Current Group Member: Jianbo Yang

Graduate Student since Fall 2023

Education: Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong

Thesis Topic: Upcycling of Plastics through Greener Catalytic Approaches

Research Description: Plastics are at the heart of Jianbo’s research, bringing not only convenience but also environmental concerns to our daily life. Current approaches to recycle plastics face significant barriers and are not economically feasible. Through acid chemistry and alkylation processes, highly productive and less energy-intensive processes can be developed. Jianbo’s research utilizes innovative catalytic approaches to recycle plastics into valuable products. He is currently exploring the degradation of polyethylene using superacids.

Contact: jyangbu@udel.edu

Other fun facts or hobbies: Jianbo’s interests outside of research include cooking, astrophotography, playing badminton, and table tennis.