Group Members

Yiming Sui

ys182@rice.edu

Dr. Yiming Sui is from Dalian, China. He received his M.S. degree from the University of Washington, Seattle, where he worked with Prof. Guozhong Cao, and his Ph.D. degree from Oregon State University under the supervision of Prof. Xiulei Ji. His current research focuses on understanding the failure mechanisms of metal anodes in aqueous electrolytes from the perspective of electrode/electrolyte interfaces by using in situ spectroscopic techniques. Outside the lab, Yiming enjoys movies, music, gym, and hiking.   

Mia Cano

mc253@rice.edu 

Mia is an Applied Physics Ph.D. student and NSF GRFP Fellow at Rice. She obtained her B.S.H. in Engineering Physics from Stanford University. She is interested in using spectroscopic and nanophotonic tools to study biointerfaces on the molecular level, working toward biohybrid energy and biosensing applications. She spends her free time engaging with science communication and outreach, playing the piano, and watching dogs in Hermann Park. 

Yitan (Leo) Lin

yl362@rice.edu 

Yitan received his B.S. in Chemical Engineering and M.S. in Chemistry from National Taiwan University. His research focuses on electrocatalysis and plasmon-assisted electrocatalysis for chemical synthesis and environmental applications. Outside the lab, he enjoys playing tennis and reading.

Kuan-Chu (Jimmy) Wu

kw110@rice.edu  

Jimmy received his bachelor’s degree from National Cheng Kung University in Taiwan. His research focuses on next-generation energy storage systems and the fundamental understanding of electrochemical interfaces. Outside the lab, Jimmy enjoys sleeping, cooking, and playing video games.

Yiyi Yang

yy83@rice.edu 

Yiyi received her B.S. in Materials Science and NanoEngineering from Rice University. She is developing in situ FTIR methods to study dynamic electrode–electrolyte interfaces in next-generation batteries. Her research connects interfacial chemistry with battery durability, motivated by the need for safer and more accessible energy storage technologies. Outside the lab, she enjoys civil rights advocacy, STEM outreach, and quality time with her cat, Cilantro. 

Xueyang Li

xl206@rice.edu  

Xueyang Li is a visiting PhD student from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (Applied Physics) in Fall 2026. His research focuses on the electrolyte-dependent interfacial charge transfer kinetics and the development of fast-charging electrolytes for electrode materials (LCO, NCM, and LRM). Outside the lab, he is an amateur basketball player and enjoys playing board games.

Sam Zhang

Sam Zhang is an undergraduate student pursuing a B.S. in Chemical Engineering. He joined the Zhang Lab in summer 2026 and is working on electrochemical nitrate reduction. Outside the lab, Sam enjoys reading, drawing, and exploring the outdoors.

Peter Terekhov

Peter Terekhov is an undergraduate student pursuing a BS in Materials Science and NanoEngineering with a career interest in semiconductors and photonics. Outside of the lab, they enjoy traveling, soccer, and e-sports titles. 

Aeon Nguyen

Aeon Nguyen is an undergraduate student with an interest in the chemical composition and practical applications of next-generation batteries. They plan to pursue a B.S. in Chemical Engineering with a specialization in Materials and Nanotechnology. They spend their free time drawing, watching shows with friends, and playing rhythm games at the arcade. 

Angela Cui

Angela is an undergraduate student pursuing a B.S in Chemical Engineering. She is interested in alternative energy solutions as well as using renewable energy sources to create products. Outside of the lab, she enjoys running, music, and playing the violin. 

Akhil Vasudevan

av158@rice.edu 

Akhil is an undergraduate student at Emory University studying Biomolecular Chemistry with a minor in Data Science. He is a visiting undergraduate researcher in the Zhang lab in summer 2026. He develops algorithms and workflows for analyzing electrochemical and gas chromatography data.

Sunny Tan

Sunny is a RAMI undergraduate visiting researcher in the Zhang Lab in summer 2026. Her research focuses on electrolyte design for zinc and manganese metal batteries. She studies how different solvent and salt systems influence Zn and Mn plating/stripping behavior, side reactions such as gas formation and corrosion, and the long-term stability of rechargeable metal batteries. She is a rising senior majoring in chemical engineering at the University of Florida.