Portrait of Kai Li, R&D staff member at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, standing against a studio backdrop.

Kai Li

R&D Staff Scientist

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 four R&D 100 Awards (2020, 2021, 2024, 2025) 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 to improve indoor air quality, additively manufactured heat exchangers, ultraconductive composites, and biocomposites.  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 70 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.