
Bio
Dr. Kai Li is a Staff Scientist in the Multifunctional Equipment Integration Group within the Buildings and Transportation Science Division at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Dr. Li specializes in research on advanced materials and innovative solutions for practical challenges. He has received three R&D 100 Awards (2020, 2021, 2024) and two UT-Battelle Awards (2023, 2024).
Dr. Li’s research focuses on developing chemistry and materials for various applications, including gas separation in buildings (carbon capture and moisture management), additively manufactured heat exchangers, ultraconductive composites, and sustainable materials/processes. His work bridges the gap between chemistry and mechanical engineering, developing multifunctional materials and devices that enhance the performance of building equipment.
Dr. Li has published over 60 peer-reviewed journal articles and contributed to 5 book chapters. His work has led to 7 patents. Dr. Li received his Ph.D. in Energy and Environment Science from Nagaoka University of Technology in 2016 and his M.S. in Polymer Chemistry and Physics from Zhengzhou University in 2013.
Awards
- UT-Battelle Awards (Research Accomplishment), 2024
- R&D 100 Award MBE-DAC: Multifunctional Building Equipment for Direct Air Capture, 2024
- UT-Battelle Awards (Research Accomplishment), 2023
- R&D 100 Award for UCC: Ultraconductive Copper-Carbon Nanotube Composite, 2021
- R&D 100 Award for Biomacromolecule Engineering by Soft Chain Coupling Technology, 2020
Education
Ph.D., Nagaoka University of Technology, Energy and Environment Science, Nagaoka, Japan, 2016
M.Sc., Zhengzhou University, Polymer Chemistry and Physics, Zhengzhou, China, 2013
B.Sc., Zhengzhou University, Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhengzhou, China, 2010
Professional Affiliations
- American Chemical Society (2019-)
- American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) (2024-)
- The Minerals, Metals & Materials Society (TMS) (2021–)
- The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (2023-)
Trademarks and Patents
- Aytug, T.; Li, K.; Hun, D.; Biswas, K. “Fluid storage media and method of delivering a fluid,” US012090461B2, Issued September, 2024
- Aytug, T.; Li, K.; Lamm, M.; Hun, D.; and Biswas, K. “Coated and evacuated insulation spheres (CEIS)”, US12005414B2, Issued June 11, 2024.
- Ozcan, S.; Wang, Y.; Li, K.; and Tekinalp, H. “Toughened polyester composites containing polyester matrix and droplets of high-boiling liquid therein,” US11518877B2, Issued December 06, 2023.