Degrees and Appointments
- Assistant Professor, 2025, University of Arizona
- Postdoc Fellow, 2021-2025, Harvard University
- Ph.D., 2015-2021, University of Pennsylvania
Research Specialties: Energy Science, Materials and Polymer Chemistry, 2D Materials, Electrocatalysis, Chemical Reaction Dynamics/Kinetics/Interactions, Surface and Solid State, Transport Phenomena, Separation Chemistry
Honors and awards
- Excellence in Graduate Research, Inorganic Division (University of Pennsylvania) 09/2020
- Dalalian Scholarship Fund Award (Pennsylvania State University) 04/2017
Assistant Professor, Chemistry and Biochemistry
Research
The Yan group focuses on enabling large-scale renewable energy storage and sustainable chemical production, traditionally reliant on fossil fuels, by utilizing electrons from renewable sources. We aim to address key challenges in designing effective electrochemical materials, including electrocatalysts and solid-state polymeric electrolytes. Our research centers on understanding the interfacial electro-dynamics and catalysis within these material systems. A central question driving our work is: How can we control the kinetics of interfacial electron and ion transfer at the molecular level, both concertedly and non-concertedly?
To achieve these goals, we employ a wide range of electrochemical analytical techniques such as scanning electrochemical microscopy, surface-sensitive vibrational and optical spectroscopy, electron microscopy, high-throughput experimentation, and nanofabrication. Mentees in our group will receive comprehensive training in physical and analytical electrochemistry, materials synthesis and characterization, cleanroom fabrication, and device optimization (e.g., electrolyzers, fuel cells, redox flow batteries, etc.).
Z. Yan et al. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2023, 145, 22213-22221.
Z. Yan et al. Nat. Chem. 2021, 13, 33-40.
Z. Yan et al. ACS Cent. Sci. 2021, 7, 1028-1035.
Z. Yan et al. Energy Environ. Sci. 2018, 11, 2235-2245.
Y. Gao, Z. Yan et al. Nat. Mater. 2019, 18, 348-389.