Mechanical Engineer
Mechanical Engineer

Biography

Chao Zeng received PhD training in geosystems engineering at Missouri University of Science and Technology. In 2020, he joined Pacific Northwest National Laboratory’s Computational Mathematics group, where he focuses on modeling and simulation of electrochemical systems, particularly energy storage. His broader interests span geophysics and geoscience, and he is currently applying artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) techniques to challenges across both geoscience and electrochemistry.

Disciplines and Skills

  • Electrochemical engineering
  • Geophysics
  • Multiphase and multiscale modeling
  • AI/ML
  • Diagnostic tool development

Education

  • Doctor of Philosophy, Civil Engineering, Missouri University of Science and Technology
  • Master of Engineering, Petroleum Engineering, China University of Petroleum
  • Bachelor of Engineering, Petroleum Engineering, China University of Petroleum

Awards and Recognitions

  • Outstanding performance award, 2023

Publications

2025

  • Chen Y., C. Zeng, Y. Fu, J. Bao, P. Gao, J.Q. Chen, and Z. Xu, et al. 2025. "A hybrid numerical and machine learning framework for evaluating the performance of a 780 cm2 aqueous organic redox flow battery." Journal of Power Sources 635, no. _:Art. No. 236470. PNNL-SA-203778. doi:10.1016/j.jpowsour.2025.236470
  • Fernandez C.A., Z. Li, C. Zeng, G. Jian, and C. Chen. 2025. "Stimulation in Enhanced Geothermal Systems." In Geothermal Energy Engineering: Technology Transfer from the Oil and Gas Industry, edited by S. Livescu and B. Dindoruk. 221-260. PNNL-SA-199113. doi:10.1016/B978-0-443-21662-6.00006-2
  • Li L., Z. Li, C. Zeng, J. Wu, Y. Teng, M.A. Rhodes, and J. Crum, et al. 2025. "Feasibility of Algal Biochar, a Byproduct of Biofuels Production, as a Supplemental Cementitious Material." ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering 13, no. 25:9394-9408. PNNL-SA-199475. doi:10.1021/acssuschemeng.4c09568
  • Singh R.K., Y. Fu, C. Zeng, J. Bao, and Z. Xu. 2025. "Countercurrent flow characteristics of next generation solvent in novel 3D printed columns for carbon capture." Chemical Engineering Journal 505C. PNNL-SA-201715. doi:10.1016/j.cej.2025.159454

2024

  • Chen Y., C. Zeng, Y. Fu, J. Bao, P. Gao, J.Q. Chen, and Z. Xu, et al. 2024. Evaluating large scale aqueous organic redox flow battery performance with a hybrid numerical and machine learning framework. PNNL-36650. Richland, WA: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. Evaluating large scale aqueous organic redox flow battery performance with a hybrid numerical and machine learning framework
  • Feng R., A.V. Liyu, S. Kim, C. Zeng, C.C. Bracken, Y. Liang, and W. Wang. 2024. "Miniaturize the redox flow battery for Accelerated Materials Discovery and Development." Journal of the Electrochemical Society 171, no. 12:Art. No. 120532. PNNL-SA-205269. doi:10.1149/1945-7111/ad9bef
  • Fu Y., A.A. Howard, C. Zeng, Y. Chen, P. Gao, and P. Stinis. 2024. "Physics-Guided Continual Learning for Predicting Emerging Aqueous Organic Redox Flow Battery Material Performance." ACS Energy Letters 9, no. 6:2767-2774. PNNL-SA-192565. doi:10.1021/acsenergylett.4c00493
  • Jia H., C. Zeng, H. Lim, A. Simmons, Y. Zhang, M. Weber, and M.H. Engelhard, et al. 2024. "Important role of ion flux regulated by separators in lithium metal batteries." Advanced Materials 36, no. 19:Art No. 2311312. PNNL-SA-191844. doi:10.1002/adma.202311312

2023

  • Fu Y., J. Bao, C. Zeng, Y. Chen, Z. Xu, S. Kim, and W. Wang. 2023. "A Three-Dimensional Pore-scale Model for Redox Flow Battery Electrode Design Analysis." Journal of Power Sources 556. PNNL-SA-175492. doi:10.1016/j.jpowsour.2022.232329

2022

  • Singh R.K., Y. Fu, C. Zeng, D.T. Nguyen, P. Roy, J. Bao, and Z. Xu, et al. 2022. "Hydrodynamics of countercurrent flow in an additive manufactured column with triply periodic minimal surfaces for carbon dioxide capture." Chemical Engineering Journal 450, no. 2:138124. PNNL-SA-171812. doi:10.1016/j.cej.2022.138124
  • Zeng C., S. Kim, Y. Chen, Y. Fu, J. Bao, Z. Xu, and W. Wang. 2022. "Characterization of electrochemical behavior for aqueous organic redox flow batteries." Journal of Electrochemical Society 169, no. 12:Art. No. 120527. PNNL-SA-178207. doi:10.1149/1945-7111/acadad
  • Zeng C., Y. Fu, R.K. Singh, J. Bao, and Z. Xu. 2022. "Differentiation of static and dynamic interfacial area in the structured packed column." Chemical Engineering Science 260. PNNL-SA-165106. doi:10.1016/j.ces.2022.117877