My Fulbright research project turns ocean waste into clean water. By developing sunlight-powered hydrogels made from ocean biomass, I aim to create affordable, sustainable desalination systems that bring freshwater to underserved communities and strengthen U.S.–Australia collaboration in renewable energy and environmental innovation.
Professor Yi Zheng is an Associate Professor of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering at Northeastern University (USA), specializing in sustainable energy and water treatment. His research integrates functional materials, renewable energy harvesting, and green manufacturing to tackle global water and energy challenges.
As a Fulbright Scholar, Prof. Zheng will collaborate with the University of Technology Sydney to advance “Waste to Clean Water: Biomass-derived Hydrogel Evaporator for Interfacial Solar Desalination.” His project aims to convert ocean biomass waste into cost-effective solar evaporators for freshwater production, promoting sustainability and equitable access to clean water in off-grid and drought-affected regions.