Peng Zhao

Biography

Peng Zhao, Ph.D., is an Assistant Specialist in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of California, Irvine. He received his Ph.D. in Materials Physics and Chemistry from the Institute of Metal Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences and the University of Science and Technology of China in 2023, where he worked under the supervision of Prof. Kui Du.

Zhao's research focuses on advanced electron microscopy techniques and materials characterization, with particular emphasis on defects and precipitates in materials. His work has contributed to understanding the interplay of chemistry and deformation-induced defects in nickel-base superalloys, as well as the restoration of spent layered cathodes and interfacial instabilities in polymer electrolytes. He has developed expertise in atomic-resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), electron tomography, and in-situ quantitative TEM techniques.

Zhao has over eight years of experience operating various transmission electron microscopes, including Titan Themis G² 60-300, Titan G² Cubed 60-300, and Grand arm 300 systems. His technical capabilities span a range of TEM techniques including atomic-resolution electron tomography, EDS tomography, EELS, and in-situ deformation and conductive tests. Prior to his current position at UC Irvine, he served as a Research Associate at the Shenyang National Laboratory for Materials Science from June 2023 to December 2023.

Education

• Ph.D. in Materials Physics and Chemistry, Institute of Metal Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences/University of Science and Technology of China, 2023
• Bachelor in Materials Science and Engineering, Shenyang University of Technology, 2017