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About

Yi Li is an innovative materials scientist and engineer whose research bridges soft matter physics, smart materials, and energy harvesting technologies. His work spans three interconnected domains: triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs), soft iontronic systems, and stimuli-responsive liquid crystal elastomers. Among his most impactful contributions is his development of a framework for visualizing and standardizing the quantification of surface charge density in triboelectric materials—a longstanding challenge in the field—which has already garnered 78 citations since its 2024 publication. Equally significant is his work on supramolecular gel-elastomer systems for soft iontronic adhesives, accumulating 76 citations since 2023, which advances the design of electroadhesive modules for soft robotics by addressing critical materials and fabrication limitations. His research on morphing liquid crystal elastomers through mechanical training and photopolymerization further demonstrates his versatility in engineering programmable, stiffness-heterogeneous materials with complex shape-changing capabilities. Collectively, Li's publications reflect a sophisticated understanding of the interplay between material structure, surface phenomena, and functional performance—making him an emerging voice in next-generation soft robotic and energy-harvesting material systems.