Researcher

Yi Cui

Profile

Yi Cui is a materials scientist and nanoengineer at Stanford University who is internationally recognized for transformative contributions to energy storage materials, particularly for lithium-ion and lithium-sulfur batteries. His laboratory pioneered the use of silicon nanowires as high-capacity anodes for lithium-ion batteries, demonstrating that the nanoscale architecture can accommodate the large volume expansion of silicon during lithiation—a key obstacle to using silicon anodes—and dramatically increase battery energy density. He also developed advanced cathode materials, solid electrolytes, and protective coatings for lithium metal batteries, addressing key challenges for next-generation electric vehicle batteries. Beyond energy storage, Cui's group has contributed to personal protective equipment (copper nanofiber masks for virus filtration), environmental remediation using nanomaterials, and flexible electronic devices. He has co-founded multiple companies including Amprius Technologies (silicon nanowire battery anodes) and 4C Air (copper nanomesh filters). With over 700 publications and more than 100 patents, his laboratory is one of the most productive in materials science. Science buyers in battery manufacturing, EV technology, clean energy, and advanced materials follow his work closely.

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