Yonglan Liu

University of Akron, National Cancer Institute

Papers

Total Citations

184

H-Index

About

Yonglan Liu is a leading materials scientist whose research focuses on the design and engineering of advanced hydrogels with exceptional mechanical robustness and environmental resilience. Her major contributions lie in two key areas: developing tough, adhesive hydrogels through innovative double-network strategies, and pioneering antifreezing hydrogels for extreme cold environments. In her highly cited 2019 work (100 citations), Liu introduced a fully physically cross-linked double-network hydrogel that simultaneously achieves high bulk mechanical strength and strong surface adhesion, with remarkable self-recovery and self-healing capabilities—a long-standing challenge in the field. Her 2025 review (84 citations) comprehensively maps the mechanisms and strategies behind antifreezing hydrogels, establishing a critical framework for designing water-rich materials that maintain functionality in subzero conditions, outperforming traditional antifreezing alternatives. This work has significant implications for soft robotics, tissue engineering, and wearable devices operating in harsh climates. Liu’s research bridges fundamental polymer physics with practical applications, and her high citation counts reflect the transformative impact of her work on the hydrogel community, inspiring new directions for mechanically durable and cold-adaptive soft materials.