Hongli Zhu

Northeastern University, University of Maryland, College Park

Papers

Total Citations

175

H-Index

About

Hongli Zhu is a leading figure in sustainable materials and advanced manufacturing, with a focus on cellulose nanomaterials, aerogels, and green electronics. Her pioneering work bridges the gap between renewable resources and high-performance engineering, particularly through the development of 3D-printed aerogels and porous scaffolds. In her highly cited 2021 review, “Additive Manufacturing of 3D Aerogels and Porous Scaffolds,” Zhu systematically mapped the integration of additive manufacturing with aerogel fabrication, enabling customized geometries for applications in thermal insulation, energy storage, and environmental remediation—a work that has garnered over 150 citations. She also made notable strides in soft robotics with her 2014 paper on a paper-based electrostatic zipper actuator, demonstrating how carbon nanotube inks and simple paper substrates can create lightweight, printable robotic components. This innovation, though with 25 citations, exemplifies her commitment to low-cost, scalable, and eco-friendly technologies. Zhu’s research has been recognized for its potential to transform manufacturing paradigms, and she continues to influence the fields of nanomaterials, flexible electronics, and sustainable engineering. Her work inspires a new generation of researchers to rethink how natural materials can power the future of technology.