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Dr Yanyan Zhao

Research Scientist

https://people.csiro.au/Z/Y/Yanyan-Zhao

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Biography

Yanyan is a materials scientist and chemical engineer working as a Research Scientist and project lead in CSIRO on lithium-ion battery material recycling. Her focus is to develop Australian solutions for Lithium-ion battery recycling and materials recovery for onshore processing.

Yanyan obtained her PhD in material science from Queensland University of Technology in 2009 and worked with Rio-Tinto as a research scientist for eight years on hydrometallurgy during which she achieved the Rio Tinto company top award twice and recognised as Company Hero for her outstanding performance.

During a mining downturn, Yanyan left Rio Tinto and worked as a QC Chemist in a pharmaceutical company before joining in CSIRO Energy in 2017 as project officer supporting multiple energy research areas including emission control and measurements, carbon capture (CO2) and utilisation where she demonstrated excellent problem solving, technology innovation, resources management and publication capabilities. Yanyan was then promoted to research scientist and lead a muti-BU project team with a focus on onshore lithium-ion battery recycling technology development.

She is a member of Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI), has 20+ first-author high index journal papers and proven research excellence in analytical chemistry, inorganic chemistry, wet chemistry, hydrometallurgy, materials science, membrane science, nanotechnology and battery recycling second lift reuse.

Other Interests

Lithium-ion Battery Recycling, Battery Electrolyte Salt recycling, Anode recycling & repair, Battery Critical Metal Recycling and Reuse; Sustainable battery recycling technologies; EV battery repurposing and second life reuse; Product Impurity Removal and Management, Synthesis and Characterisation of Inorganic Materials; Chemical Process; Hydrometallurgy; Membrane Separation; Renewable Energy Storage and Emission and Air Pollution.

Current Roles

  • Project lead / Acting team leader
    Lithium ion battery recycling and reuse

  • Research Scientist
    Lithium ion battery recycling

Academic Qualifications

  • 2022

    Leadership training - Leading Edge Program
    Women & Leadership Australia (WLA)

  • 2021

    Project Management Fundamental and Essentials
    CSIRO

  • 2018

    Communication skill training - Advanced Concept for Conceptual Selling
    Miller Heiman Group, A Korn Ferry Company

  • 2016

    Certificate IV in Training and Assessment (TAE40110)
    Pinnacle Safety and Training

  • 2012

    Project management training - Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification
    Rio Tinto

  • 2008

    PhD
    Queensland University of Technology

  • 2005

    Master of Biochemical Engineering
    Beijing University of Chemical Technology

  • 2001

    Bachelor of Chemical Engineering
    Zhengzhou University

Professional Experiences

  • 2017-2019

    Research Projects Officer
    CSIRO

  • 2016-2016

    QC Chemist
    Mylan Australia - Alphapharm

  • 2011-2016

    R&D Scientist
    Rio Tinto

  • 2008-2010

    Research Officer
    Rio Tinto

We have publications by Dr Yanyan Zhao