Dr. Long Li is an Associate Research Fellow at the School of Civil Engineering, Wuhan University, specializing in membrane technology and environmental engineering. His research focuses on high-performance nanofiltration and reverse osmosis membranes for water and wastewater treatment, aiming to address global water scarcity and pollution challenges. With a strong background in water supply, drainage, and municipal engineering, he integrates materials science with process optimization to develop sustainable separation technologies. Dr. Li has contributed to over 30 publications in leading journals and actively participates in national and international collaborations to advance membrane science for environmental protection and resource recovery.
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Education
Dr. Long Li earned his Bachelor’s degree in Water Supply and Drainage Engineering from Wuhan University, where he gained foundational knowledge in water infrastructure and environmental systems. He continued at the same institution to obtain his Master’s degree in Municipal Engineering, focusing on urban water treatment and management. He then completed his PhD in Water and Environmental Engineering at The University of Hong Kong, specializing in membrane separation processes for advanced water purification. This multidisciplinary academic background provided him with expertise in civil engineering, environmental science, and material innovation, equipping him to address complex water treatment challenges through innovative membrane technologies.
Professional Experience
Dr. Long Li began his research career as a Postdoctoral Fellow in the Department of Civil Engineering at The University of Hong Kong, where he contributed to multiple funded projects on advanced membrane development and water treatment under extreme conditions. He collaborated with industry partners to design novel separation membranes with improved selectivity and durability. Since joining Wuhan University as an Associate Research Fellow, he has led independent research on wastewater remediation and nanofiltration optimization, securing competitive project funding. His experience spans experimental design, pilot-scale testing, and interdisciplinary collaboration, positioning him as an emerging leader in water treatment technology innovation.
Awards and Recognition
Dr. Long Li has been recognized for his contributions to environmental engineering through multiple awards. He was named a High-Level Youth Talent in Hubei Province, reflecting his research excellence and leadership potential. At The University of Hong Kong, he received the Outstanding Teaching Assistant Award for his academic mentorship. His research presentations have been honored with the Best Presentation Award at the Greater Bay Area Symposium on Membranes and Membrane Processes and selection as a Doctoral Scholar Forum Speaker at the Global Chinese Chemical Engineers Symposium. He also won Third Prize at the Hong Kong University Student Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition.
Research Skills
Dr. Long Li possesses expertise in membrane science, including the synthesis, characterization, and performance optimization of nanofiltration and reverse osmosis membranes. His skills include tailoring membrane selectivity for mineral and micropollutant removal, antifouling strategies, and performance enhancement under harsh environmental conditions. He is proficient in advanced analytical techniques, membrane surface modification, and interfacial polymerization methods. His research integrates process engineering with materials innovation for practical water treatment applications. Additionally, he has strong capabilities in experimental design, data interpretation, and scaling up laboratory findings to pilot and industrial systems, supporting sustainable water purification, wastewater recycling, and resource recovery solutions in real-world contexts.
Publications
Li, K., Ma, X., Xi, W., Long, L., & Shao, S. (2025). “Iron acetylacetonate additive improves the water permeance and fluoride/phosphate selectivity of polyamide nanofiltration membrane for phosphorus recovery” in Journal of Membrane Science.
Shao, S., Xing, J., Wan, H., Lu, J., Long, L., Zhang, R., Guo, H., & Tang, C. (2025). “Resolving Hydraulic Resistances in Thin-Film Composite Polyamide Nanofiltration Membranes” in Environmental Science & Technology.
Long, L., Wu, C., Shao, S., Yang, Z., Sarkar, P., & Tang, C.Y. (2025). “Assessment of permeance and selectivity of thin-film composite polyamide membranes for diverse applications” in Nature Water.
Xiong, K., Long, L., Xing, J., Luo, L., Zhou, C., Wang, X., & Shao, S. (2025). “Biofilm-Induced Critical Flux in Dead-End Ultrafiltration Processes: Phenomenon, Mechanism, and Economic and Environmental Benefits” in Environmental Science & Technology.
Long, L., Guo, H., Zhang, L., Gan, Q., Wu, C., Zhou, S., Peng, L.E., & Tang, C.Y. (2024). “Engraving Polyamide Layers by In Situ Self-Etchable CaCO₃ Nanoparticles Enhances Separation Properties and Antifouling Performance of Reverse Osmosis Membranes” in Environmental Science & Technology.
Liu, W., Long, L., Yang, Z., Wang, L., Gan, Q., Zhou, S., Sarkar, P., Guo, H., & Tang, C.Y. (2023). “Enhancing the removal of organic micropollutants by nanofiltration membrane with Fe (III)–tannic acid interlayer: Mechanisms and environmental implications” in Water Research.
Long, L., Peng, L.E., Zhou, S., Gan, Q., Li, X., Jiang, J., Han, J., Zhang, X., Guo, H., & Tang, C.Y. (2023). “NaHCO₃ addition enhances water permeance and Ca/haloacetic acids selectivity of nanofiltration membranes for drinking water treatment” in Water Research.
Conclusion
Dr. Long Li’s career reflects a commitment to solving pressing water and environmental challenges through innovative membrane technologies. His blend of engineering expertise, materials science knowledge, and collaborative approach enables him to translate scientific advancements into practical applications. By leading projects that address both technical performance and environmental sustainability, he contributes to the development of efficient, durable, and selective membranes for global water treatment needs. His recognition at academic and industry levels underscores his growing influence in the field. Moving forward, he aims to expand research into emerging contaminants and resilient treatment systems, supporting global efforts toward safe and sustainable water.