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Biography
Yanyan Zhao is a materials scientist and chemical engineer working as a Research Scientist and Project Lead at CSIRO. Her research focuses on lithium-ion battery recycling, electric vehicle (EV) battery reuse, and smart EV charging technologies. She is particularly dedicated to developing Australian solutions for lithium-ion battery recycling and critical material recovery to support onshore processing and a circular battery economy.
Yanyan obtained her PhD in Materials Science from Queensland University of Technology in 2009. She subsequently joined Rio Tinto as a Research Scientist, where she worked for eight years in hydrometallurgy research and development. During her tenure, she received Rio Tinto’s highest company award twice and was recognised as a Company Hero for her outstanding contributions and performance.
Following a downturn in the mining industry, Yanyan broadened her industry experience by working as a Quality Control Chemist in the pharmaceutical sector. She joined CSIRO Energy in 2017 as a Project Officer, supporting a range of energy research programs, including emissions monitoring and control, carbon capture, and CO₂ utilisation. In these roles, she demonstrated strong capabilities in problem-solving, technology innovation, resource management, and scientific publication.
Yanyan was subsequently promoted to Research Scientist and now leads a multi-Research Unit (RU) project team focused on advancing onshore lithium-ion battery recycling technologies. Through her leadership and technical expertise, she is contributing to the development of sustainable battery recycling solutions that support Australia's transition to a low-carbon future.
Other Interests
Lithium-ion Battery material Recycling and Utilisation
Lithium-ion Battery Electrolyte Salt Recycling
Anode Graphite Recycling & Repair
Battery Critical Metal Recycling and Reuse
Sustainable Battery Recycling Technologies
EV Battery Repurposing and Second Life Reuse
Battery Health Monitoring
Smart EV charging Technologies
Renewable Energy Storage
Product Impurity Removal and Management
Hydrometallurgy
Separation Technologies
Achievements and Awards
-
2019-2021
RU cash award for technology breakthrough and a patent
CSIRO -
2011-2012
Company Hero Award for Bauxite sale mission to China
Rio Tinto -
2010-2011
Company Hero Award for alumina product quality mission
Rio Tinto
Professional Areas
Fields of Research
Current Roles
-
Project lead
Lithium-ion Battery Recycling and Utilisation -
Project lead
EV Battery Reuse as Home Energy Hub -
Project Lead
Lithium-ion Battery Separator Recycling and Utilisation As Battery Anode -
Project Lead
EV Charger Integrated Battery Health Monitoring Technology
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
-
2019-Present
Research Scientist
CSIRO -
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
Related links
Publications
ORCID 0000-0002-8393-2115
We have publications by Dr Yanyan Zhao