Published on by Chemical Scientist

Dr. Hui Li | Materials Chemistry | Chemical Scientist Award

Senior Engineer | Beijing Institute of Smart Energy | China

Dr. Hui Li is a Senior Engineer at the Beijing Institute of Smart Energy, specializing in electrochemical energy storage systems. With a strong foundation in lithium-ion and sodium-ion battery research, Dr. Li has established himself as an influential figure in advancing next-generation energy technologies. He has contributed extensively to both academic research and industrial applications, bridging the gap between fundamental science and real-world energy solutions. Over the years, he has participated in more than 11 major research projects, authored two books, published over 36 scientific papers, and filed 27 patents, of which eight have been authorized. His collaborations extend internationally, including research with the University of California, San Diego, and domestic partnerships with major enterprises to develop large-scale sodium-ion battery systems. Recognized for academic excellence and professional contributions, Dr. Hui Li is a driving force in the development of safe, reliable, and sustainable energy storage technologies.

Professional Profile 

Hui Li’s academic journey reflects a strong commitment to interdisciplinary research and excellence in engineering. He obtained his Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science from Qingdao Agricultural University , where he laid the foundation for his scientific career. Pursuing higher studies, he joined the Beijing Institute of Technology (BIT) and earned a Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering. During his doctoral training, Hui Li was selected for an international joint research program at the University of California, San Diego , where he studied NanoEngineering with a focus on electrochemical energy materials under leading experts. His academic performance was distinguished with a National Ph.D. Scholarship (2016) and the Excellent Doctoral Dissertation Award from BIT . Through this education, he gained deep expertise in materials science, nanotechnology, and energy engineering, equipping him with the skills to contribute meaningfully to the rapidly evolving field of advanced energy storage technologies.

Experience 

Dr. Hui Li’s professional career spans cutting-edge research, project leadership, and industrial collaboration in the energy sector. He began with an internship at the State Grid Smart Grid Research Institute , working on energy storage projects. Later, as an R&D Engineer at the State Grid Smart Grid Research Institute , he led and contributed to seven major projects, including sodium-ion and liquid metal battery technologies funded by the National Key R&D Program and National Natural Science Foundation. He joined the Beijing Institute of Smart Energy, where he continues as a Senior Engineer, contributing to lithium-ion and sodium-ion battery development, particularly for extreme environments. His work spans research management, scenario analysis, and technology evaluation for grid-scale applications. To date, he has completed nine projects and is actively involved in two ongoing ones, establishing himself as a leading researcher integrating academic innovation with industry-based solutions.

Professional Development

Hui Li has consistently pursued professional development through academic, industrial, and collaborative engagements. He has authored two professional books on electrochemical energy storage and LiDAR applications, reflecting his ability to link theory with practice. He serves as a peer reviewer for multiple journals, including Shandong Electric Power Technology, Battery, and Mining and Metallurgy, ensuring he remains actively involved in evaluating and shaping research in his field. As a mentor at the Beijing Institute of Technology, he contributes to training the next generation of researchers. His editorial and reviewing roles have honed his analytical and critical skills, while his collaborations with top universities and companies, such as the University of California, San Diego and China Enli Co., Ltd., have expanded his expertise in global research networks. Membership in the China Chemical Society further complements his development, keeping him connected to evolving innovations and policy directions in chemical engineering and energy storage.

Skills & Expertise

Hui Li’s expertise spans electrochemical energy storage, battery materials engineering, and system integration. He has advanced knowledge of lithium-ion and sodium-ion battery electrode materials, particularly in aqueous sodium-ion systems and Prussian blue-based compounds. His skills extend across multi-scale design, nanomaterial synthesis, and material genome engineering, enabling him to translate fundamental science into scalable technologies. With 36 peer-reviewed publications and extensive patent contributions, he demonstrates a balance of theoretical insight and practical innovation. His technical competencies include electrochemical performance testing, TEER evaluation, and computational modeling for material optimization. Hui Li also excels in project leadership, having managed large-scale national and corporate-funded projects. His professional versatility allows him to work across academic, industrial, and collaborative research environments, contributing both as a lead investigator and as a team collaborator. His multidisciplinary expertise positions him as a key contributor to the advancement of high-performance, reliable, and sustainable energy storage technologies.

Resarch Focus

Dr. Hui Li’s research focuses on next-generation electrochemical energy storage systems, especially lithium-ion and sodium-ion batteries. His work emphasizes the design, synthesis, and performance optimization of cathode and anode materials, with a strong interest in environmentally friendly, high-safety, and high-capacity systems. He has investigated Prussian blue analogs, Na3V2(PO4)3-based materials, and layered oxides, contributing significantly to the advancement of aqueous sodium-ion batteries. A core aspect of his research is bridging fundamental material mechanisms with device-level applications, including Ah-level battery cells and full system integration for grid storage. Through collaborations with universities and enterprises, he has contributed to the development of a 102.96 kWh water-based sodium-ion battery energy storage system, demonstrating practical scalability. His current research explores material genome engineering, doping strategies, and advanced coatings to enhance battery stability, safety, and electrochemical performance. This integrated approach aims to accelerate the deployment of sustainable energy storage for renewable electricity and smart grid applications.

Awards & Recognitions

Hui Li’s outstanding academic and professional contributions have earned him several prestigious awards and recognitions. During his doctoral studies, he was honored with the National Ph.D. Scholarship , a distinction awarded to top-performing doctoral candidates across China. His doctoral thesis was further recognized with the Excellent Doctoral Dissertation Award  from the Beijing Institute of Technology, an accolade given to only 25 scholars university-wide. He also received the Beijing Institute of Technology Seedling Fund, awarded to only 20 individuals, highlighting his research potential in innovative energy storage materials. Beyond academic honors, Hui Li was recognized as an Outstanding Individual during the State Grid New Employee Induction Training, reflecting his dedication and leadership in professional settings. These achievements underscore his commitment to excellence in research, education, and practical innovation, marking him as a leading scientist contributing to the advancement of sustainable energy storage and smart grid technologies.

Publication Top Notes

Title: Effects of Mg doping on the remarkably enhanced electrochemical performance of Na₃V₂(PO₄)₃ cathode materials for sodium-ion batteries
Authors: H. Li, X.Q. Yu, Y. Bai, F. Wu, C. Wu, L.Y. Liu, X.Q. Yang
Year: 2015

Title: Understanding the electrochemical mechanisms induced by gradient Mg²⁺ distribution of Na-rich Na₃₊ₓV₂₋ₓMgₓ(PO₄)₃/C for sodium-ion batteries
Authors: H. Li, H.M. Tang, C.Z. Ma, Y. Bai, J. Alvarado, B. Radhakrishnan, S.P. Ong, F. Wu, Y.S. Meng, C. Wu
Year: 2018

Title: Na-Rich Na₃₊ₓV₂₋ₓNiₓ(PO₄)₃/C for Sodium Ion Batteries: Controlling the Doping Site and Improving the Electrochemical Performances
Authors: H. Li, Y. Bai, C. Wu, F. Wu, X.F. Li
Year: 2016

Title: Budding willow branches shaped Na₃V₂(PO₄)₃/C nanofibers synthesized via an electrospinning technique and used as cathode material for sodium-ion batteries
Authors: H. Li, Y. Bai, F. Wu, Y. Li, C. Wu
Year: 2015

Title:  Controllable synthesis of high-rate and long cycle-life Na₃V₂(PO₄)₃ for sodium-ion batteries
Authors: H. Li, C. Wu, Y. Bai, F. Wu, M.Z. Wang
Year: 2016

Hui Li is a highly suitable candidate for the Research for Chemical Scientist Award. His research demonstrates a rare balance of fundamental innovation and applied outcomes, particularly in advancing sodium-ion and lithium-ion battery technologies for sustainable energy storage. His track record of publications, patents, and leadership in major funded projects positions him as an impactful researcher at the intersection of chemistry, materials science, and energy engineering.

While greater emphasis on independent international leadership and broader engagement could strengthen his profile, his achievements already place him among the promising chemical scientists driving forward solutions for global energy challenges. He is well-deserving of recognition through this award.

Hui Li | Materials Chemistry | Chemical Scientist Award

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