Dr Yao Lu

Yao Lu
FHEA

Senior Lecturer
Tutor Abroad

School of Physical and Chemical Sciences
Queen Mary University of London
Google Scholar

Research

Surface science, Nanomaterials, Low carbon manufacturing

Interests

My research is to create robust surface morphologies in micro and nano scales, for a variety of applications such as anti-fouling, anti-icing, anti-corrosion etc., to promote energy conservation and address the global Net Zero challenges. We are open to collaborations from both academic and industrial sectors, to study both fundamental science and their real-world applications.

Publications

solid heart iconPublications of specific relevance to the Centre for Chemical Research

2025

bullet iconZhang C, Wang L, Crick CR and Lu Y (2025). Intelligent manipulation of liquids through the bio-inspired structuring of materials. Progress in Materials Science, Elsevier vol. 147 
01-01-2025

2024

bullet iconHe S, Chen J, Lu Y, Huang S and Feng K (2024). Enhanced waterproof performance of superhydrophobic SiO2/PDMS coating. Progress in Organic Coatings, Elsevier vol. 197, 108845-108845.  
09-10-2024
bullet iconSun L, Che L, Li M, Chen K, Leng X, Long Y, Guo X, Palma M and Lu Y (2024). Reinforced Nacre‐Like MXene/Sodium Alginate Composite Films for Bioinspired Actuators Driven by Moisture and Sunlight. Small, Wiley 
06-10-2024
bullet iconLi M, Lu Y, Wang Y, Huang S and Feng K (2024). Synergistically biomimetic platform that enables droplets to be self-propelled. International Journal of Extreme Manufacturing, IOP Publishing vol. 6 (5) 
04-07-2024
bullet iconXin Z, Zhang C, Wei Z, Wang L and Lu Y (2024). Bionic design of multi-scale superhydrophobic textures to smash impacted droplets: An anti-icing strategy. Chemical Engineering Journal, Elsevier vol. 490 
01-06-2024
Relevant PublicationWang Y, Zhang Y, Ren P, Yu S, Cui P, Nielsen CB, Abrahams I, Briscoe J and Lu Y (2024). Versatile and recyclable double-network PVA/cellulose hydrogels for strain sensors and triboelectric nanogenerators under harsh conditions. Nano Energy, Elsevier, 109599-109599.  
01-04-2024
Relevant PublicationXiao Z, Chen C, Liu S, Liu C, Liu W, Cheng Z, Yu X, Lu Y and Zhang Y (2024). Endowing durable icephobicity by combination of a rough powder coating and a superamphiphobic coating. Chemical Engineering Journal, Elsevier vol. 482 
01-02-2024

2023

Relevant PublicationSun L, Zhao Q, Che L, Li M, Leng X, Long Y and Lu Y (2023). Multi‐Stimuli‐Responsive Weldable Bilayer Actuator with Programmable Patterns and 3D Shapes. Advanced Functional Materials, Wiley vol. 34 (8) 
12-11-2023
Relevant PublicationJia S, Deng S, Lu Y, Wu Y and Qing Y (2023). A new insight into the design of robust superhydrophobic and fire retardant wood: Breaking the conflicting requirement on adhesives. Chemical Engineering Journal, Elsevier vol. 475 
01-11-2023
Relevant PublicationJing L, Li M, Lu Y and Huang S (2023). Droplet impacting multi-layer soap bubbles on patterned surfaces. Surfaces and Interfaces, Elsevier vol. 43 
21-10-2023
Relevant PublicationLiu L, Li J, Guo X, Wu H, Wu J, Dong Y, Li Y and Lu Y (2023). Enhanced performance of heterogeneous fenton-like Co-Cu catalysts for metronidazole degradation: Ethylene glycol as a superior fabrication solvent. Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering, Elsevier vol. 11 (5) 
01-10-2023
Relevant PublicationWang F, Wang J, Gao P, Wang Y, Ma W, Zhang Z, Men X and Lu Y (2023). Aqueous Fabrication of Recyclable and Color-Adjustable Superhydrophobic Pigments Based on NiFe-Layered Double Hydroxide Nanostructures for Coating Applications. ACS Applied Nano Materials, American Chemical Society (ACS) vol. 6 (18), 16555-16566.  
09-09-2023
Relevant PublicationZhuang A, Li C, Yu J and Lu Y (2023). The Glaze Icing Performance of a Robust Superhydrophobic Film Composed of Epoxy Resin and Polydimethylsiloxane. Coatings, MDPI vol. 13 (7) 
20-07-2023
Relevant PublicationQiao M, Ji G, Lu Y and Zhang B (2023). Sustainable corrosion-resistant superhydrophobic composite coating with strengthened robustness. Journal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry, Elsevier vol. 121, 215-227.  
01-05-2023
Relevant PublicationYang X, Qi B, Lu Y, Zhang W and Wang X (2023). Inside Front Cover, Volume 2, Number 2, April 2023. Droplet, Wiley vol. 2 (2) 
01-04-2023
Relevant PublicationSun L, Che L, Li M, Neal WG, Leng X, Long Y, Jia Y, Gao Y, Palma M and Lu Y (2023). Zero‐waste emission design of sustainable and programmable actuators. SusMat, Wiley vol. 3 (2), 207-221.  
06-03-2023
Relevant PublicationYang X, Qi B, Lu Y, Zhang W and Wang X (2023). Bionic surface diode for droplet steering. Droplet, Wiley Open Access 
09-02-2023
Relevant PublicationHuang S, Li M, Shu C, Su Q, Lu Y and Feng K (2023). Bamboo-shaped pumpless platform for long-distance and lossless droplet transport. Applied Surface Science, Elsevier vol. 609 
01-01-2023

2022

Relevant PublicationChen F, Wang Y, Tian Y, Zhang D, Song J, Crick CR, Carmalt CJ, Parkin IP and Lu Y (2022). Robust and durable liquid-repellent surfaces. Chemical Society Reviews, Royal Society of Chemistry vol. 51 (20), 8476-8583.  
03-10-2022
Relevant PublicationLeng X, Sun L, Long Y and Lu Y (2022). Front Cover, Volume 1, Number 2, October 2022. Droplet, Wiley vol. 1 (2), i-i.  
01-10-2022
Relevant PublicationLeng X, Sun L, Long Y and Lu Y (2022). Bioinspired superwetting materials for water manipulation. Droplet, Wiley vol. 1 (2), 139-169.  
01-10-2022
Relevant PublicationChen Y, Yan D, Liu R, Lu Y, Zhao D, Deng X and Song J (2022). Green self-propelling swimmer driven by rain droplets. Nano Energy, Elsevier vol. 101, 107543-107543.  
07-07-2022
Relevant PublicationGao P, Wang Y, Wang J, Wang F, Ma W, Zhang Z, Men X and Lu Y (2022). Rational Design of Durable Anti-fouling Coatings with High Transparency, Hardness, and Flexibility. ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces, American Chemical Society vol. 14 (25), 29156-29166.  
29-06-2022
Relevant PublicationYang X, Li Y, Zheng H and Lu Y (2022). Saturated Surface Charging on Micro/Nanoporous Polytetrafluoroethylene for Droplet Manipulation. ACS Applied Nano Materials, American Chemical Society 
24-02-2022

2021

Relevant PublicationZhuang K, Lu Y, Wang X and Yang X (2021). Architecture-Driven Fast Droplet Transport without Mass Loss. Langmuir: the ACS journal of surfaces and colloids, American Chemical Society vol. 37 (43), 12519-12528.  
04-11-2021
Relevant PublicationLu Y (2021). Liquid-like Transparent and Flexible Coatings for Anti-graffiti Applications. Progress in Organic Coatings, Elsevier 
10-09-2021
Relevant PublicationZhang B, Xu W, Xia D-H, Fan X, Duan J and Lu Y (2021). Comparison Study of Self-Cleaning, Anti-Icing, and Durable Corrosion Resistance of Superhydrophobic and Lubricant-Infused Ultraslippery Surfaces. Langmuir, American Chemical Society (ACS) vol. 37 (37), 11061-11071.  
07-09-2021
Relevant PublicationTang Y, Yang X, Li Y, Lu Y and Zhu D (2021). Robust Micro-Nanostructured Superhydrophobic Surfaces for Long-Term Dropwise Condensation. Nano Letters, American Chemical Society 
02-09-2021
Relevant PublicationLu Y (2021). Design Robust, Degradable and Recyclable Superhydrophobic Materials. Chemical Engineering Journal, Elsevier 
18-04-2021
Relevant PublicationLu Y (2021). Photolithography-Assisted Precise Patterning of Nanocracks for Ultrasensitive Strain Sensors. Journal of Materials Chemistry A, Royal Society of Chemistry 
20-01-2021
Relevant PublicationLu Y (2021). A coating-free superhydrophobic sensing material for full-range human motion and microliter droplet impact detection. Chemical Engineering Journal, Elsevier 
07-01-2021
Relevant PublicationMehanna YA, Sadler E, Upton RL, Kempchinsky AG, Lu Y and Crick CR (2021). The challenges, achievements and applications of submersible superhydrophobic materials. Chemical Society Reviews, Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) vol. 50 (11), 6569-6612.  
01-01-2021

2020

Relevant PublicationLu Y (2020). Unprecedented enhancement of wear resistance for epoxy-resin graphene composites. Nanoscale, Royal Society of Chemistry 
21-12-2020
Relevant PublicationLu Y (2020). Creation of Topological Ultra-Slippery Surfaces for Droplet Motion Control. ACS Nano, American Chemical Society 
30-11-2020
Relevant PublicationLu Y (2020). Nanocrack-based strain sensors. Journal of Materials Chemistry C, Royal Society of Chemistry 
19-11-2020
Relevant PublicationLu Y (2020). Energy Conversion Based on Superhydrophobic Surfaces. Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics, Royal Society of Chemistry 
13-10-2020
Relevant PublicationLiu J, Pang B, Xue R, Li R, Song J, Zhao X, Wang D, Hu X, Lu Y and Wang L (2020). Sacrificial layer-assisted nanoscale transfer printing. Microsystems & Nanoengineering, Springer Nature vol. 6 (1) 
21-09-2020
Relevant PublicationLu Y (2020). Durable Fire Retardant, Superhydrophobic, Abrasive Resistant and Air/UV Stable Coatings. Journal of Colloid and Interface Science, Elsevier 
21-07-2020
Relevant PublicationLu Y (2020). A simple, inexpensive and environmental-friendly electrochemical etching method to fabricate superhydrophobic GH4169 surfaces. Surface and Coatings Technology, Elsevier 
10-07-2020
Relevant PublicationLu Y (2020). Nanoscale SiO2-coated superhydrophobic meshes via electro-spray deposition for oil-water separation. Powder Technology, Elsevier 
20-06-2020
Relevant PublicationLu Y (2020). Self-healing on mismatched fractured composite surfaces of SiC with a diameter of 180 nm. Nanoscale, Royal Society of Chemistry 
09-06-2020
Relevant PublicationLu Y (2020). Bamboo-joint-like platforms for fast, long-distance, directional and spontaneous transport of fluids. Biomicrofluidics, AIP Publishing 
19-05-2020
Relevant PublicationZhang Z, Du Y, Huang S, Meng F, Chen L, Xie W, Chang K, Zhang C, Lu Y, Lin C, Li S, Parkin IP and Guo D (2020). Macroscale Superlubricity: Macroscale Superlubricity Enabled by Graphene‐Coated Surfaces (Adv. Sci. 4/2020). Advanced Science, Wiley Open Access vol. 7 (4), 2070023-2070023.  
19-02-2020
Relevant PublicationLu Y (2020). Macroscale superlubricity enabled by graphene coated surfaces. Advanced Science, Wiley Open Access 
19-01-2020

2019

Relevant PublicationSong J, Huang L, Zhao C, Wu S, Liu H, Lu Y, Deng X, Carmalt CJ, Parkin IP and Sun Y (2019). Robust Superhydrophobic Conical Pillars from Syringe Needle Shape to Straight Conical Pillar Shape for Droplet Pancake Bouncing. ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces, American Chemical Society 
06-11-2019
Relevant PublicationHuang J, Shen J, Li S, Cai J, Wang S, Lu Y, He J, Carmalt CJ, Parkin IP and Lai Y (2019). TiO2 nanotube arrays decorated with Au and Bi2S3 nanoparticles for efficient Fe3+ ions detection and dye photocatalytic degradation. Journal of Materials Science and Technology, Elsevier vol. 39, 28-38.  
27-09-2019
Relevant PublicationLu Y (2019). Superhydrophilic-Superhydrophobic Patterned Surfaces on Glass Substrate for Water Harvesting. Journal of Materials Science, Springer Verlag 
23-09-2019
Relevant PublicationJiamprasertboon A, Dixon SC, Sathasivam S, Powell MJ, Lu Y, Siritanon T and Carmalt CJ (2019). Low-Cost One-Step Fabrication of Highly Conductive ZnO:Cl Transparent Thin Films with Tunable Photocatalytic Properties via Aerosol-Assisted Chemical Vapor Deposition. ACS Appl Electron Mater vol. 1 (8), 1408-1417.  
27-08-2019
Relevant PublicationCui J, Zhang Z, Liu D, Zhang D, Hu W, Zou L, Lu Y, Zhang C, Lu H, Tang C, Jiang N, Parkin I and Guo D (2019). Unprecedented piezoresistance coefficient in strained silicon carbide. Nano Lett 
07-08-2019
Relevant PublicationJiamprasertboon A, Kafizas A, Sachs M, Ling M, Alotaibi AM, Lu Y, Siritanon T, Parkin IP and Carmalt CJ (2019). Heterojunction α‐Fe2O3/ZnO Films with Enhanced Photocatalytic Properties Grown by Aerosol‐Assisted Chemical Vapour Deposition. Chemistry - A European Journal, Wiley vol. 25 (48), 11337-11345.  
01-08-2019
Relevant PublicationCui J, Zhang Z, Jiang H, Liu D, Zou L, Guo X, Lu Y, Parkin IP and Guo D (2019). Ultrahigh Recovery of Fracture Strength on Mismatched Fractured Amorphous Surfaces of Silicon Carbide. ACS Nano vol. 13 (7), 7483-7492.  
04-06-2019
Relevant PublicationJia S, Lu Y, Luo S, Qing Y, Wu Y and Parkin IP (2019). Thermally-induced all-damage-healable superhydrophobic surface with photocatalytic performance from hierarchical BiOCl. Chemical Engineering Journal, Elsevier vol. 366, 439-448.  
01-06-2019
Relevant PublicationHu X, Zhang Z, Lu Y, Liu R, Sun L, Parkin IP and Zhang X (2019). One‐step synthesis of Ag@PS nanospheres via flash nanoprecipitation. Applied Organometallic Chemistry, Wiley vol. 33 (3) 
28-01-2019
Relevant PublicationSong J, Li Y, Xu W, Liu H and Lu Y (2019). Inexpensive and non-fluorinated superhydrophobic concrete coating for anti-icing and anti-corrosion. Journal of Colloid and Interface Science, Elsevier vol. 541, 86-92.  
06-01-2019
Relevant PublicationSong J, Liu Z, Wang X, Liu H, Lu Y, Deng X, Carmalt CJ and Parkin IP (2019). High-efficiency bubble transportation in an aqueous environment on a serial wedge-shaped wettability pattern. Journal of Materials Chemistry A, Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) vol. 7 (22), 13567-13576.  
01-01-2019

2018

Relevant PublicationWang X, Lu Y, Carmalt CJ, Parkin IP and Zhang X (2018). Multifunctional Porous and Magnetic Silicone with High Elasticity, Durability, and Oil–Water Separation Properties. Langmuir, American Chemical Society (ACS) vol. 34 (44), 13305-13311.  
16-10-2018
Relevant PublicationSun J, Chen C, Song J, Liu J, Yang X, Liu X and Lu Y (2018). A universal method to create surface patterns with extreme wettability on metal substrates. Journal of Colloid and Interface Science, Elsevier vol. 535, 100-110.  
24-09-2018
Relevant PublicationSun J, Cheng W, Song J-L, Lu Y, Sun Y-K, Huang L, Liu X, Jin Z-J, Carmalt CJ and Parkin IP (2018). Fabrication of Superhydrophobic Micro Post Array on Aluminum Substrates Using Mask Electrochemical Machining. Chinese Journal of Mechanical Engineering, Springer Nature vol. 31 (1) 
20-08-2018
Relevant PublicationSong J, Huang W, Liu J, Huang L and Lu Y (2018). Electrochemical machining of superhydrophobic surfaces on mold steel substrates. Surface and Coatings Technology, Elsevier vol. 344, 499-506.  
01-06-2018
Relevant PublicationJiamprasertboon A, Powell MJ, Dixon SC, Quesada-Cabrera R, Alotaibi AM, Lu Y, Zhuang A, Sathasivam S, Siritanon T, Parkin IP and Carmalt CJ (2018). Photocatalytic and electrically conductive transparent Cl-doped ZnO thin films via aerosol-assisted chemical vapour deposition. Journal of Materials Chemistry A, Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) vol. 6 (26), 12682-12692.  
01-01-2018
Relevant PublicationLi S, Page K, Sathasivam S, Heale F, He G, Lu Y, Lai Y, Chen G, Carmalt CJ and Parkin IP (2018). Efficiently texturing hierarchical superhydrophobic fluoride-free translucent films by AACVD with excellent durability and self-cleaning ability. Journal of Materials Chemistry A, Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) vol. 6 (36), 17633-17641.  
01-01-2018
Relevant PublicationLuo H, Lu Y, Yin S, Huang S, Song J, Chen F, Carmalt CJ and Parkin IP (2018). Robust platform for water harvesting and directional transport. Journal of Materials Chemistry A, Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) vol. 6 (14), 5635-5643.  
01-01-2018

2017

Relevant PublicationZhang X, Ding B, Cheng R, Dixon SC and Lu Y (2017). Computational Intelligence-Assisted Understanding of Nature-Inspired Superhydrophobic Behavior. Advanced Science, Wiley Open Access vol. 5 (1) 
08-12-2017
Relevant PublicationChen F, Lu Y, Liu X, Song J, He G, Tiwari MK, Carmalt CJ and Parkin IP (2017). Table Salt as a Template to Prepare Reusable Porous PVDF–MWCNT Foam for Separation of Immiscible Oils/Organic Solvents and Corrosive Aqueous Solutions. Advanced Functional Materials, Wiley vol. 27 (41) 
07-09-2017
Relevant PublicationSong J, Gao M, Zhao C, Lu Y, Huang L, Liu X, Carmalt CJ, Deng X and Parkin IP (2017). Large-Area Fabrication of Droplet Pancake Bouncing Surface and Control of Bouncing State. ACS Nano, American Chemical Society vol. 11 (9), 9259-9267.  
25-08-2017
Relevant PublicationHe G, Ling M, Han X, El Amaiem DIA, Shao Y, Li Y, Li W, Ji S, Li B, Lu Y, Zou R, Wang FR, Brett DJL, Guo ZX, Blackman C and Parkin IP (2017). Self-standing electrodes with core-shell structures for high-performance supercapacitors. Energy Storage Materials, Elsevier vol. 9, 119-125.  
12-07-2017
Relevant PublicationHe G, Qiao M, Li W, Lu Y, Zhao T, Zou R, Li B, Darr JA, Hu J, Titirici M-M and Parkin IP (2017). S, N-Co-Doped Graphene-Nickel Cobalt Sulfide Aerogel: Improved Energy Storage and Electrocatalytic Performance. Adv Sci (Weinh) vol. 4 (1), 1600214-1600214.  
09-01-2017

2015

Relevant PublicationLu Y, Sathasivam S, Song J, Crick CR, Carmalt CJ and Parkin IP (2015). Robust self-cleaning surfaces that function when exposed to either air or oil. Science, American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) vol. 347 (6226), 1132-1135.  
06-03-2015
Relevant PublicationChen F, Song J, Lu Y, Huang S, Liu X, Sun J, Carmalt CJ, Parkin IP and Xu W (2015). Creating robust superamphiphobic coatings for both hard and soft materials. Journal of Materials Chemistry A, Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) vol. 3 (42), 20999-21008.  
01-01-2015

Grants

solid heart iconGrants of specific relevance to the Centre for Chemical Research
solid heart iconWetcat - MSCA PF 2021 Yao Lu/ Guo
Yao Lu
£190,380 EPSRC - EU Scheme (13-04-2023 - 12-04-2025)