Person

Mi Li

Assistant Professor | School of Natural Resources

Specialization: Wood Chemistry, Biopolymer Chemistry, Biorefinery

Overview

Dr. Li has a mix of educational background in chemical engineering and wood chemistry. He has been dedicated to the conversion of lignocellulosic materials into bioenergy, biofuels, and byproducts for more than 10 years. He is currently interested in developing high-value products and high-performance materials from renewable forestry and agricultural resources. His research highlights convergent programs using interdisciplinary pieces of knowledge in wood chemistry, chemical synthesis, chemical engineering, polymer science, and nanotechnology for green chemistry, circular carbon economy, and a clean environment.

Research Focus

(1) Novel and green biomass fractionation; (2) Bio-derived biodegradable and circular (co-)polymers; and (3) Bio-derived functional materials.

Research Questions
  • TCPB grant: How to convert corn starch to high-value chemicals and products?
  • How to enhance the efficiency of biomass fractionation using green technology?
  • How to synthesize polymers with competitive performance from bio-derived precursors?
  • How to manipulate the inherent feature of biomass to make smart materials?
  • How to convert waste-to-Energy & value-added products more efficiently and novelly?
Courses
Below are courses taught during the current or past three academic years. Consult Timetable for the most current listing of courses and instructor(s).
FWF 603 - Research Planning
1 - 15 credit hours

Preliminary research and investigation of dissertation research topic.

Repeatability: May be repeated. Maximum 21 hours.
Registration Restriction(s): Minimum student level -graduate.

Other Instructors: Jean-Philippe, Sharon | Wilber, Mark Quentin

Picture of Mi Li
112 CRC Material Science and Technology Unit
2506 Jacob Drive
Knoxville, TN 37996-4570
Education and Training
  • PhD, Forestry, General, Auburn University, 2014
  • Masters, Chemical Engineering, Northeast Forestry Univ, 2009
  • Bachelors, Chemical Engineering, Northeast Forestry Univ, 2004

Mi Li

Assistant Professor | School of Natural Resources
Picture of Mi Li image
112 CRC Material Science and Technology Unit
2506 Jacob Drive
Knoxville, TN 37996-4570
Education and Training
  • PhD, Forestry, General, Auburn University, 2014
  • Masters, Chemical Engineering, Northeast Forestry Univ, 2009
  • Bachelors, Chemical Engineering, Northeast Forestry Univ, 2004
Overview

Dr. Li has a mix of educational background in chemical engineering and wood chemistry. He has been dedicated to the conversion of lignocellulosic materials into bioenergy, biofuels, and byproducts for more than 10 years. He is currently interested in developing high-value products and high-performance materials from renewable forestry and agricultural resources. His research highlights convergent programs using interdisciplinary pieces of knowledge in wood chemistry, chemical synthesis, chemical engineering, polymer science, and nanotechnology for green chemistry, circular carbon economy, and a clean environment.

Research Focus

(1) Novel and green biomass fractionation; (2) Bio-derived biodegradable and circular (co-)polymers; and (3) Bio-derived functional materials.

Research Questions
  • TCPB grant: How to convert corn starch to high-value chemicals and products?
  • How to enhance the efficiency of biomass fractionation using green technology?
  • How to synthesize polymers with competitive performance from bio-derived precursors?
  • How to manipulate the inherent feature of biomass to make smart materials?
  • How to convert waste-to-Energy & value-added products more efficiently and novelly?
Courses
Below are courses taught during the current or past three academic years. Consult Timetable for the most current listing of courses and instructor(s).
FWF 603 - Research Planning
1 - 15 credit hours

Preliminary research and investigation of dissertation research topic.

Repeatability: May be repeated. Maximum 21 hours.
Registration Restriction(s): Minimum student level -graduate.

Other Instructors: Jean-Philippe, Sharon | Wilber, Mark Quentin