Dr. Li is an expert in green processing technologies specializing in fluidized bed reactors and supercritical fluid applications. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Western Ontario (Canada) and was a postdoctoral fellow at the Institute for Chemicals and Fuels from Alternative Resources (ICFAR).

His research spans two key areas:

1. Green Chemicals & Energy:Developing mobile pyrolysis platforms to produce biofuels, silicon-carbon materials, and conductive CNTs.
2. Smart Health Products:Pioneering supercritical CO₂-based technologies for neuro-nutraceuticals (e.g., nervonic acid from Acer truncatum) and green separation processes (e.g., oil detoxification, fatty acid purification).

Prior to joining UNNC/CBI in 2023, Dr. Li led agroforestry resource utilization research at Northwest A&F University and contributed to Canada’s national bioenergy networks (BioFuelNet and Lignoworks), developing breakthrough pyrolysis and bio-oil upgrading technologies.

My research program is fundamentally driven by the imperative to develop sustainable technologies for resource valorization and the creation of valuable green chemicals, energy, and health products. It converges on two primary, interconnected pillars:

1. Green Chemicals and Energy via Advanced Thermochemical Conversion: My core focus lies in developing and commercializing innovative fluidized bed and fast pyrolysis technologies to convert diverse, underutilized feedstocks into bioenergy, platform chemicals, and advanced materials. Key aspects include:
   • Feedstock Diversity: Utilizing abundant waste and renewable resources such as agricultural residues (straw), industrial by-products (Traditional Chinese Medicine residues), and challenging waste streams (waste plastics, lignin, bitumen, petroleum coke).
   • Targeted Outputs: Producing bioenergy carriers, green chemicals, and high-value materials, with specific expertise in silicon-carbon composites (Si-C), granular silicon, and conductive carbon nanotubes (CNTs). This involves exploring precursor systems like silane (SiH₄) and methane (CH₄).
   • Technology Commercialization Priority: A major, immediate focus is the Research and Development for the commercialization of a mobile fast pyrolysis unit. This project aims to create a deployable, efficient system for distributed processing of biomass and waste, significantly enhancing accessibility and economic viability for bio-based product pathways.
2. Smart Food and Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) via Green Separation Processes: My research leverages supercritical fluid technology, particularly supercritical CO₂ (scCO₂), for the sustainable and intelligent manufacturing of high-value nutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals. Key aspects include:
   • Target Compounds: Focusing on the extraction, purification, and formulation of specialty lipids and fatty acids (FAs), proteins, and the selective removal or concentration of natural toxins. A significant emphasis is placed on rare and valuable components like nervonic acid.
   • Novel Feedstocks: Sourcing these compounds from non-traditional and sustainable resources, including specialty oilseeds, insects, and fishery processing residues.
   • Technology Commercialization Priority: A key translational goal is the Research and Development for the commercialization of nervonic acid-based health products. This priority project focuses on developing brain health supplements utilizing efficient and environmentally benign scCO₂ extraction and purification processes.

Overarching Goal: My research bridges fundamental process engineering with applied technology development and commercialization. I am committed to creating practical, scalable, and economically feasible solutions that transform waste and renewable biomass into essential green chemicals, sustainable energy carriers, advanced materials, and high-value health-promoting products. The commercialization of the mobile fast pyrolysis unit and nervonic acid health products represent critical, near-term milestones in this mission, demonstrating the tangible application of these sustainable technologies.