Overview

Brief biography

Dr. Shuang Gu joined the Department of Mechanical Engineering at 蹤獲扦 University as an Assistant Professor in fall 2015, after his three-year appointment as a Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering at University of Delaware (UD) (20122015). He is currently an Associate Professor.

Dr. Gu received his Ph.D. training from both Dalian University of Technology (DUT) with advisor Prof. Gaohong He and University of California Riverside (UCR) with advisor Prof. Yushan Yan, and he earned his Ph.D. degree in Chemical Engineering in 2008 from DUT. After his Ph.D. training and before his appointment as a Research Assistant Professor, Dr. Gu worked as a Postdoctoral Researcher first at UCR (20082011) and then at UD (20112012).

Dr. Gu's research has focused on 1) advanced polymer electrolytes for fuel cells, and 2) novel cell designs for flow batteries. Currently, Dr. Gu is holding 15 granted/pending patents, and he has published 60+ journal articles (15 first-authored). As of June 1, 2020, his publications have received over 5,000 citations (h-index = 32).

Information

Areas of Research Interest
  • Advanced ion-conducting polymer electrolytes for electrochemical applications
  • Novel cell designs for high-performance and low-cost redox-flow batteries
  • Nonaqueous anion-exchange membranes and nonaqueous redox-flow batteries
  • Electrochemical activation of natural gas for liquid-fuel production
  • Electrochemical reduction of nitrogen gas for green and sustainable agriculture
  • Anion-specific polymer membranes for water treatment and chemical upcycling
Areas of Teaching Interest
  • Thermodynamics I (ME 398)
  • Thermodynamics II (ME 502)
  • Sustainability and Energy (ME 750F)
  • Renewable Energy (ME 850AD)
  • Polymer Electrolytes
  • Electrochemical Processes
Publications
  1. Desai, N. Seyedhassantehrani, M. Shagar, S. Gu*, and R. Asmatulu*, , J. Energy Storage, 2020, 27, #101053.
  2. Qiu, L. Xin, I.T. McCrum, F. Guo, T. Ma, Y. Ren, Q. Liu, L. Zhou, S. Gu, M.J. Janik, and W.Z. Li, , JACS, 2018, 140, 140, 1658016588.
  3. Z. Zhang, H. Long, R.B Kaspar, J.H. Wang, S. Gu, Z.B. Zhuang, B. Pivovar, and Y.S. Yan, , RSC Adv., 2018, 8, 2664026645.
  4. X. Ma, B.P. Setzler, K. Gong, S. Gu, and Yushan Yan, , J. Electrochem. Soc., 2018, 165, A2209A2216.
  5. Gong, F. Xu, M.G. Lehrich, X.Y. Ma, S. Gu*, and Y.S. Yan*, , J. Electrochem. Soc., 2017, 164, A2590A2593.
  6. Zhao, S. Gu, K. Gong, J. Zheng, J.H. Wang, and Y.S. Yan, , Angew. Chem. Int. Ed., 2017, 56, 1073510739.
  7. Zhao, S. Gu, K. Gong, J. Zheng, J.H. Wang, and Y.S. Yan, , J. Electrochem. Soc., 2017, 164, E138E143.
  8. X. Guo, J.H. Wang, Q.R. Fang, Y. Zhao, S. Gu, J. Zheng, and Y.S. Yan, , CrystEngComm, 2017, 19, 49054910.
  9. Gong, F. Xu, J. Grunewald, X.Y. Ma, Y. Zhao, S. Gu*, and Y.S. Yan*, , ACS Energy Lett., 2016, 1, 8993.
  10. Zhang, R. Kaspar, S. Gu, J.H. Wang, Z.B, Zhuang, and Y.S. Yan, ChemSusChem, 2016, 9, 23712379. (100+ Citations)
  11. Zheng, S.Y. Zhou, S. Gu, B.J. Xu, and Y.S. Yan, , J. Electrochem. Soc., 2016, 163, F499F506.
  12. Y. Xie, W.M. Zhang, S. Gu, Y.S. Yan, and Z.F. Ma, , Chin. J. Polym. Sci., 2016, 24, 3947.
  13. Gong, X,Y. Ma, K.M. Conforti, K.J. Kuttler, J.B. Grunewald, K.L. Teager, M.Z. Baznt, S. Gu*, and Y.S. Yan*, , Energy Environ. Sci., 2015, 8, 29412945. (Highlighted as the Authors Choice Article by ACS Energy Letters: Top 1)
  14. Gong, Q.R. Fang, S. Gu*, S.F.Y. Li, and Y.S. Yan*, , Energy Environ. Sci., 2015, 8, 35153530. (100+ Citations)
  15. Gu, J.H. Wang, R.B., Kaspar, Q.R. Fang, B.Z. Zhang, E.B. Coughlin, and Y.S. Yan, , Sci. Rep., 2015, 5, Article No.: 11668.
  16. H. Wang, S. Gu, R.C. Xiong, B.Z. Zhang, B.J. Xu, and Y.S. Yan, , ChemSusChem, 2015, 8, 42294234.
  17. Huang, S. Gu, Y.S. Yan, and S.F.Y. Li, , Curr. Opin. Chem. Eng., 2015, 8, 105113.
  18. D. Woodroof, J.A. Wittkopf, S. Gu, Y.S. Yan, , Electrochem. Commun., 2015, 61, 5760.
  19. R. Fang, J.H. Wang, S. Gu, R.B. Kaspar, Z.B. Zhuang, J. Zheng, H.X. Guo, S.L. Qiu, and Y.S. Yan, , J. Am. Chem. Soc., 2015, 137, 83528355. (200+ Citations)
  20. M. Yan, X.M. Wu, G.H. He, S. Gu, X. Gong, and J. Benziger, , J. Appl. Ploym. Sci., 2015, 132, Article No.: 41404.
  21. B. Kaspar, M.P. Letterio, J.A. Wittkopf, K. Gong, S. Gu, Y.S. Yan, , J. Electrochem. Soc., 2015, 162, F483F488.
  22. Gu, J.H. Wang, B.Z. Zhang, R.B, Kaspar, and Y.S. Yan, , Book Chapter (Ch. 6) in Materials for Low-Temperature Fuel Cells, 1st Ed., edited by B. Ladewig, S.P. Jiang, Y.S. Yan, and G.Q.M. Lu., Wiley-VCH, 2015, 125144. (Invited Book Chapter)
  23. Gu*, K. Gong, E.Z. Yan, and Y.S. Yan*, , Energy Environ. Sci., 2014, 7, 29862998. (Back-Cover Picture, Highlighted by Chemical Engineering Process)
  24. M. Yan, S. Gu, G.H. He, X.M. Wu, W.J. Zheng, X.H. Ruan, , J. Membr. Sci., 2014, 466, 220228.
  25. M. Yan, S. Gu, G.H. He, X.M. Wu, J. Benziger, , J. Power Sources, 2014, 250, 9097. (100+ Citations)
  26. F. Fang, S. Gu, J. Zheng, S.L. Qiu, Y.S. Yan, , Angew. Chem. Int. Ed., 2014, 126, 29222926. (200+ Citations)
  27. Xiong, S. Gu, K.O. Jensen, Y.S. Yan, , ChemSusChem, 2014, 7, 114116.
  28. R. Fang, Z.B. Zhuang, S. Gu, R.B. Kaspar, J. Zheng, J.H. Wang, S.L. Qiu, Y.S. Yan, , Nat. Commun., 2014, 5, Article No.: 4503. (200+ Citations)
  29. R. Gao, W.C. Sheng, Z.B. Zhuang, Q.F. Fang, S. Gu, J. Jiang, Y.S. Yan, , J. Am. Chem. Soc., 2014, 136, 70777084. (500+ Citations)
  30. W. Hu, G.H. He, S. Gu, Y.F. Liu, X.M. Wu, , J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2014, 131, Article No.: 39852.
  31. Gu, B.J. Xu, Y.S. Yan, , Annu. Rev. Chem. Biomol. Eng., 2014, 5, 429454. (Invited Book Chapter)
  32. Gu, W.C. Sheng, R. Cai, S.M. Alia, S.Q. Song, K.O. Jensen, Y.S. Yan, , Chem. Commun. 2013, 49, 131133. (Inside-Cover Picture, Highlighted by UDaily)
  33. H. Wang, S. Gu, R.B. Kaspar, B.Z. Zhang, Y.S. Yan, , ChemSusChem, 2013, 6, 20792082. (50+ Citations)
  34. Gu, J. Skovgard, Y.S. Yan, , ChemSusChem, 2012, 5, 843848. (Cover Picture, Invited Research Paper, Highlighted by UDaily)
  35. Z. Zhang, S. Gu, J.H. Wang, Y. Liu, A.M. Herrings, Y.S. Yan, , RSC Adv., 2012, 2, 1268312685. (100+ Citations)
  36. M. Yan, G.H. He, S. Gu, X.M. Wu, L.G. Du, Y.D. Wang, Int. J. Hydrogen Energy, 2012, 37, 52165224. (100+ Citations)
  37. Gu, R. Cai, Y.S. Yan, , Chem. Commun., 2011, 47, 28562858. (200+ Citations)
  38. M. Yan, G.H. He, S. Gu, X.M. Wu, L.G. Du, H.Y. Zhang, , J. Membr. Sci., 2011, 375, 204211. (100+ Citations)
  39. Sarode, M.A. Vandiver, A.M. Maes, B. Caire, J.L. Horan, Y.T. Yang, G.E. Lindberg, J.F. Dama, C. Knight, R. Jorn, M.E. Lenz, R.Z. Kaspar, S. Gu, B.Z. Zhang, S. Seifert, T.H. Tsai, W.X. Zhang, E.B. Coughlin, D.M. Knauss, Y.S. Yan, G.A. Voth, T.A. Witten, M. Liberatore, A.M. Herrings, , ECS Trans., 2011, 41, 17611774.
  40. Gu, R. Cai, T. Luo, K.O. Jensen, C. Contreras, Y.S. Yan, , ChemSusChem, 2010, 3, 555558. (Cover Picture, 100+ Citations)
  41. Gu, G.H. He, X.M. Wu, Z.W. Hu, L.L. Wang, G.K. Xiao, L. Peng, , J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2010, 116, 852860.
  42. Cai, Y. Liu, S. Gu, Y.S. Yan, , J. Am. Chem. Soc., 2010, 132, 1277612777. (50+ Citations)
  43. M. Alia, G. Zhang, D. Kisailus, D.S. Li, S. Gu, K.O. Jensen, Y.S. Yan, , Adv. Funct. Mater. 2010, 20, 37423746. (Cover Picture, Invited Research Paper) (200+ Citations)
  44. M. Wu, G.H. He, S. Gu, Z.W. Hu, X.M. Yan, , Chem. Eng. J., 2010, 156, 578581.
  45. Gu, R. Cai, T. Luo, M.W. Sun, Y. Liu, G.H. He, Y.S. Yan, , Angew. Chem. Int. Ed., 2009, 48, 64996502. (Cover Picture, 500+ Citations)
  46. Rong, S. Gu, G.H. He, X.M. Wu, Z.W. Hu, X.M. Yan, Studies on preparation and properties of sulfonated polyether ether ketone/poly4-vinylepyridine acid-base composite proton exchange membranes, Polym. Mater. Sci. Eng. (Chinese journal), 2009, 25, 126129.
  47. Gu, G.H. He, X.M. Wu, Y.J. Guo, H.J. Liu, L. Peng, G.K. Xiao, , J. Membr. Sci., 2008, 312, 4858. (50+ Citations)
  48. M. Wu, G.H. He, S. Gu, Z.W. Hu, P.J. Yao, , J. Membr. Sci., 2007, 295, 8087.
  49. M. Wu, G.H. He, S. Gu, W. Chen, P.J. Yao, , J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2007, 104, 10021009.
  50. Lin, G.H. He, X.C. Li, L. Peng, C.X. Dong, S. Gu, G.K. Xiao, , Sep. Pur. Tech., 2007, 56, 175183.
  51. Gu, G.H. He, X.M. Wu, C.N. Li, H.J. Liu, C. Lin, X.C. Li, , J. Membr. Sci., 2006, 281, 121129. (50+ Citations)
  52. Gu, G.H. He, X.M. Wu, H.J. Liu, Y.J. Guo, L.N. Li, Separation-purification and mathematical model of sulfonated poly(phthalazinone ether sulfone ketone) (SPPESK), Proceedings of the 2nd European Conference on Filtration and Separation, 2006, 349361.
  53. Gu, G.H. He, X.M. Wu, L. Chang, Research and development of new-style proton exchange membrane in fuel cell, Membr. Sci. Tech. (Chinese journal), 2005, 25, 9296. (Invited Review Paper)
  54. M. Wu, G.H. He, S. Gu, Z.W. Hu, P.J. Yao, Microstructure of the cross-linked sulfonated poly (phthalazinone ether sulfone ketone) (SPPESK) charged membranes via sulfonamide linkages, J. Funct. Mater. (Chinese journal), 2006, 37, 13411344.
  55. M. Wu, G.H. He, L. Gao, S. Gu, Z.W. Hu, P.J. Yao, Synthesis and water uptake of sulfonated poly(phthalzinone ether sulfone ketone)/polyacrylic acid proton exchange membranes, Chin. Chem. Lett., 2006, 17, 965968.
  56. J. Liu, G.H. He, L.N. Li, S. Gu, C. Liu, G.K. Xiao, , J. Disper. Sci. Tech., 2006, 27, 773779.
  57. M. Wu, G.H. He, S. Gu, P.J. Yao, Application of chemical cross-linking on the preparation of proton exchange membranes, Polym. Mater. Sci. Eng. (Chinese journal), 2006, 22, 2831.
  58. M. Wu, G.H. He, S. Gu, P.J. Yao, Sulfonation: A promising method for preparation of polymer charged membranes, Polym. Mater. Sci. Eng. (Chinese journal), 2005, 21, 713.
  59. C. Li, G.H. He, S. Gu, X.J. Zhang, Extraction of BSA by reversed micelles, Proceedings on the Biomedical Engineering of Dalian University of Technology, 2003, 1, 341346.
  60. M. Wu, G.H. He, S. Gu, P.J. Yao, Polymer electrolyte membranes and their modification for FC, Chem. Ind. Eng. Prog. (Chinese journal), 2003, 22-Z1, 292296.
  61. C. Li, G.H. He, W.Z. Quan, S. Gu, Extraction of BSA by Cationic Reversed Micelles, Chem. Ind. Eng. Prog. (Chinese journal), 2003, 22-Z1, 206210.
  62. Gu, G.H. He, X.M. Wu, X.C. Li, SPPESKs new separation approachprecipitation separation, Chem. Ind. Eng. Prog. (Chinese journal), 2003, 22-Z1, 270273.
Professional Experience

Assistant Professor, 蹤獲扦 University                                            08/2015P娶梗莽梗紳喧
      Department of Mechanical Engineering

 Research Assistant Professor, University of Delaware                           10/201207/2015
      Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering

Postdoctoral Researcher, University of Delaware                                     09/201109/2012                     Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Advisor: Prof. Yushan Yan

 Postdoctoral Researcher, University of California Riverside               08/200808/2011
    Department of Chemical & Environmental Engineering, Advisor: Prof. Yushan Yan

Junior Researcher, University of California Riverside                         08/200707/2008
     Department of Chemical & Environmental Engineering, Advisor: Prof. Yushan Yan

Assistant Engineer, China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation             07/200007/2001
     SINOPEC Shanghai Gaoqiao Petrochemical Company

Awards and Honors
  • 2020 Award of Research/Creative Projects (ARCP) from 蹤獲扦
  • 2019 Excellence in Research Award from 蹤獲扦
  • 2019 John A. See Innovation Award from 蹤獲扦
  • 2017 ARPA-E REFUEL Award from DOE (2017 REFUEL)
  • 2016 John A. See Innovation Award from 蹤獲扦
  • 2016 ARPA-E IONICS Award from DOE (2017 IONICS)
  • 2016 Undergraduate Research Award from 蹤獲扦
  • 2015 EERE Award from DOE (2014 Fuel Cell Incubator)
  • 2014 UDEI Award (#1) from UD
  • 2014 UDEI Award (#2) from UD
  • 2012 ARPA-E OPEN Award from DOE (2012 OPEN CALL)
  • 2011 High Quality Paper Award from DUT (J Membr. Sci., 2006, 281, 121129.)
  • 2001 Best Employee Award from SINOPEC Shanghai, 2001
Patents and other Intellectual Property
  1. Gu and Farshad Houtaham, Converting natural gas to value-added liquid fuels, US Patent, No. 10,519,084, granted on 12/31/2019.
  2. S. Yan, B.Z. Zhang, S. Gu, Phosphonium cations and polymers incorporating them, US Patent, No. 10,056,638, granted on 08/21/2018.
  3. S. Yan, S. Gu, K. Gong, Double-membrane triple-electrolyte design for high-voltage and low-crossover redox flow batteries, US Patent, No. 9,917,323, granted on 03/13/2018; [PCT Patent Application, No. PCT/US2013/045595, filed on 6/13/2013.] (Licensed to DEGi-Storage LLC)
  4. S. Yan, S. Gu, K. Gong, Multiple-membrane multiple-electrolytes redox flow battery design, US Patent, No. 9,640,826, granted on 05/02/2017; [PCT Patent Application, No. PCT/US2013/045595, file on 6/13/2013.] (Licensed to DEGi-Storage LLC)
  5. S. Yan, S. Gu, and R. Cai, Highly basic ionomers and membranes and anion/hydroxide exchange fuel cells comprising ionomers and membranes, US Patent, No. 9,263,757, granted on 02/16/2016.
  6. S. Yan, S. Gu, and R. Cai, Highly basic ionomers and membranes and anion/hydroxide exchange fuel cells comprising ionomers and membranes, US Patent, No. 8,641,949, granted on 02/04/2014. (Licensed to OH-Energy Inc.)
  7. S. Yan, S. Gu, and F. Wang, Highly basic ionomers and membranes and anion/hydroxide exchange fuel cells comprising ionomers and membranes, US Patent, No. 8,535,586, granted on 09/17/2013.
  8. M. Wu, G.H. He, L. Gao, S. Gu, Z.W. Hu, X.G. Jian, P.J. Yao, Sulfonated poly (phthalazinone ether sulfone ketone)/polypolyacrylic acid proton exchange membranes and its preparation, China Patent, No. CN1786059A, granted on 08/13/2008.
  9. H. He, Z.Q. Ma, X.G. Jian, G.H. Chen, X.M. Wu, B.L. Yu, S. Gu, Sulfonated poly (phthalazinone ether sulfone ketone) proton exchange membrane and its preparation, China Patent, No. CN1564341A, granted on 08/02/2006.
Grants

2020 ARCP Grant from 蹤獲扦, Innovative Upgrading of Natural Gas to Value-Added Liquids with Ultrahigh Activity, PI, total grant of $3,784, 05/01/202008/31/2020.

2019 John A. See Innovation Grant from 蹤獲扦, Redox-Mediated Ammonia Synthesis with Ultrahigh Efficiency and Low Cost for Sustainable Fuels, PI, total grant of $13,280, 04/01/201903/31/2020.

2017 ARPA-E REFUEL Grant from DOE (2017 REFUEL), Alkaline membrane-based ammonia electrosynthesis with high efficiency for renewable and scalable liquid-fuel production, PI, total grant of $855,000, 06/19/201712/18/2019.

2016 John A. See Innovation Grant from 蹤獲扦, Turning Air to Ammonium under Ambient Conditions for Green and Sustainable Agriculture, PI, total grant of $15,000, 04/01/201603/31/2017.

2016 ARPA-E IONICS Grant from DOE (2017 IONICS), Highly conductive, stable and robust hydroxide exchange membranes based on poly(aryl piperidinium), Co-PI (PI: Prof. Y.S. Yan), total grant of $1,868,796, 01/01/201703/31/2019.

2016 Undergraduate Research Grant from 蹤獲扦, Quantum chemistry-based calculations for understanding organic materials, total grant of $1,000, 01/01/201612/31/2016

2015 EERE Grant from DOE (2014 Fuel Cell Incubator), Highly Stable Anion-Exchange Membranes for High-Voltage Redox-Flow Batteries, Co-PI (PI: Prof. Y.S. Yan), total grant of $600,000, 07/01/201508/31/2017.

2014 UDEI Grant from University of Delaware (Innovative Energy Research Grants Program), Electrochemical activation of CH4 for liquid fuels, Co-PI (PI: Prof. Y.S. Yan), total grant of $25,000, 09/01/201408/31/2015.

2014 UDEI Grant from University of Delaware (Innovative Energy Research Grants Program), Modeling of redox reactions in flow batteries, Co-PI (PI: Prof. Don Vlachos), total grant of $25,000, 09/01/201408/31/2015.

2012 ARPA-E OPEN Grant from DOE (2012 OPEN CALL), High-voltage and low-crossover redox flow batteries for economical and efficient electricity storage, sole Co-PI (PI: Prof. Y.S. Yan), total grant of $793,071, 1/9/201312/31/2015, 2012 (1 of 66 Awards among 4,000+ of Concept Papers)