Zhi Li

Biography

2002-2006 University of Science and Technology of China, B.S. (Advisor: Tianpa You), 2006-2011 The University of Chicago, USA, Ph.D. (Advisor: Hisashi Yamamoto), 2011-2014 Northwestern University, USA, Postdoctoral Fellow. (Advisor: Tobin J. Marks), 2015.3- ShanghaiTech University, School of Physical Sciences and Technology, Assistant Professor、PI.

Research Interest

Catalysts and catalytic reactions have been pivotal players in modern chemical industry, which supplies the human society with almost all food, energy and materials in a general sense. They are also probably our most reliable ally when we are facing the unprecedented challenge of sustainable growth. For example, in order to solve problems in the emerging fields of CO2 utilization, renewable resources utilization and greener chemical processes, chemists’ ability to develop the most efficient yet sustainable catalysts and catalytic processes has never been more important. At ShanghaiTech, we will be developing novel strong Br?nsted and Lewis acids as catalysts that can be used in highly efficient and sustainable chemical processes, especially those convert renewable biofeedstocks to useful energy and material products. We will also be investigating new chiral catalysts and catalytic asymmetric reactions that promote green syntheses of pharmaceutical ingredients. With our efforts we aim to accelerate the transition of chemical industry, particularly in China, from high emission and pollution to highly sustainable and green.