BPI Seminar by Dr. Zhen Fang
February 19, 2026, 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm
Efficient Valorization of Lignocellulosic Biomass: From Precise Molecular Cleavage to Advanced Biomass Materials
LOCATION: PPC #210, Pulp & Paper Centre at 2385 East Mall, Vancouver BC
Agenda
- 12:00 PM Introduction - Dr. Mark Martinez
- 12:05 PM Featured Presentation - Dr. Zhen Fang, Head of the Biomass-based Composite Materials Group, Yantai Advanced Materials and Green Manufacturing Shandong Provincial Laboratory, China
- 12:45 PM Q&A
- 1:00 PM Closing
*Sandwiches and coffee will be available from 11:45 AM. Please arrive early to enjoy refreshments and mingle with colleagues.
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Abstract
The complex and dense reticulated spatial chemical structure, irregular molecular aggregation, and uncertain molecular conformations of lignin constitute major challenges in its chemical processing. We developed an innovative strategy for the small-molecule thio-mediated electrocatalytic reductive depolymerization of lignin, achieving highly selective cleavage of the b-O-4 aryl ether linkages under green and ambient conditions. This methodology realizes zero-emission chemical waste and circumvents long-standing challenges in lignin valorization, such as high residual insoluble content, harsh reaction parameters, and the reliance on precious-metal catalysts or hazardous reagents, providing a transformative paradigm for the molecular-level precision cracking of lignin. The systematic investigation into the hierarchical structural regulation and synergistic performance enhancement of natural polymers, such as lignocellulose and plant proteins, expanded the molecular-scale modification frameworks for lignocellulosic biomass. Furthermore, performance-oriented rigid/flexible organic-inorganic hybrid networks were engineered to achieve the biomimetic construction and tunable properties of high-performance biomass-based wearable sensors. Related research addressed critical bottlenecks in biomass composites, including poor mechanical strength and toughness, limited functionality, and restricted application scope.
About the Speaker
Dr. Zhen Fang received his master’s degree in Organic Chemistry from Nankai University in 2013 and PhD degree from University of Kentucky in 2019. After a three-year postdoctoral fellowship at Michigan State University within the Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center (GLBRC), funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, he joined the Yantai Advanced Materials and Green Manufacturing Shandong Provincial Laboratory as a full-time Principal Investigator and Head of the “Biomass-based Composite Materials” research group in April 2022. His research focuses on the high-value utilization of biomass resources, specifically in the fields of lignocellulosic and plant protein-based composites, eco-friendly adhesives, and the molecular-level depolymerization of lignin. Dr. Fang has led several projects, including the Shandong Provincial Outstanding Youth Fund (Overseas) and the Shandong Provincial Key R&D Program (Innovative Platforms), alongside various industrial collaborations, and was designated a “Double Hundred Plan” Youth Expert of Yantai City. Over the past five years, Dr. Fang has authored over 50 peer-reviewed publications (i.e. Nano letters, Advance Science, Green Chemistry, etc) and holds several patents. He also served on the Early Career Editorial Boards for Engineering Plastics Application and Fine Chemicals and contributed to the scientific community as an organizing committee member for international conferences, including MEACM and ICAMEM (2023/2024).