Prof. Yongxi Li | Nanjing University | China
Dr. Yongxi Li is an Associate Professor at the School of Frontier Sciences, Nanjing University, specializing in flexible electronics, organic photovoltaics, and lithography technologies. He earned his Ph.D. in Materials Science from East China University of Science & Technology with joint training at the University of Washington. Dr. Li has held research positions at Soochow University, Linköping University, and the University of Michigan, where he advanced solar energy and radiation-hardened devices. With over 60 publications, 6,500+ citations, and multiple prestigious awards, he continues to pioneer innovations in sustainable energy materials and next-generation photovoltaic technologies
Profiles
Early Academic Pursuits
Dr. Yongxi Li laid a strong academic foundation in materials science and chemistry. He earned his B.E. in Chemistry from the East China University of Science and Technology, where his early exposure to material synthesis sparked his interest in energy research. He pursued a Ph.D. in Materials Science at the same institution, with a joint Ph.D. training program at the University of Washington, Seattle. This international academic training broadened his scientific perspective, equipping him with advanced knowledge in nanomaterials, organic electronics, and solar energy conversion systems.
Professional Endeavors
Dr. Li has held prestigious academic and research positions across leading global institutions. After his postdoctoral fellowship at Soochow University and VINNMER Fellowship at Linköping University, he became a Research Fellow at the University of Michigan, where he advanced organic solar cell research under Prof. Stephen R. Forrest. He later rose to Assistant and Associate Research Scientist at the University of Michigan, focusing on solar cell lifetimes and radiation hardness. In 2025, he joined the School of Frontier Sciences at Nanjing University as an Associate Professor, leading research in flexible electronics and lithography technologies.
Contributions and Research Focus
Dr. Li’s research is centered on organic and perovskite photovoltaics, flexible electronics, and energy-harvesting devices. He has contributed significantly to understanding the failure mechanisms of organic solar cells, improving their operational lifetimes, and enhancing their radiation tolerance for aerospace applications. His work on semi-transparent solar cells has paved the way for building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV), promoting sustainable energy in architecture. He has also advanced fabrication methods, including vapor deposition and tandem module strategies, to achieve high-efficiency, durable solar technologies.
Impact and Influence
With over 60 peer-reviewed publications, more than 6,500 citations, and an H-index of 35, Dr. Li has established himself as a leading figure in renewable energy materials research. His papers have been published in top journals such as Nature Photonics, Nature Reviews Materials, Joule, and PNAS, with several recognized among the top 1% most cited in Materials Science and Engineering. Beyond publications, his patents on organic photovoltaic devices highlight his translational impact in commercializing solar technologies. His contributions are shaping the future of sustainable energy infrastructure and aerospace applications.
Research Skills
Dr. Li possesses advanced expertise in organic electronics, perovskite photovoltaics, thin-film fabrication, and lithography technologies. He is skilled in in-situ coating, vapor deposition, optical outcoupling, and tandem solar cell design, combining experimental techniques with device modeling to optimize efficiency and stability. His collaborative skills are evident in interdisciplinary projects spanning physics, chemistry, electrical engineering, and aerospace sciences. Additionally, he has mentored graduate and undergraduate students, fostering the next generation of solar energy researchers.
Awards and Honors
Dr. Li’s outstanding contributions have earned him several prestigious recognitions. He was a Nominee for the National Academy of Engineering – US Frontiers of Engineering and the Kenneth M. Reese Outstanding Research Scientist Award at the University of Michigan. He received the CNSF Young Investigator Program Award and was honored with the First Class Honorary Doctorate of Science from East China University of Science & Technology. His work in the Journal of Materials Chemistry A was recognized as a Top Ten Cited Research Article, further underscoring his academic influence.
Legacy and Future Contributions
Dr. Yongxi Li’s legacy lies in bridging fundamental materials science with real-world energy applications. His pioneering research on durable, efficient, and radiation-hardened photovoltaics positions him at the forefront of next-generation solar technology. Moving forward, he is expected to drive advancements in flexible energy devices, perovskite tandem modules, and BIPV solutions, contributing to global clean energy transitions. As a mentor, innovator, and scholar, his future work promises to expand the boundaries of sustainable electronics and renewable energy engineering.
Publications Top Notes
Title: High fabrication yield organic tandem photovoltaics combining vacuum-and solution-processed subcells with 15% efficiency
Authors: X. Che, Y. Li, Y. Qu, S.R. Forrest
Journal: Nature Energy 3 (5), 422–427
Citations: 547 (2018)
Title: Conjugated‐polymer‐functionalized graphene oxide: synthesis and nonvolatile rewritable memory effect
Authors: X.D. Zhuang, Y. Chen, G. Liu, P.P. Li, C.X. Zhu, E.T. Kang, K.G. Noeh, B. Zhang, …
Journal: Advanced Materials 22 (15), 1731–1735
Citations: 469 (2010)
Title: High efficiency near-infrared and semitransparent non-fullerene acceptor organic photovoltaic cells
Authors: Y. Li, J.D. Lin, X. Che, Y. Qu, F. Liu, L.S. Liao, S.R. Forrest
Journal: Journal of the American Chemical Society 139 (47), 17114–17119
Citations: 456 (2017)
Title: Improved charge transport and absorption coefficient in indacenodithieno[3,2‐b]thiophene‐based ladder‐type polymer leading to highly efficient polymer solar cells
Authors: Y.X. Xu, C.C. Chueh, H.L. Yip, F.Z. Ding, Y.X. Li, C.Z. Li, X. Li, W.C. Chen, A.K.Y. Jen
Journal: Advanced Materials 24 (47), 6356–6361
Citations: 399 (2012)
Title: A near-infrared non-fullerene electron acceptor for high performance polymer solar cells
Authors: Y. Li, L. Zhong, B. Gautam, H.J. Bin, J.D. Lin, F.P. Wu, Z. Zhang, Z.Q. Jiang, …
Journal: Energy & Environmental Science 10 (7), 1610–1620
Citations: 308 (2017)
Title: Graphene oxide covalently functionalized with zinc phthalocyanine for broadband optical limiting
Authors: J. Zhu, Y. Li, Y. Chen, J. Wang, B. Zhang, J. Zhang, W.J. Blau
Journal: Carbon 49 (6), 1900–1905
Citations: 303 (2011)
Title: Non-fullerene acceptor organic photovoltaics with intrinsic operational lifetimes over 30 years
Authors: Y. Li, X. Huang, K. Ding, H.K.M. Sheriff Jr, L. Ye, H. Liu, C.Z. Li, H. Ade, …
Journal: Nature Communications 12 (1), 5419
Citations: 271 (2021)
Title: Dopant‐free spiro‐triphenylamine/fluorene as hole‐transporting material for perovskite solar cells with enhanced efficiency and stability
Authors: Y.K. Wang, Z.C. Yuan, G.Z. Shi, Y.X. Li, Q. Li, F. Hui, B.Q. Sun, Z.Q. Jiang, L.S. Liao
Journal: Advanced Functional Materials 26 (9), 1375–1381
Citations: 269 (2016)
Title: Non-fullerene acceptor with low energy loss and high external quantum efficiency: towards high performance polymer solar cells
Authors: Y. Li, X. Liu, F.P. Wu, Y. Zhou, Z.Q. Jiang, B. Song, Y. Xia, Z.G. Zhang, F. Gao, …
Journal: Journal of Materials Chemistry A 4 (16), 5890–5897
Citations: 247 (2016)
Title: Semitransparent organic photovoltaics for building-integrated photovoltaic applications
Authors: Y. Li, X. Huang, H.K.M. Sheriff Jr, S.R. Forrest
Journal: Nature Reviews Materials 8 (3), 186–201
Citations: 228 (2023)
Title: Non-fullerene polymer solar cells based on a selenophene-containing fused-ring acceptor with photovoltaic performance of 8.6%
Authors: Y. Li, L. Zhong, F.P. Wu, Y. Yuan, H.J. Bin, Z.Q. Jiang, Z. Zhang, Z.G. Zhang, Y. Li, …
Journal: Energy & Environmental Science 9 (11), 3429–3435
Citations: 186 (2016)
Title: Molecular weight effect on the absorption, charge carrier mobility, and photovoltaic performance of an indacenodiselenophene-based ladder-type polymer
Authors: J.J. Intemann, K. Yao, H.L. Yip, Y.X. Xu, Y.X. Li, P.W. Liang, F.Z. Ding, X. Li, …
Journal: Chemistry of Materials 25 (15), 3188–3195
Citations: 185 (2013)
Title: Highly Efficient Inverted Organic Solar Cells Through Material and Interfacial Engineering of Indacenodithieno[3,2‐b]thiophene‐Based Polymers and Devices
Authors: J.J. Intemann, K. Yao, Y.X. Li, H.L. Yip, Y.X. Xu, P.W. Liang, C.C. Chueh, F.Z. Ding, …
Journal: Advanced Functional Materials 24 (10), 1465–1473
Citations: 175 (2014)
Conclusion
Dr. Yongxi Li is a leading researcher whose work bridges materials science, renewable energy, and advanced device engineering. With a strong record of innovation, mentorship, and international collaboration, he has significantly advanced organic and perovskite solar cell technologies, flexible electronics, and sustainable energy solutions. His extensive publication record, high citation impact, and prestigious awards underscore his scientific influence. As an educator and innovator, he continues to inspire the next generation of researchers while pushing the boundaries of photovoltaic applications for global sustainability. Dr. Li’s expertise and vision position him as a transformative figure in energy and materials research.