Yugang Zhang

Brookhaven National Laboratory

Center for Functional Nanomaterials
Bldg. 735
P.O. Box 5000
Upton, NY 11973-5000

(631) 344-5674
yuzhang@bnl.gov

Expertise | Research | Education | Appointments | Publications | Highlights

Expertise

• Synchrotron-based X-ray scattering (SAXS, WAXS, XPCS) 
• Advanced (coherent) X-ray data analysis methods
• Programmable self-assembly  
• Dynamics of nano/mesoscale complex materials

Research Activities

Yugang’s current research program is focusing on the development of state-of the-art analysis and characterization methods to study soft matter and bionanomaterials using synchrotron-based X-ray scattering techniques. His research interests include self-assembly at nanoscale, dynamics of active colloids in complex fluids, and development of advanced data analysis methods for X-ray scattering. Yugang also supports users’ research activities and develops new capabilities at the beamlines at National Synchrotron Light Source II (NSLS-II), BNL.

Education

• Ph.D., Condensed Matter Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China
  • Dissertation title: Hierarchical controlled synthesis, morphology and property modulation of zinc-based I-VI semiconductor Nanomaterials
• Postdoctoral Research: Center for Functional Nanomaterials, BNL
  • Project: Programmable self-assembly of nanoparticle superlattices

Professional Appointments

• Staff Scientist, Center for Functional Nanomaterials, Brookhaven National Laboratory, 2019 – present
• Staff Scientist, National Synchrotron Light Source II (NSLS-II), Brookhaven National Laboratory, 2015– 2019

Selected Publications

• Headrick RL, Ulbrandt JG, Myint P, Wan J, Li Y, Fluerasu A, Zhang Y, Wiegart L, Ludwig KF (2019) Coherent X-ray measurement of step-flow propagation during growth on polycrystalline thin film surfaces. Nature Communications. doi: 10.1038/s41467-019-10629-8
• Lu F, Vo T, Zhang Y, Frenkel A, Yager KG, Kumar S, Gang O (2019) Unusual packing of soft-shelled nanocubes. Science Advances 5:eaaw2399. doi: 10.1126/sciadv.aaw2399
• Lu F, Xin H, Xia W, Liu M, Zhang Y, Cai W, Gang O (2018) Tailoring Surface Opening of Hollow Nanocubes and Their Application as Nanocargo Carriers. ACS Central Science 4:1742–1750. doi: 10.1021/acscentsci.8b00778
• Lhermitte JR, Stein A, Tian C, Zhang Y, Wiegart L, Fluerasu A, Gang O, Yager KG (2017) Coherent amplification of X-ray scattering from meso-structures. IUCrJ 4:604–613. doi: 10.1107/s2052252517008107
• Tian Y, Zhang Y, Wang T, Xin HL, Li H, Gang O (2016) Lattice engineering through nanoparticle–DNA frameworks. Nature Materials 15:654–661. doi: 10.1038/nmat4571
• Zhang Y, Pal S, Srinivasan B, Vo T, Kumar S, Gang O (2015) Selective transformations between nanoparticle superlattices via the reprogramming of DNA-mediated interactions. Nature Materials 14:840–847. doi: 10.1038/nmat4296
• Lu F, Yager KG, Zhang Y, Xin H, Gang O (2015) Superlattices assembled through shape-induced directional binding. Nature Communications. doi: 10.1038/ncomms7912
• Myint P, Ludwig KF, Wiegart L, Zhang Y, Fluerasu A, Zhang X, Headrick RL (2021) de Gennes Narrowing and Relationship between Structure and Dynamics in Self-Organized Ion-Beam Nanopatterning. Physical Review Letters. doi: 10.1103/physrevlett.126.016101
• Torres Arango M, Zhang Y, Zhao C, Li R, Doerk G, Nykypanchuk D, Chen-Wiegart YK, Fluerasu A, Wiegart L (2020) Ink-substrate interactions during 3D printing revealed by time-resolved coherent X-ray scattering. Materials Today Physics 14:100220. doi: 10.1016/j.mtphys.2020.100220
• Sciortino F, Zhang Y, Gang O, Kumar SK (2020) Combinatorial-Entropy-Driven Aggregation in DNA-Grafted Nanoparticles. ACS Nano 14:5628–5635. doi: 10.1021/acsnano.9b10123

Research Highlights

1) https://www.bnl.gov/cfn/news/news.php?a=111581

Mixing Nanoparticles to Make Multifunctional Materials, Standardized technique opens remarkable opportunities for 'mix and match' materials fabrication

2) https://www.bnl.gov/newsroom/news.php?a=111729

Engineering Phase Changes in Nanoparticle Arrays,  Scientists alter attractive and repulsive forces between DNA-linked particles to make dynamic, phase-shifting forms of nanomaterials

3) https://www.bnl.gov/newsroom/news.php?a=111716

Scientists Use Nanoscale Building Blocks and DNA 'Glue' to Shape 3D Superlattices,  New approach to designing ordered composite materials for possible energy applications

4)  https://www.bnl.gov/cfn/news/news.php?a=111846

DNA Shaping Up to be Ideal Framework for Rationally Designed Nanostructures,  Shaped DNA frames that precisely link nanoparticles into different structures offer a platform for designing functional nanomaterials

5) https://www.bnl.gov/newsroom/news.php?a=215581

Creating 'Movies' of Thin Film Growth at NSLS-II,  Coherent x-rays at NSLS-II enable researchers to produce more accurate observations of thin film growth in real time