” His contributions to lithium battery technology and hydrogen energy demonstrate a commitment to advancing sustainable energy solutions. With a solid foundation in electrochemistry and materials science, and continuous pursuit of groundbreaking research, Zhuang stands out as a promising researcher with the potential to significantly impact the future of energy storage and conversion.