zhang_xiangwu_mh15204Xiangwu 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 is also an Alumni Distinguished Graduate Professor and an Inaugural University Faculty Scholar at North Carolina State University.

Zhang has published two books, five book chapters, and more than 200 peer-reviewed journal articles. Zhang has also delivered over 200 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 seven 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
  • Fuel Cells
  • Chemical and Biological Protection Fabrics
  • Nano-Finishing of Textile Fabrics
  • Advanced Electrospinning Systems
  • Advanced Centrifugal Spinning Systems
  • Nanofinishing
Zhang is an active member of the Minerals, Metals & Materials Society (TMS), American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC), the Fiber Society, the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), the American Chemical Society (ACS), Sigma Xi – the Scientific Research Society, Materials Research Society (MRS), and the Electrochemical Society (ECS). Zhang is an Associate Editor or Editorial Board Member of Journal of Energy Storage and Conversion, Textiles and Light Industrial Science and Technology, Journal of Textile Science and Engineering, International Journal of Nano Science, Nano Engineering and Nanotechnology, Journal of Membrane Science & Technology, and Global Journal of Physical Chemistry. Zhang is also a Yangguang Chair Professor at Wuhan Textile University and a Guest Professor at Zhejiang Sci-Tec University.