Xiangwu ZhangXiangwu Zhang is the Samuel S. Walker Distinguished Professor in Textile Innovation and the Associate Dean for Research in the Wilson College of Textiles at North Carolina State University. He also holds titles of Alumni Distinguished Graduate Professor and Inaugural University Faculty Scholar at North Carolina State University, and is currently a Fellow of the International Engineering and Technology Institute and a Permanent Member of NC State Research Leadership Academy (RLA) and Academy of Outstanding Teachers (AOT).

Zhang has published two books, twelve book chapters, and more than 250 peer-reviewed journal articles. Zhang has also delivered over 200 invited keynote or plenary presentations in international and national conferences. Zhang’s research interests focus on nanostructured and multifunctional polymer, composite, fiber, and textile materials with an emphasis on practical applications: i) energy storage and conversion, ii) chemical and biological protection, iii) composites, and iv) nanofinishing. His research encompasses both fundamental materials studies such as synthesis and physical characterization, as well as system design and fabrication. Zhang has received over eight million dollars of research funding from the US government, foundation, and industry.

Following are examples of recent research projects:

  • Lithium-Ion Batteries
  • Lithium-Air Batteries
  • Lithium-Sulfur Batteries
  • Sodium-Ion Batteries
  • Zinc-Ion Batteries
  • Supercapacitors
  • Fuel Cells
  • Wearable Energy Storage Devices
  • Chemical and Biological Protection Fabrics
  • Nano-Finishing of Textile Fabrics
  • Advanced Electrospinning Systems
  • Advanced Centrifugal Spinning Systems
  • Nanofinishing
Zhang has received The Best of Advanced Materials Technologies 2021 (Wiley-VCH, 2022), Distinguished Achievement Award in Fiber Science (The Fiber Society, 2015), BASF Open Innovation Award on Energy Storage (BASF, 2015), Outstanding Service Award (Sigma XI Society – Scientific Research Society, 2015), Inaugural University Faculty Scholar Award (NC State, 2013), Alumni Association Outstanding Research Award (NC State, 2013), and Outstanding Teacher Award (NC State, 2013).