Zhi Zhao

Arizona State University, Beijing University of Technology

Papers

Total Citations

136

H-Index

About

Zhi Zhao is an innovative materials scientist whose research bridges the gap between nanotechnology and macroscopic functional materials, with particular expertise in DNA nanotechnology, soft robotics, and polymer self-assembly. His most celebrated contribution, "Soft Robotics Programmed with Double Crosslinking DNA Hydrogels" (2019, 98 citations), marked a landmark achievement by successfully translating DNA nanotechnology — long confined to nanoscale applications in optics, quantum electronics, and therapeutics — into the macroscopic realm of programmable soft robotic systems. This work demonstrated remarkable creativity in applying molecular-level design principles to tangible, responsive materials. Beyond soft robotics, Zhao has advanced the field of functional fabrication through his work on polymer-assisted photochemical deposition for continuous metal structure printing (2020, 29 citations), opening new possibilities in manufacturing and electronics. His more recent review on polymer self-assembly nanostructures (2024, 9 citations) reflects his broader ambition to develop design principles that convert molecular architectures into targeted functional materials. Together, his body of work represents a cohesive vision of engineering matter from the molecular scale upward, making him a compelling figure for students and researchers interested in smart materials, nanotechnology, and next-generation manufacturing.