Mizhi Xu

Assistant Professor

Photo: Mizhi Xu
Email: 
mizhixu@unm.edu

Research Area/s:

Materials Chemistry,  Organic Chemistry

Research Interests:

  • Functional polymer synthesis
  • Polymer repurposing and upcycling
  • Polymer backbone modification

Education

Postdoctoral Researcher, 2022–2026, University of California, Santa Barbara
Ph.D. in Chemistry, 2021, Georgia Institute of Technology
M.S. in Chemistry, 2017, Case Western Reserve University
B.S. in Chemistry, 2011, Fudan University

Summary of Research

Our laboratory aims to create next-generation functional polymer materials with precisely
controlled structures and advanced properties. We develop new organic transformations to
access innovative polymer backbones that are challenging to synthesize using conventional
approaches. By expanding the chemical space of polymer architectures, our research seeks to
uncover new structure–property relationships and design principles. The resulting materials will
enable applications ranging from plastic waste reuse to energy storage. Through these efforts, we
aim to contribute to a more sustainable and circular materials economy.