Dr Ao Li

Dr Ao Li

Postdoctoral Fellow
Engineering
Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering

Dr. Ao Li is a Postdoctoral Fellow at the School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney. He earned his PhD (2023) and Master’s degree (2017) from UNSW Sydney, specializing in numerical modelling and computational heat transfer. His research spans Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), battery thermal management systems, deep learning applications in energy systems, and flame retardants. His work bridges advanced computational modelling with practical engineering applications, driving energy safety and sustainability innovations.

During his doctoral studies, Dr. Li focused on enhancing the safety and efficiency of lithium-ion batteries, addressing critical challenges in thermal management and fire prevention. His thesis pioneered a novel framework that synergized CFD simulations with machine learning algorithms to optimize cooling performance and mitigate thermal risks in battery systems. Recently, he led a project at UNSW Canberra’s School of Engineering & Technology, where he integrated deep learning techniques to detect battery thermal runaway early, making a significant contribution to predictive safety analytics. Currently, Dr. Li is engaged in a battery recycling initiative, exploring sustainable lifecycle solutions for energy storage technologies.

Location
Room 401, Level 4, Ainsworth Building (J17), Sydney NSW 2052 Australia
  • Book Chapters | 2023
    Yuen ACY; Wang W; Li A, 2023, 'Molybdenum disulphide/polymer composites for fire safety applications', in Two-Dimensional Nanomaterials for Fire-Safe Polymers, pp. 235 - 261, http://dx.doi.org/10.1201/9781003327158-9
  • Journal articles | 2025
    Chen M; Guo Q; Yuan Y; Li A; Lin B; Xiao Y; Xu L; Wang W, 2025, 'Recent Advancements of Bio-Derived Flame Retardants for Polymeric Materials', Polymers, 17, http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/polym17020249
    Journal articles | 2025
    Li A; Wu Y; Wu Q; Zhao R; Zhong Z; Yang R; Liu Y; Xia X; Zuo K, 2025, 'A novel polyelectrolyte-modified membrane for selective lithium extraction from water in an electrified process', SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY, 359, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.seppur.2024.130539
    Journal articles | 2025
    Li W; Yin Yuen AC; Lin P; Li A; De Cachinho Cordeiro IM; Chen Q; Yuan Chen TB, 2025, 'Optimisation of PCM passive cooling efficiency on lithium-ion batteries based on coupled CFD and ANN techniques', Applied Thermal Engineering, 259, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2024.124874
    Journal articles | 2024
    Deng B; Huang R; You D; Yang W; Hou J; Li A; Yang D; Wang F; Li X; Zhang Y, 2024, 'The chemically deposited Sn combines with the TiO2 3D reticular structure to form a stable and uniform lithium metal anode', Ionics, 30, pp. 3755 - 3765, http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11581-024-05474-9
    Journal articles | 2024
    Lei Y; Xu L; Chan QN; Li A; Yin Yuen AC; Yuan Y; Yeoh GH; Wang W, 2024, 'Recent advances in separator design for lithium metal batteries without dendrite formation: Implications for electric vehicles', eTransportation, 20, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.etran.2024.100330
    Journal articles | 2024
    Li W; Wang X; Cen PY; Chen Q; De Cachinho Cordeiro IM; Kong L; Lin P; Li A, 2024, 'A Comparative Numerical Study of Lithium-Ion Batteries with Air-Cooling Systems towards Thermal Safety', Fire, 7, http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/fire7010029
    Journal articles | 2024
    Lin B; Li A; De Cachinho Cordeiro IM; Jia M; Lee YX; Yuen ACY; Wang C; Wang W; Yeoh GH, 2024, 'MXene Based Flame Retardant and Electrically Conductive Polymer Coatings', Polymers, 16, http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/polym16172461
    Journal articles | 2024
    Pan Z; Zhang Z; Li J; Zhang Y; Zhai M; Zhao W; Wang L; Li A; Wang K; Wang Z, 2024, 'A global synthesis of nitrous oxide emissions across cotton-planted soils', SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTION AND CONSUMPTION, 51, pp. 315 - 326, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.spc.2024.09.022
    Journal articles | 2024
    Ran H; Li L; Li A; Wang X, 2024, 'Enhanced MPPT in Permanent Magnet Direct-Drive Wind Power Systems via Improved Sliding Mode Control', ENERGIES, 17, http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/en17184622
    Journal articles | 2024
    Soomro S-E-H; Boota MW; Zwain HM; Rasta M; Hu C; Liu C; Li Y; Li A; Chen J; Zhu C; Ali S; Guo J; Shi X; Soomro MHAA, 2024, 'From lake to fisheries: Interactive effect of climate and landuse changes hit on lake fish catch?', ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH, 258, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.envres.2024.119397
    Journal articles | 2024
    Tazaki A; Nishadhi DASM; Li A; Zhang L; Maw TH; Kondo-Ida L; Yanagisawa K; Kato M, 2024, 'Progression from in vivo validation to in vitro screening in hazard assessment for leukoderma-inducible chemicals', ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION, 356, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124508
    Journal articles | 2024
    Wang Y; Huang R; Hou J; Li A; Han W; Ai W; Yang C; Wang Q; Zhang Y; Li X, 2024, 'In-situ differential electrochemical mass spectrometry study on the effects of negative/positive ratios on gas evolution in lithium-ion full batteries', Journal of Energy Storage, 87, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.est.2024.111414
    Journal articles | 2024
    Wei X; Xu J; Zeng C; Li A; Chen Y, 2024, 'Gone with chain: The ripple effect of ESG performance in China's industrial chain', ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT REVIEW, 108, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.eiar.2024.107576
    Journal articles | 2024
    Wu K; Tan J; Liu Z; Bao C; Li A; Liu Q; Li B, 2024, 'Incombustible solid polymer electrolytes: A critical review and perspective', Journal of Energy Chemistry, 93, pp. 264 - 281, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jechem.2024.01.013
    Journal articles | 2024
    Zhao R; Meng F; Wu Q; Zhong Z; Liu Y; Yang R; Li A; Liu H; Lu Y; Zhang Z; Li Q; Zhao H; Li J; Han L; Zuo K, 2024, 'Ultra-antiwetting Membrane for Hypersaline Water Crystallization in Membrane Distillation', ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY, 58, pp. 14929 - 14939, http://dx.doi.org/10.1021/acs.est.4c05283
    Journal articles | 2023
    De Cachinho Cordeiro IM; Li A; Lin B; Ma DX; Xu L; Eh ALS; Wang W, 2023, 'Solid Polymer Electrolytes for Zinc-Ion Batteries', Batteries, 9, http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/batteries9070343
    Journal articles | 2023
    De Cachinho Cordeiro IM; Liu H; Yuen ACY; Chen TBY; Li A; Yeoh GH, 2023, 'Numerical assessment of LES subgrid-scale turbulence models for expandable particles in fire suppression', Experimental and Computational Multiphase Flow, 5, pp. 99 - 110, http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s42757-021-0112-8
    Journal articles | 2023
    Du Y; Liu X; Chen L; Yin S; Xie Y; Li A; Liang X; Luo Y; Wu F; Mei Y; Xie D, 2023, '3D hierarchical fireproof gel polymer electrolyte towards high-performance and comprehensive safety lithium-ion batteries', Chemical Engineering Journal, 476, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2023.146605
    Journal articles | 2023
    Han Y; Wang X; Wang W; Lee YX; Li A, 2023, 'Numerical Investigation of Transonic Flow-Induced Spontaneous Condensation in Micro-Ejector Nozzles', Micromachines, 14, pp. 1260, http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/mi14061260
    Journal articles | 2023
    Li A; Weng J; Yuen ACY; Wang W; Liu H; Lee EWM; Wang J; Kook S; Yeoh GH, 2023, 'Machine learning assisted advanced battery thermal management system: A state-of-the-art review', Journal of Energy Storage, 60, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.est.2023.106688
    Journal articles | 2023
    Liu H; De Cachinho Cordeiro IM; Yuen ACY; Wang C; Li A; Yeoh GH, 2023, 'Numerical modeling of wet steam infused fluid mixture for potential fire suppression applications', Experimental and Computational Multiphase Flow, 5, pp. 142 - 148, http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s42757-021-0107-5
    Journal articles | 2023
    Wang W; Wang C; Yuen ACY; Li A; Lin B; Yuan Y; Ma C; Han Y; Yeoh GH, 2023, '3D MXene frameworks for flame retardant hydrophobic polymer nanocomposites', Composites Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing, 173, pp. 107673, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.compositesa.2023.107673
    Journal articles | 2023
    Wang W; Yuen ACY; Yuan Y; Liao C; Li A; Kabir II; Kan Y; Hu Y; Yeoh GH, 2023, 'Nano architectured halloysite nanotubes enable advanced composite separator for safe lithium metal batteries', Chemical Engineering Journal, 451, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2022.138496
    Journal articles | 2022
    De Cachinho Cordeiro IM; Liu H; Yuen ACY; Chen TBY; Li A; Cao RF; Yeoh GH, 2022, 'Numerical investigation of expandable graphite suppression on metal-based fire', Heat and Mass Transfer/Waerme- und Stoffuebertragung, 58, pp. 65 - 81, http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00231-021-03097-8
    Journal articles | 2022
    De Cachinho Cordeiro IM; Liu H; Yuen ACY; Chen TBY; Li A; Wang C; Cao R; Yeoh GH, 2022, 'On the Large Eddy Simulation Modelling of Water Suppression Systems Droplet Impact and Coverage Area', Fire, 5, http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/fire5050165
    Journal articles | 2022
    Han Y; Wang X; Li A; Anas AF; Wen C, 2022, 'Optimum Efficiency of a Steam Ejector for Fire Suppression Based on the Variable Mixing Section Diameter', Entropy, 24, pp. 1 - 12, http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/e24111625
    Journal articles | 2022
    Li A; Yuen ACY; Wang W; Chen TBY; Lai CS; Yang W; Wu W; Chan QN; Kook S; Yeoh GH, 2022, 'Integration of Computational Fluid Dynamics and Artificial Neural Network for Optimization Design of Battery Thermal Management System', Batteries, 8, pp. 69, http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/batteries8070069
    Journal articles | 2022
    Li A; Yuen ACY; Wang W; Weng J; Lai CS; Kook S; Yeoh GH, 2022, 'Thermal Propagation Modelling of Abnormal Heat Generation in Various Battery Cell Locations', Batteries, 8, http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/batteries8110216
    Journal articles | 2022
    Li A; Yuen ACY; Wang W; Weng J; Yeoh GH, 2022, 'Numerical investigation on the thermal management of lithium-ion battery system and cooling effect optimization', Applied Thermal Engineering, 215, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2022.118966
    Journal articles | 2022
    Li H; Wang X; Huang H; Ning J; Li A; Tu J, 2022, 'Numerical study on the effect of superheat on the steam ejector internal flow and entropy generation for MED-TVC desalination system', Desalination, 537, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.desal.2022.115874
    Journal articles | 2022
    Weng J; Huang Q; Li X; Zhang G; Ouyang D; Chen M; Yuen ACY; Li A; Lee EWM; Yang W; Wang J; Yang X, 2022, 'Safety issue on PCM-based battery thermal management: Material thermal stability and system hazard mitigation', Energy Storage Materials, 53, pp. 580 - 612, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ensm.2022.09.007
    Journal articles | 2022
    Yuen ACY; Chen TBY; De Cachinho Cordero IM; Liu H; Li A; Yang W; Cheung SCP; Chan QN; Kook S; Yeoh GH, 2022, 'Developing a solid decomposition kinetics extraction framework for detailed chemistry pyrolysis and combustion modelling of building polymer composites', Journal of Analytical and Applied Pyrolysis, 163, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jaap.2022.105500
    Journal articles | 2021
    Li A; Yuen ACY; Wang W; De Cachinho Cordeiro IM; Wang C; Chen TBY; Zhang J; Chan QN; Yeoh GH, 2021, 'A review on lithium-ion battery separators towards enhanced safety performances and modelling approaches', Molecules, 26, pp. 478, http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/molecules26020478
    Journal articles | 2021
    Wang W; Yuen ACY; Long H; Yang W; Li A; Song L; Hu Y; Yeoh GH, 2021, 'Random nano-structuring of PVA/MXene membranes for outstanding flammability resistance and electromagnetic interference shielding performances', Composites Part B: Engineering, 224, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.compositesb.2021.109174
    Journal articles | 2021
    Yuen ACY; Chen TBY; Li A; De Cachinho Cordeiro IM; Liu L; Liu H; Lo ALP; Chan QN; Yeoh GH, 2021, 'Evaluating the fire risk associated with cladding panels: An overview of fire incidents, policies, and future perspective in fire standards', Fire and Materials, 45, pp. 663 - 689, http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/fam.2973
    Journal articles | 2020
    Han Y; Wang X; Yuen ACY; Li A; Guo L; Yeoh GH; Tu J, 2020, 'Characterization of choking flow behaviors inside steam ejectors based on the ejector refrigeration system', International Journal of Refrigeration, 113, pp. 296 - 307, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ijrefrig.2020.02.003
    Journal articles | 2020
    Lin B; Yuen ACY; Li A; Zhang Y; Chen TBY; Yu B; Lee EWM; Peng S; Yang W; Lu HD; Chan QN; Yeoh GH; Wang CH, 2020, 'MXene/chitosan nanocoating for flexible polyurethane foam towards remarkable fire hazards reductions', Journal of Hazardous Materials, 381, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2019.120952
    Journal articles | 2019
    Li A; Yuen ACY; Chen TBY; Wang C; Liu H; Cao R; Yang W; Yeoh GH; Timchenko V; Yang W, 2019, 'Computational study of wet steam flow to optimize steam ejector efficiency for potential fire suppression application', Applied Sciences (Switzerland), 9, pp. 1486, http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/app9071486
    Journal articles | 2019
    Si JY; Tawiah B; Sun WL; Lin B; Wang C; Yuen ACY; Yu B; Li A; Yang W; Lu HD; Chan QN; Yeoh GH, 2019, 'Functionalization of MXene nanosheets for polystyrene towards high thermal stability and flame retardant properties', Polymers, 11, pp. 976, http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/polym11060976
    Journal articles | 2019
    Yang W; Yuen ACY; Ping P; Wei RC; Hua L; Zhu Z; Li A; Zhu SE; Wang LL; Liang J; Chen TBY; Yu B; Si JY; Lu HD; Chan QN; Yeoh GH; Yang W, 2019, 'Pectin-assisted dispersion of exfoliated boron nitride nanosheets for assembled bio-composite aerogels', Composites Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing, 119, pp. 196 - 205, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.compositesa.2019.02.003
    Journal articles | 2019
    Yang W; Yuen ACY; Ping P; Wei RC; Hua L; Zhu Z; Li A; Zhu SE; Wang LL; Liang J; Chen TBY; Yu B; Si JY; Lu HD; Chan QN; Yeoh GH, 2019, 'Pectin boron nitride nanosheets bio based hybrid aerogels towards high thermal stability, mechanical and flame retardant properties', Composites Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing, 121, pp. 525 - 525, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.compositesa.2019.03.023
    Journal articles | 2019
    Yang WJ; Yuen ACY; Li A; Lin B; Chen TBY; Yang W; Lu HD; Yeoh GH, 2019, 'Recent progress in bio-based aerogel absorbents for oil/water separation', Cellulose, 26, pp. 6449 - 6476, http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10570-019-02559-x
    Journal articles | 2019
    Yu B; Tawiah B; Wang LQ; Yin Yuen AC; Zhang ZC; Shen LL; Lin B; Fei B; Yang W; Li A; Zhu SE; Hu EZ; Lu HD; Yeoh GH; Yuen ACY; Yang W, 2019, 'Interface decoration of exfoliated MXene ultra-thin nanosheets for fire and smoke suppressions of thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer', Journal of Hazardous Materials, 374, pp. 110 - 119, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2019.04.026
    Journal articles | 2019
    Yuen ACY; Chen TBY; Yang W; Wang C; Li A; Yeoh GH; Chan QN; Chan MC, 2019, 'Natural ventilated smoke control simulation case study using different settings of smoke vents and curtains in a large atrium', Fire, 2, pp. 1 - 18, http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/fire2010007
    Journal articles | 2018
    Yang W; Wang NN; Ping P; Yuen ACY; Li A; Zhu SE; Wang LL; Wu J; Chen TBY; Si JY; Rao BD; Lu HD; Chan QN; Yeoh GH, 2018, 'Novel 3D Network Architectured Hybrid Aerogel Comprising Epoxy, Graphene, and Hydroxylated Boron Nitride Nanosheets', ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces, 10, pp. 40032 - 40043, http://dx.doi.org/10.1021/acsami.8b15301
    Journal articles | 2014
    Huang Y; Li J; Zhang Y; Li A, 2014, 'Simulation and optimization of DC magnetron sputtering conditions of rectangular target', Zhenkong Kexue yu Jishu Xuebao/Journal of Vacuum Science and Technology, 34, pp. 1206 - 1214, http://dx.doi.org/10.13922/j.cnki.cjovst.2014.11.14
    Journal articles | 2014
    Wang X; Dong J; Li A; Lei H; Tu J, 2014, 'Numerical study of primary steam superheating effects on steam ejector flow and its pumping performance', Energy, 78, pp. 205 - 211, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2014.10.004
    Journal articles | 2013
    Wang X; Dong J; Lei H; Li A; Wang R; Chen W; Tu J, 2013, 'Modeling and simulation of steam-jet vacuum pump', Zhenkong Kexue yu Jishu Xuebao/Journal of Vacuum Science and Technology, 33, pp. 1069 - 1073, http://dx.doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1672-7126.2013.11.03
    Journal articles | 2013
    Wang X; Zhang Y; Wang Q; Li A; Wang R; Chen W, 2013, 'Signal filtering of low-temperature low-pressure plasma diagnosed with Langmuir probe', Zhenkong Kexue yu Jishu Xuebao/Journal of Vacuum Science and Technology, 33, pp. 995 - 997, http://dx.doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1672-7126.2013.10.08
  • Conference Papers | 2024
    Li A; Abpeikar S; Wang M; Frankcombe T; Ghodrat M, 2024, 'An Exploratory Review on Lithium-Ion Battery Fire Risk Mitigation Using Deep Learning Approaches', in Kramer M; Niven R; Ghodrat M; Liow J-L (eds.), Proceedings of the 24th Australasian Fluid Mechanics Conference, Australasian Fluid Mechanics Society (AFMS), Canberra, presented at The 24th Australasian Fluid Mechanics Conference (AFMC2024), Canberra, 01 December 2024 - 05 December 2024, http://dx.doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14213411
    Preprints | 2023
    De Cachinho Cordeiro IM; Li A; Lin B; Ma DX; Xu L; Eh AL-S; Wang W, 2023, Solid Polymer Electrolytes for Zinc Ion Batteries, http://dx.doi.org/10.20944/preprints202306.0115.v1
    Conference Presentations | 2023
    Li A; Yuen ACY; WANG W; Yeoh GH, 2023, 'STUDY OF BATTERY THERMAL BEHAVIOUR UNDER ABNORMAL HEAT GENERATION', presented at 5th Asia-Oceania Symposium on Fire Safety Materials Science and Engineering, Sydney, 26 August 2023 - 29 August 2023
    Conference Papers | 2021
    Li A; Yuen ACY; Wang W; Yeoh GH, 2021, 'Numerical Investigation on the Thermal Propagation and Cooling Effect of a Lithium-ion Battery System', Virtual Conference, presented at 15th International Conference on Heat Transfer, Fluid Mechanics and Thermodynamics, Virtual Conference, 26 July 2021 - 28 July 2021
    Conference Papers | 2016
    Li A; Yeoh GUAN; TImchenko VICTORIA; Yuen AC-Y; Wang AX, 2016, 'Numerical Simulation of Condensation Effect on a Steam Ejector by Wet Steam Model', Sendai, Japan, presented at International Conference on Flow Dynamics, Sendai, Japan, 10 October 2016 - 12 October 2016

2019-2023 RTP Stipend Scholarship

2019-2023 Engineering Top ups - Faculty funded

Activities:

  1. Lead Guest Editor - A special issue of Polymers (ISSN 2073-4360, IF 4.7). This special issue "Recent Advances in Flame-Retardant Polymeric Materials" belongs to the section "Polymer Applications".
  2. Guest Editor - A special issue of Fire (ISSN 2571-6255, IF 3.2). This special issue "Advances in New Energy Materials and Fire Safety" belongs to the section "Mathematical Modelling and Numerical Simulation of Combustion and Fire".
  3. Organizing committee of the "5th Asia-Oceania Symposium on Fire Safety Materials Science and Engineering (AOFSM'5)", 2023