Education background

1995.03-1998.11 PhD Degree in Environmental Engineering, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China

1992.09-1999.03 Master Degree in Environmental Engineering, Department of Environment Science and Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China

1988.09-1992.07 Bachelor Degree in Environmental Engineering, Department of Textile Chemical Engineering, China Textile University, Shanghai, China

Working Experience

2008.12-present Professor, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China

2000.08-2008.11 Associate Professor, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China

1999.11-2000.07 Assistant Professor, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China

1998.12-2001.06 Project official, Division of Resources and Environment, Department of Rural and Social Development, Ministry of Science and Technology of China

Areas of Research Interests/ Research Projects

Research Area:

(1) Purification materials and technologies for indoor air pollutants such as formaldehyde, VOCs, odorants and ozone, including photocatalysis, room-temperature catalysis, adsorbents, catalytic ozonation.

(2) Indoor and in-car air chemistry: pollutants from interior materials, humans, and pets.

(3) Advanced oxidation processes for water and wastewater treatment, including for the emerging pollutants.

(4) Carbonization of biomass and its utilization.

Research Projects:

1. Study on ultrafast safe air disinfection mechanism by 185 nm ultraviolet light catalysis and its performance optimization. Natural Science Foundation of China (2021-2024)

2. Key technologies of low-temperature plasma catalytic oxidation and their application. Science & Technology Innovation Program by Shunde District of Foshan City (2021-2024)

3. Ozonation purification technology. Midea Group (2021-2023)

4. Development on 185 nm photocatalytic purification equipment and ozone decomposition materials, Beijing Shuimu Yujie Environmental Technology Inc. (2018-2026).

5. Research and Development of formaldehyde decomposition materials. Beijing Shuimu Yujie Environmental Technology Inc. (2017-2026)

6. Development of high-performance catalytic material for ozone decomposition and its applicability in outdoor air purification system. Natural Science Foundation of China (2019-2022)

7. Controllable synthesis and structure modification of ultrathin birnessite nanoplate for catalytic decomposition of formaldehyde in indoor air. Natural Science Foundation of China (2017-2020)

8. Effect of nanomaterials on ozone generation using nanoseconds pulsed discharge and its mechanism. Natural Science Foundation of China (2014-2016)

9. Adjustment of nanometer indium oxide and its photocatalytic activity for perfluorooctanoic acid. Natural Science Foundation of China (2012-2015)

10. Indoor air purification technology and equipment development. National High Technology Research and Development Program of China (2012-2015)

Academic Achievement

After he received his Ph.D. in 1998, Pengyi Zhang started working in School of Environment, Tsinghua. He has been a full professor in 2008. Prof. Zhang has over 20 years’ research experiences in the field of environmental chemistry, functional materials for indoor air and water purification. He has published over 230 peer-reviewed papers, 4 books and has been authorized 30+ patents. He completed many research projects supported by the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST), Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC), including several national 863 projects on indoor air pollution control, 973 projects on photocatalysis, as well as collaboration projects with famous companies.

He developed a series of indoor air purification products, including manganese dioxides-based filters for formaldehyde decomposition, air cleaners, spraying agents for pollution control, these products have been widely used for indoor air pollution control. He also invented 185 nm VUV photocatalysis, which has been widely used for VOCs decomposition. He acted as the panel leader to draw up of the national standard “Sports area with synthetic surfaces for primary and middle schools (GB 36246-2018)”, which has effectively protected millions of students away from pollution caused by the synthetic surfaces. Moreover, he set up the Center for Environmental Quality Test of Tsinghua University in 2006, which provided thousands of test reports under his leadership in the period of 2006-2015.

Selected Articles:

1. Sadia Rehman, Xianming Zheng, Pengyi Zhang^*. Green synthesis of a superhydrophobic metal-organic gel for the capture of trace volatile organic compound from humid air. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 2023, 441, 129852

2. Xianming Zheng, Sadia Rehman, Pengyi Zhang^*. Room temperature synthesis of monolithic MIL-100(Fe) in aqueous solution for energy-efficient removal and recovery of aromatic volatile organic compounds. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 2023, 442, 129998

3. Yankai Xie, Xiaojing Zhu, Pengyi Zhang^*, Shan Wang, Jie Yang, Jinge Li. Cost-effective instant air disinfection for building ventilation system by a combination of UV and micro-static electricity. Chemical Engineering Journal, 2023, 454, 140231

4. Tingxia Hu, Shanhong Sui, Jiale Li, Pengyi Zhang^*. Room-temperature catalytic removal of indoor trace hexanal by weakly crystallized MnO₂ ultrafine nanowires. Building and Environment, 2022, 226, 109701.

5. Yongshuai Qu, Xianming Zheng, Keke Ma, Weiwei He, Shan Wang, Pengyi Zhang^*. Facile coating of MnO₂ nanoparticles onto polymer fibers via friction-heating adhesion for efficient formaldehyde removal. Chemical Engineering Journal, 2022, 430, 132954

6. Tongzhou Xu, Pengyi Zhang^*, Huiyu Zhang. Ultrathin δ-MnO₂ nanoribbons for highly efficient removal of a human-related low threshold odorant - acetic acid. Applied Catalysis B: Environmental 309 (2022) 121273

7. 李连欣, 曹冉冉, 张彭义^*. 室温催化分解空气中臭氧污染物的研究进展. 化学进展, 2021, 33(7): 1188-1200

8. Ranran Cao, Lianxin Li, Pengyi Zhang^*. Macroporous MnO₂-based aerogel crosslinked with cellulose nanofibers for efficient ozone removal under humid condition. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 2021, 407, 124793

9. Ranran Cao, Lianxin Li, Pengyi Zhang^*, Lele Gao, Shaopeng Rong. Regulating oxygen vacancy in ultrathin δ-MnO₂ nanosheets with superior activity for gaseous ozone decomposition. Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2021, 8, 1628 – 1641.

10. Yu Zhang, Hong Zheng^*, Pengyi Zhang^*, Qi Zuo. A facile method to achieve dopamine polymerization in MOFs pore structure for efficient and selective removal of trace lead (II) ions from water. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 2021, 408, 124917. 15 April 2021

11. Xianming Zheng, Huiyu Zhang, Sadia Rehman, Pengyi Zhang^*. Energy-efficient capture of volatile organic compounds from humid air by granular metal organic gel. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 2021, 411, 125057

12. Xianming Zheng, Zhang Wu, Jie Yang, Sadia Rehman, Ranran Cao, Pengyi Zhang^*. Metal-organic gel derived N-doped granular carbon: remarkable toluene uptake and rapid regeneration, ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, 2021, 13(15), ‏ 17543-17553

13. Huiyu Zhang, Xianming Zheng, Tongzhou Xu, Pengyi Zhang^*. Atomically dispersed Y or La on birnessite-type MnO₂ for the catalytic decomposition of low-concentration toluene at room temperature. ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, 2021, 13(15), 17532-17542

14. Huiyu Zhang, Shaopeng Rong, Pengyi Zhang^*. Photoinduced simultaneous thermal and photocatalytic activities of MnO₂ revealed by femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy. ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, 2021, 13(16), 18944–18953.

15. Xianming Zheng, Shuai Liu, Sadia Rehman, Zehui Li, Pengyi Zhang^*. Highly improved adsorption performance of metal-organic frameworks CAU-1 for trace toluene in humid air via sequential internal and external surface modification. Chemical Engineering Journal, 389 (2020) 123424

16. Shaopeng Rong, Taohong He, Pengyi Zhang^*. Self-assembly of MnO₂ nanostructures into high purity three-dimensional framework for high efficiency formaldehyde mineralization. Applied Catalysis B: Environmental, 2020, 267, 118375

17. Lianxin Li, Pengyi Zhang^*, Ranran Cao. Porous manganese oxides synthesized with natural products at room temperature: A superior humidity-tolerant catalyst for ozone decomposition. Catalysis Science & Technology, 2020, 10, 2254 – 2267

18. Tongzhou Xu, Hong Zheng^*, Pengyi Zhang^*. Isolated Pt single atomic sites anchored on nanoporous TiO₂ film for highly efficient photocatalytic degradation of low concentration toluene. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 2020, 388, 121746

19. Huiyu Zhang, Shanhong Sui, Xianming Zheng, Ranran Cao, Pengyi Zhang^*. One-pot synthesis of atomically dispersed Pt on MnO₂ for efficient catalytic decomposition of toluene at low temperatures. Applied Catalysis B: Environmental 257 (2019) 117878

20. Shanhong Sui, Pengyi Zhang^*, Huiyu Zhang, Ranran Cao. Low-temperature catalytic degradation of an indoor odorous pollutant hexanal by γ-MnOOH: the effect of Mn vacancy. Chinese Journal of Catalysis, 2019, 40 (10):1525–1533

21. Yang Liu^*, Hao Zhou, Ranran Cao, Xingyun Liu, Pengyi Zhang^*, Jingjing Zhan, Lifen Liu. Facile and green synthetic strategy of birnessite-type MnO₂ with high efficiency for airborne benzene removal at low temperatures. Applied Catalysis B: Environmental. 2019, 245:569-582

22. Nan Zou, Qing Nie, Xinrui Zhang, Gaoke Zhang, Jinlong Wang^*, Pengyi Zhang^*. Electrothermal regeneration by Joule heat effect on carbon cloth based MnO₂ catalyst for long-term formaldehyde removal. Chemical Engineering Journal, 2019, 357:1-10

23. Shaopeng Rong, Pengyi Zhang^*, Fang Liu, Yajie Yang. Engineering crystal facet of α-MnO₂ nanowire for highly efficient catalytic oxidation of carcinogenic airborne formaldehyde. ACS Catalysis, 2018, 8, 3435−3446

24. Fang Liu, Shaopeng Rong, Pengyi Zhang^*, Lele Gao. One-step synthesis of nanocarbon-decorated MnO₂ with superior activity for indoor formaldehyde removal at room temperature. Applied Catalysis B: Environmental, 2018, 235, 158-167

25. Jinlong Wang, Jun Li, Pengyi Zhang^*, Gaoke Zhang^*. Understanding the "seesaw effect" of interlayered K+ with different structure in manganese oxides for the enhanced formaldehyde oxidation. Applied Catalysis B, 2018, 224, 863-870

26. Jinlong Wang, Gaoke Zhang,^* Pengyi Zhang^*. Graphene-assisted photothermal effect promoting catalytic activity of layered MnO₂ for gaseous formaldehyde oxidation. Applied Catalysis B: Environmental, 2018, 239:77-85

27. Shaopeng Rong, Pengyi Zhang^*, Yajie Yang, Lin Zhu, Jinlong Wang, Fang Liu. MnO₂ framework for instantaneous mineralization of carcinogenic airborne formaldehyde at room temperature. ACS Catalysis, 2017, 7(2), 1057−1067

28. Jinlong Wang, Gaoke Zhang, Pengyi Zhang^*. Layered birnessite-type MnO₂ with surface pits for enhanced catalytic activity for formaldehyde oxidation. Journal of Material Chemistry A, 2017, 5, 5719–5725

29. Jinlong Wang, Jinge Li, Chuanjia Jiang, Peng Zhou, Pengyi Zhang^∗ , Jiaguo Yu^*. The effect of manganese vacancy in birnessite-type MnO₂ on room-temperature oxidation of formaldehyde in air. Applied Catalysis B, 2017, 204: 147–155

30. Lin Zhu, Jinlong Wang, Shaopeng Rong, Haiyan Wang^*, Pengyi Zhang^*. Cerium modified birnessite-type MnO₂ for gaseous formaldehyde oxidation at low temperature. Applied Catalysis B, 2017, 211: 212–221

31. Chuanjia Jiang, Dandan Li, Pengyi Zhang^*, Jinge Li, Juan Wang, Jiaguo Yu^*. Formaldehyde and volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions from particleboard: Identification of odorous compounds and effects of heat treatment. Building and Environment. 2017, 117:118-126

32. Jingbo Jia, Pengyi Zhang^*, Long Chen. Catalytic decomposition of gaseous ozone over manganese dioxides with different crystal structures. Applied Catalysis B. 2016, 189: 210–218.

33. Shaopeng Rong, Pengyi Zhang^*, Jinlong Wang, Fang Liu, Yajie Yang, Guoliang Yang, Song Liu. Ultrathin manganese dioxide nanosheets for formaldehyde removal and regeneration performance. Chemical Engineering Journal. 2016, 306:1172-1179

34. Jinlong Wang, Pengyi Zhang^*, Jinge Li, Chuanjia Jiang, Rizwangul.Yunus, Jeonghyun Kim. Room-temperature oxidation of formaldehyde by layered manganese oxide: effect of water. Environmental Science & Technology, 2015, 49 (20):12372–12379

35. Tongzhou Xu, Hong Zheng^*, Pengyi Zhang^*, Wei Lin, Yumiko Sekiguchi. Hydrothermal preparation of nanoporous TiO₂ films with exposed {001} facets and superior photocatalytic activity. Journal of Materials Chemistry A, 2015, 3(37): 19115-19122

36. Ling Jin, Pengyi Zhang^*. Photochemical decomposition of perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) in an anoxic alkaline solution by 185 nm vacuum ultraviolet irradiation. Chemical Engineering Journal, 2015, 280: 241–247

37. Ling Jin, Pengyi Zhang^*, Tian Shao, Shiliang Zhao. Ferric ion mediated photodecomposition of aqueous perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) under UV irradiation and its mechanism. Journal of Hazardous Materials. 2014, 271:9-15.

38. Jeonghyun Kim, Pengyi Zhang^*, Jinge Li, Jinlong Wang, Pingfeng Fu. Photocatalytic degradation of gaseous toluene and ozone under UV254+185 nm irradiation using a Pd-deposited TiO₂ film. Chemical Engineering Journal, 2014, 252:337-345

39. Zhenmin Li, Pengyi Zhang^*, Tian shao, Jinlong Wang, Ling Jin and Xiaoyun Li. Different nanostructured In₂O₃ for photocatalytic decomposition of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). Journal of Hazardous Materials 2013, 260:40-46

40. Zhenmin Li, Pengyi Zhang^*, Tian Shao, Jinlong Wang, Ling Jin. Synthesis of In₂O₃-graphene nanocomposite and their photocatalytic performance towards perfluorooctanoic acid degradation. Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology A: Chemistry, 2013, 271:111-116

41. Tian Shao, Pengyi Zhang^*, Ling Jin, Zhenmin Li. Photocatalytic decomposition of perfluorooctanoic acid in pure water and sewage water by nanostructured gallium oxide. Applied Catalysis B: Environmental. 2013, 142-143:654-661

42. Xiaoyun Li, Pengyi Zhang^*, Zhenmin Li, Junjie Cao, Tian Shao. Efficient photocatalytic decomposition of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) by indium oxide and its mechanism. Environmental Science & Technology, 2012, 46(10):5528-5534

43. Zhenmin Li, Pengyi Zhang^*, Tian shao, and Xiaoyun Li. In₂O₃ nanoporous nanospheres: a highly efficient photocatalyst for decomposition of perfluorooctanoic acid. Applied Catalysis B, 2012, 125: 350-357.

44. Pingfeng Fu, Pengyi Zhang^*, Jia Lia. Photocatalytic degradation of low concentration formaldehyde and simultaneous elimination of ozone by-product using palladium modified TiO₂ films under UV254+185nm irradiation. Applied Catalysis B, 2011, 105(1-2): 220-228

45. Yuan Wang, Pengyi Zhang. Photocatalytic decomposition of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) by TiO₂ in the presence of oxalic acid. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 2011, 192:1869-1875

46. Pingfeng Fu, Pengyi Zhang^*. Uniform dispersion of Au nanoparticles on TiO₂ film via electrostatic self-assembly for photocatalytic degradation of bisphenol A. Applied Catalysis B: Environmental 2010, 96(1-2):176-184

47. Yuan Wang, Pengyi Zhang^*, Gang Pan, Hao Chen. Ferric ion mediated photochemical decomposition of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) by 254nm UV light. Journal of Hazardous Materials. 2008, 160(1):181-186

48. Jing Chen, Pengyi Zhang^*, Jian Liu. Photodegradation of perfluorooctanoic acid by 185 nm vacuum ultraviolet light. Journal of Environmental Sciences-China. 2007, 19(4):387-390

49. Pengyi Zhang, Juan Liu and Zhongliang Zhang. VUV photocatalytic degradation of toluene in the gas phase. Chemistry Letters. 2004, 33(10): 1242-1243

50. Zhang Pengyi, Liang Fuyan, Yu Gang, Chen Qing, Zhu Wanpeng. A comparative study on decomposition of gaseous toluene by O₃/UV, TiO₂/UV and O₃/TiO₂/UV. Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology A: Chemistry, 2003, 156 (1-3): 189-194

51. 张彭义,余刚,蒋展鹏. 挥发性有机物和臭味的生物过滤处理. 环境污染治理技术与设备, 2000, 1(1):1-7

52. 张彭义，余刚，蒋展鹏。半导体光催化剂及其改性技术进展，环境科学进展，1997,5(3):1-10