Lithium / Sodium
Cathode / Anode
Solid-State
Scale-up
I'm a Research Scientist, Explorer, and Experiencer who aspires to become an Inspirer. My work lies at the intersection of materials science, clean energy, and human-centered design.
Driven by the conviction that technology should harmonize ecological balance with individual empowerment, my research focuses on accelerating the clean energy transition. I specialize in developing next-generation battery materials and optimizing energy storage systems, bridging the gap between fundamental research and industrial applications.
As an academic professional, I combine rigorous scientific inquiry with practical problem-solving to address some of the most pressing challenges in sustainable energy. My approach integrates multidisciplinary perspectives, bringing together materials engineering, electrochemistry, and systems thinking.
University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND
May 2023
Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
June 2017
Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, China
June 2013
What I’m known for: converting R&D into reproducible, inspectable processes and defensible IP — while leading cross-functional teams across academia and industry.
Coordinated multi-partner roadmaps and helped secure major grants (DOE + state) for battery materials and long-duration storage programs.
Hands-on experience with manufacturing workflows: mixing → coating → drying → calendaring → assembly → formation → testing, plus QC and certification support.
Authored patents and technical reports; recognized for IP strategy and core technology breakthroughs.
Glove boxes, grinders, mixers, tube/box/muffle furnaces, jet mills, spray dryers, magnetic separators, compressors, nitrogen generators; slurry prep, coating, drying, calendaring, cutting, ultrasonic/spot/laser welding, electrolyte injection, formation, grading and testing.
Raman, XRD/XRF, SEM/TEM/EDS, XANES, XPS; COMSOL, Aspen Plus, Ansys Fluent, Vensim; Python/MATLAB/C; data analysis with OriginLab/Minitab/MySQL/SPSS.
Clean Republic SODO LLC • Grand Forks / Seattle • US
CEM Energy Studies • University of North Dakota • US
Applied electrochemical and process modeling to energy research programs and industry collaborations.
Institute for Energy Studies • University of North Dakota • US
Research on silicon/carbon composite anodes, electrode engineering, and materials characterization.
Clean Republic LLC • ND • US
Sep 2018 – Nov 2020
MICPOWER • China
Apr 2018 – Aug 2018
LFP and NFPP-based cathodes: reproducible synthesis, impurity control, particle engineering, and QC for manufacturing.
From cell to module/system validation: field demonstrations, manufacturing feedback loops, and performance/safety optimization.
Polymer composite solid-state electrolyte materials and manufacturability, including interface considerations and scale-up constraints.
DOE-EERE • Co-PI
ND CSEA • Co-PI
Dakota Lithium + SDSMT • Co-PI
Dakota Lithium + MSE, Sci. & Tech.
Xin Zhang, Yong Hou.
U.S. Patent Application (2025).
Xin Zhang, et al.
ACS Applied Energy Materials, 2023, 6, 7996–8005.
Xin Zhang, et al.
Electrochimica Acta, 2022, 141329.
M. Lei, Xin Zhang, et al.
ISICN, San Juan, Puerto Rico, USA (2025).
A small collection of tools, games, and digital experiments I’ve built.
Be the last player to move a token such that only one stack remains.
Generate accessible, publication-ready palettes for scientific visualization.
I’m always working on new ideas — check back later.
For collaborations, consulting, speaking, or hiring conversations — email is best.