Dai Lab

Selected Publications

For the full list, see the Google Scholar profile.
We integrate experiments and data analytics for synergized solutions
Sustainable Synthesis and Manufacturing
Sustainable Synthesis and Manufacturing
  1. Li et al., Transforming renewable carbon fiber performance, economics, and sustainability via oriented crystallization design, Matter, 2026.
  2. Dhatt et al., Biomimetic layered, ecological, advanced, multi-functional film for sustainable packaging, Nature Communications, 2025.
  3. Chen et al., Electro-biodiesel empowered by co-design of microorganism and electrocatalysis, Joule, 2025.
  4. Li et al., Integrated design of multifunctional reinforced bioplastics (MReB) to synergistically enhance strength, degradability, and functionality, Green Chemistry, 2025.
  5. Zhou et al., Computational modeling-guided design of deep eutectic solvents for tailoring lignin chemistry during lignocellulose pretreatment, Green Chemistry, 2025.
  6. Zhang et al., Chem-bio interface design for rapid conversion of CO2 to bioplastics in an integrated system, Chem, 2022.
  7. Li et al., Lignin molecular design to transform green manufacturing, Matter, 2022.
  8. Long et al., Machine learning-informed and synthetic biology-enabled semi-continuous algal cultivation to unleash renewable fuel productivity, Nature Communications, 2022.
Remediation and Recovery
Remediation and Recovery
  1. Zhang et al., Photocatalytic degradation of perfluorooctanoic acid under ambient conditions validated by duckweed as a sensitive ecotoxicity assay, Journal of Hazardous Materials: Organics, 2026.
  2. Long et al., Remediation and upcycling of microplastics by algae with wastewater nutrient removal and bioproduction potential, Nature Communications, 2025.
  3. Zhang et al., 3D structure-functional design of a biomass-derived photocatalyst for antimicrobial efficacy and chemical degradation under ambient conditions, Green Chemistry, 2024.
  4. Santiago-Cruz et al., Carbon adsorbent properties impact hydrated electron activity and perfluorocarboxylic acid (PFCA) destruction, ACS ES&T Engineering, 2024.
  5. Wang et al., Microplastics removal in the aquatic environment via fungal pelletization, Bioresource Technology Reports, 2023.
  6. Yu et al., Genomic diversity and phenotypic variation in fungal decomposers involved in bioremediation of persistent organic pollutants, Journal of Fungi, 2023.
  7. Zhang et al., Design of biomass-based renewable materials for environmental remediation, Trends in Biotechnology, 2022.
  8. Li et al., Sustainable environmental remediation via biomimetic multifunctional lignocellulosic nano-framework, Nature Communications, 2022.
Surveillance, Monitoring and Modeling
Surveillance, Monitoring and Modeling
  1. Jiang et al., The effects of federal incentives on the automotive market and greenhouse gas emissions, Sustainable Futures, 2026.
  2. Simmons et al., Iowa population exposures to metals and metalloids in well water, Environmental Toxicology, 2026.
  3. Chen et al., Life cycle assessment and social benefits of producing bioplastic polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) via integrating electrochemical CO2 conversion and microbial fermentation, ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering, 2025.
  4. Mattson et al., Human biomonitoring without in-person interaction: public health engagements during the COVID-19 pandemic and future implications, BMC Medical Research Methodology, 2024.
  5. Yu et al., Artificial intelligence-based HDX (AI-HDX) prediction reveals fundamental characteristics to protein dynamics: mechanisms on SARS-CoV-2 immune escape, iScience, 2023.