Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zhongnan Wang is a leading researcher in biotribology and nanomaterials, currently based at Beijing Jiaotong University 🇨🇳. He holds dual Ph.D. degrees from the University of Warwick and Harbin Institute of Technology 🎓. His interdisciplinary research focuses on hydrogel nanocomposites, MEMS, superlubricity, and biomedical coatings 🧫🩻. With 3 patents, 50+ SCI publications 📚, and editorial roles in top journals, Dr. Wang is driving innovation in medical devices, sensor tech, and wear-resistant systems 🤖💡. His work bridges advanced mechanics and biomedical applications, making him a pioneer in sustainable and intelligent material design 🌱🔍.
Assoc. Prof. Dr Zhongnan Wang, Beijing Jiaotong University, China
Profile
ORCID
SCOPUS
🎓 Education
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zhongnan Wang holds dual Ph.D. degrees in Engineering from the University of Warwick 🇬🇧 (2017) and in Mechatronic Engineering from Harbin Institute of Technology 🇨🇳 (2016), demonstrating a strong international academic foundation. He earned his Master’s degree in Engineering from Harbin Institute of Technology in 2009 and a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering from Northeast Agricultural University in 2006. His interdisciplinary education bridges mechanical systems, automation, and materials science 🧪⚙️🧠, equipping him with robust theoretical knowledge and practical skills to lead innovation in advanced tribology, sensors, and hydrogel materials.
🏫 Experience
Dr. Zhongnan Wang has been serving as an Associate Professor at the School of Mechanical, Electronic and Control Engineering, Beijing Jiaotong University since March 2020 🏫⚙️. Prior to this, he was a Postdoctoral Researcher at the prestigious State Key Laboratory of Tribology in Advanced Equipment, Tsinghua University from August 2017 to November 2019 🔬🇨🇳. During his postdoctoral tenure, he focused on cutting-edge tribology, nanomaterials, and bio-inspired lubricating systems 🧪💧. His academic career bridges theory and real-world applications in biomechanics, MEMS, and hydrogel development, making him a strong leader in engineering research 🌟📈.
🏅 Honors
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zhongnan Wang has been recognized for his academic excellence and editorial leadership. He currently serves as Associate Editor of the Open Access Journal of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (2025–present) and Guest Editor for Lubricants (2025–present). He is also an Editorial Board Member for International Journal of Materials Science and Applications (2024–2027) and Materials Science and Technology (2023–2026). Since 2021, he’s served as a Topic Editor for Materials. As an active reviewer for top journals including ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, Langmuir, and Scientific Reports, Dr. Wang is widely respected in the global research community.
🧪 Patents
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zhongnan Wang is revolutionizing soft material science through the development of smart composite hydrogels with advanced lubrication and mechanical properties. His patented inventions include a multi-functional hydrogel designed for biomedical and wearable applications (ZL202210451596.1) and a dopamine-modified nanocomposite hydrogel offering enhanced adhesion and resilience (ZL202310234681.7) ⚙️🦾. These hydrogels mimic biological tissue behavior and hold promise for artificial joints, flexible electronics, and bioinspired robotics. His work bridges materials engineering with biomedicine, paving the way for next-generation smart interfaces and soft actuators 🚀🧠🧤.
🔬 Research Focus
Dr. Zhongnan Wang’s research spans the cutting edge of biotribology, focusing on the mechanical and lubricating properties of hydrogels for biomedical applications 🧬💧. His work in MEMS devices involves developing advanced sensors and actuators for precise mechanical control and detection ⚙️📡. He specializes in micro/nanotribology, investigating friction and wear at the molecular scale 🔍🧲, and employs advanced material characterization techniques to analyze surface interactions and smart coatings. His interdisciplinary studies integrate nanotechnology, soft materials, and biomechanics to create next-generation solutions for artificial joints, robotics, and smart materials 🤖🩻🌟.
📚 Publications
Sensor for a solid–liquid tribological system
Authors: Ruize Zhang, Zeyang Yu, Zhikai Fan, Shanshan Wang, Yihui Xiang, Yanfei Liu*, Zhongnan Wang*
Journal: Sensors, 2025, Vol. 25, Article 437
A bilayer composite hydrogel with simultaneous high load bearing and superior lubrication by dopamine modified nano-hydroxyapatite
Authors: Zhongnan Wang*, Hui Guo, Ji Zhang, Yi Qian, Fanjie Meng, Yueshan Mu
Journal: Surfaces and Interfaces, 2024, Vol. 51, 104680
Two-Dimensional Nanomaterials in Hydrogels and Their Potential Bio-Applications
Authors: Zhongnan Wang, Hui Guo, Ji Zhang, Yi Qian, Yanfei Liu*
Journal: Lubricants, 2024, Vol. 12, Article 149
Electric Potential Controlled Ionic Lubrication
Authors: Zhongnan Wang, Hui Guo, Sudesh Singh, Vahid Adibnia, Hongjiang He, Fang Kang, Ye Yang, Chenxu Liu, Tianyi Han*, Chenhui Zhang
Journal: Lubricants, 2024, Vol. 12, Article 214
Preparation and Properties of Nanocomposite Hydrogel with Dopamine Modification
Authors: Zhongnan Wang*, Hui Guo, Yueshan Mu
Journal: Chinese Journal of Materials Research, 2024, Vol. 38(4), pp. 269–278
Low-Friction Hybrid Hydrogel with Excellent Mechanical Properties for Simulating Articular Cartilage Movement
Authors: Zhongnan Wang*, Fanjie Meng, Yue Zhang, Hui Guo
Journal: Langmuir, 2023, Vol. 39(6), pp. 2368–2379
Tribological Investigation of a Mixed Solution with Superlubricity Achieved
Authors: Fanjie Meng, Zhongnan Wang, Qiuying Chang, Zhiyuan Wang, Jianwen Zhang, Xu Geng
Journal: Journal of Mechanical Engineering, 2022, Vol. 58(11), pp. 210–219