Dr. Mengyao Gao’s research philosophy is grounded in the belief that sustainable development relies on the integration of materials innovation, circular chemistry, and green energy systems. She envisions a future in which scientific discovery not only advances technology but also contributes directly to environmental sustainability and societal well-being. Her research addresses global challenges by developing strategies for the recycling of lithium-ion batteries, the closed-loop generation of hydrogen using sustainable catalysts, and the design of green materials for renewable energy technologies. Through this work, Dr. Gao combines fundamental chemistry, electrochemical engineering, and environmental sustainability into a cohesive research program that emphasizes both scientific rigor and practical impact. A central pillar of Dr. Gao’s research is the development of waste-derived and biomass-based green materials. She has pioneered the use of a wide range of biogenic and food wastes—including fish scales, shrimp shells, agricultural residues, and other food processing by-products—to synthesize carbonaceous materials with controlled porosity, high surface area, and exceptional electrochemical activity. These materials have been successfully applied in lithium-sulfur batteries, demonstrating performance characteristics comparable to or exceeding those of conventional battery materials. Notably, her collaborative work with Mercedes-Benz led to the creation of a fish-scale-derived porous carbon/sulfur composite coupled with a symmetric fluorinated diethoxyethane electrolyte, as reported in Journal of Materials Chemistry A (2017, IF=9.5). This study showcased the potential of biowaste to serve as a high-performance and sustainable electrode material. Building on this theme, Dr. Gao’s 2025 publication in ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering highlighted a pomegranate-like nickel-iron electrocatalyst synthesized from shrimp shell waste, which was featured on the journal cover. This innovative material design enables highly efficient alkaline hydrogen evolution, while simultaneously exemplifying the concept of circular waste-to-resource strategies. By demonstrating that abundant, low-cost biomass can be transformed into high-value electrochemical catalysts, Dr. Gao’s work bridges the gap between environmental stewardship and advanced energy technology. In addition to her work on biomass-based materials, Dr. Gao has contributed significantly to the emerging field of blue energy and ionic membrane engineering. At both National Taiwan University (NTU) and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL), she participated in the development of nanochannel-based osmotic power generation systems. Her research involved sub-2 nm covalent organic framework (COF) membranes, which function as ultrahigh-performance osmotic power generators. By controlling ionic transport at the nanoscale, these membranes enable efficient conversion of salinity gradients into usable electrical energy. Dr. Gao’s 2023 Nano Energy publication introduced a bioinspired ionic diode, providing new insights into electrokinetic transport in confined nanoscale environments. This work not only advances fundamental understanding but also lays the groundwork for practical applications in renewable energy generation. Another focus of Dr. Gao’s research is the recycling and upcycling of spent lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). She integrates principles of environmental engineering with electrochemistry to develop pathways in which spent LIBs are transformed from waste into functional catalytic materials, rather than being discarded. In her presentation at CHISA 2024, she introduced a process that converts waste electrode materials into hydrogen generation catalysts, offering both environmental and economic benefits. This approach exemplifies a circular economy model, where valuable metals and energy materials are recovered and reintegrated into sustainable technologies, reducing both resource consumption and environmental impact. Dr. Gao also contributes to the field of CO₂ conversion and net-zero technologies, collaborating internationally with researchers such as Steven Chuang from Akron University. Together, they have authored both review articles and experimental studies on electrochemical and non-thermal CO₂ conversion strategies, aiming to enable industrial processes to transition toward carbon neutrality. This work underscores her commitment to translating fundamental research into technologies that can address pressing global challenges, including climate change and decarbonization. Overall, Dr. Gao’s research portfolio demonstrates a clear trajectory toward renewable energy technologies built on sustainable material sources, combining fundamental mechanistic understanding, device engineering, and real-world applications. Her work reflects a holistic perspective: from the molecular design of catalysts and materials to their implementation in functional energy devices, and further to their potential societal and environmental impact. By integrating sustainability considerations into every stage of research, Dr. Gao fosters innovation that is scientifically rigorous, socially responsible, and globally relevant.

Through these interdisciplinary efforts, she not only advances the frontiers of chemistry and materials science but also cultivates a new generation of scientists who are equipped to tackle complex energy and environmental challenges. Her laboratory serves as an international hub for collaboration, education, and innovation, supporting students and postdoctoral researchers from multiple countries and training them to apply cutting-edge chemistry in service of a greener, safer, and more sustainable future.