(287a) Synthesis of Bio-Based Porous Materials and Their Applications
AIChE Annual Meeting
2023
2023 AIChE Annual Meeting
Meet the Candidates Poster Sessions
Meet the Industry Candidates Poster Session: Particle Technology Forum, North American Mixing Forum, and Fluid Mechanics
Tuesday, November 7, 2023 - 1:00pm to 3:00pm
- Poster 240c: "Effects of Lignin Properties on the Performance of Lignin-Based Polyurethane Foam for Eco-Friendly Thermal Insulation", Wednesday November 8, 3:30-5 pm, Regency Ballroom R/S (https://aiche.confex.com/aiche/2023/meetingapp.cgi/Paper/669584)
Education
Mairui Zhang is a seasoned professional in the field of green chemistry and materials, with a focus on bioprocess engineering. Currently pursuing a Ph.D. at SUNY, College of Environmental Science and Forestry (SUNY-ESF), Mairui has a rich educational background that includes a master’s degree in chemical engineering from SUNY, University at Buffalo, and a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from South China University of Technology (SCUT), which is one of a top university in China.
Research Interests
Mairui's extensive research experience includes a study of lignocellulose fractionation, lignin-based polyurethane foam fabrication, lignin depolymerization, and cellulose-derived hydrogel and aerogel fabrication. These research projects have led to publications in esteemed journals such as the Chemical Engineering Journal and ACS Applied Nano Materials.
Skills
In addition to research, Mairui has honed a wide range of analytical skills, including proficiency in using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Universal Testing Machine (UTM), Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA), High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and more. Mairui is also adept at various computer applications such as MS Office, CHEMCAD, ChemDraw, Adobe Illustrator, Origin Lab, Image J, Python, C++, and Fusion 360 for 3D modeling.
Professional Experience and Activities
Mairui's professional experience includes an internship at Yueyang Paper Manufacturing Co., Ltd., and a role as a research assistant at the Institute of Energy Conversion (Chinese Academy of Science). Mairui has also held leadership positions, such as the President of the Student Union at SCUT and Vice President of the ESF Chinese Students and Scholars Association (CSSA).
Teaching Interests
In addition to research and professional experience, Mairui has a strong background in teaching. As a teaching assistant at SUNY ESF, Mairui has contributed to courses such as Fluid Mechanics, Pulp and Paper Laboratory Skills, Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics and Colloids, Process Operations Laboratory, and Intro to Lignocellulose. Mairui also served as a teaching assistant for the Advanced Colloid Surface Phenomenon course at the University at Buffalo.
With a strong foundation in green chemistry and materials, Mairui is eager to explore opportunities that will leverage this expertise to contribute to sustainable and innovative solutions in the industry.