Yahui Zhang

 

PhD, P.Eng., ACS Member

  • Associate Professor
Contact Information

Ph: 709-864-2604
Em: yahuiz[at]mun.ca
Office: IIC1012

Expertise
  • Chemistry of Materials
  • Hydrometallurgy
  • Mineral Processing
Research Interests

Mineral Processing; Hydrometallurgy; Chemistry of Materials

Personal Profile

Dr. Yahui Zhang joined the Department of Process Engineering at Memorial University of Newfoundland in 2016. Before that, he was a professor in mineral processing and hydrometallurgy at Northeastern University (Shenyang) in China. He had worked as a Senior Metallurgist in Beijing General Research Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (BGRIMM, the top research institute in mineral processing and metallurgy in China and in the world) for over 9 years.

He earned a Ph.D. degree in Materials Engineering from the University of Alberta, Canada and another Ph.D. degree in Mineral Processing from the Central South University, China (ranked No. 1 in Mining & Mineral Engineering Subject by ShanghaiRanking's Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2023, https://www.shanghairanking.com/news/gras/2023).

With a number of years work in extractive metallurgy, mineral processing, and materials engineering, his research experience and interests lie in the areas of CO2 capture/removal and conversion to graphite (one US patent and international patent applied), sustainable minerals/metals production (including recovering minerals/metals from new and secondary resources, e.g., ocean polymetallic nodules processing (four patents licensed), treatment of mine tailings, and urban mining), extractive metallurgy of rare earth elements (REE), precious and nonferrous critical metals, designing and finding of new reagents/resins for mineral flotation and metal extraction, preparation of catalysts and materials for H2 production/storage using electrochemical methods, and novel processes for wastewater treatment and recycling (one US patent applied).  

He has been the principal investigator of over 20 research projects funded by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) Discovery Program and Engage Program, the Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC), China Geological Survey, and private companies, published more than 130 papers in refereed journals (such as International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, Chemistry of Materials, Materials Chemistry and Physics, Materials Science and Engineering, Journal of Molecular Liquids, Journal of Molecular Structure, Hydrometallurgy, International Journal of Mineral Processing, Minerals Engineering, Mineral Processing and Extractive Metallurgy Review, Nonferrous Metals, and Metal Mines) and conference proceedings,  and filed 15 patent applications, of which eight have been licensed.

Having been working as a professor since 2005, he has taught over 10 major courses for undergraduate and graduate students in mineral processing, extractive metallurgy, and materials engineering, e.g., Extractive Metallurgy, Applied Electrochemistry of Metallurgy, Principles of Chemical Engineering, Industry Pollution Control/Prevention, Mineral Flotation, Research Methodology for Mineral Processing, Practice and Processes of Metallic Ore Dressing, Introduction to Mining and Metallurgical Engineering, Solid State Chemistry, Materials Degradation in Process Facilities, Introduction to Materials Science and Engineering, Process Mathematical Methods, and Engineering Thermodynamics.

Honours/Awards/Accreditation

Selected Patent Applications (Students bold faced)

  1. Hongbo Zeng, Yahui Zhang, Qi Liu, Kaipeng Wang, “Process for capture and conversion of carbon dioxide”, US Patent Application No. 63/487,510, Date 02/28/2023; International Application No. PCT/CA2024/050248, Date 02/28/2024 https://worldwide.espacenet.com/patent/search/family/092589050/publication/WO2024178508A1?q=PCT%2FCA2024%2F050248
  2. Hongbo Zeng, Ziqian Zhao, Yahui Zhang, Salem Elfeghe, “Removal of cadmium from aqueous systems using resin fibers bearing sulfonic acid group”, US Patent Application No. 63/610,975, Date 12/15/2023.
  3. Yahui Zhang, Bo Tu, Gang Long, Dahai You and Huanhuan Hong, “A Roasting Pretreatment for Extracting Gold in Slags from Sulfuric Acid Production”, Chinese Patent, Application No. 201410270663.5 (2014).
  4. Yahui Zhang, Bo Tu, Gang Long, Dahai You and Xuanwu Li, “A Process for Dearsenization and Desulfurization of Gold Ores with High Arsenic and Sulfur Contents”, Chinese Patent, Application No. 201410269525.5 (2014).
  5. Yahui Zhang, Shuyun Fang, Junwei Huang, Dongdong Chen and Wenmao Tu, “A Depressant for Gangue Minerals in Graphite Ore Flotation and Its Application”, Chinese Patent, Application No. 201410249589.9 (2014).
  6. Douglas G. Ivey and Yahui Zhang, “Solution for the Electroplating of Soft Magnetic Co-Fe-Ni Alloys”, US Patent, Application No. 11,079,071 (2005).
  7. Chuanyao Sun, Yahui Zhang, Jianzhong Shi and Xiuying Zhou, “A Process for Nickel-Copper Sulfide Ore Flotation”, Chinese Patent, Application No. 98102238.3 (Granted in 2001).
  8. Chuanyao Sun, Yahui Zhang, Dianzuo Wang and Ning Ao, “A Leaching Process of Manganese Oxide Ores Using Phenol Compounds as Reducing Agents”, Chinese Patent, Application No. 95106747.8 (Granted in 1999).
  9. Chuanyao Sun, Yahui Zhang and Dianzuo Wang, “A Leaching Process of Ocean Manganese Nodules Using Aromatic Amines as Reducing Agents”, Chinese Patent, Application No. 94117547.2 (Granted in 1998).
  10. Chuanyao Sun, Yahui Zhang and Dianzuo Wang, “A Leaching Process of Manganese Oxide Ores Using Polyhydroxy Aromatic Acids as Reducing Agents”, Chinese Patent, Application No. 94117548.0 (Granted in 1998).

    Selected Papers Published in Peer Reviewed Journals (Students bold faced)

  11. Yahui Zhang*, Hongbo Zeng, Qi Liu, Kaipeng Wang, Douglas Ivey, “Process for converting carbon dioxide to graphite using active metal liquid and its application for green hydrogen production via methane-steam-reforming reaction”, (submitted) (2025).
    https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202505.2167.v1
  12. Yahui Zhang*, Salem Elfeghe, Uyen Dao, Sohrab Zendehboudi* “Molecular simulation using electronic structure methods on copper and lead ions separation with thiourea-functionalized resin”, Canadian Journal of Chemical Engineering, 1 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1002/cjce.70026
  13. Panxing Zhao, Wenbao Liu, Wengang Liu*, Lingyun Bao, Yanbai Shen, Stephen Butt, Yahui Zhang, “Synthesis, flotation behavior, and structure-performance relationship of three hydroxyl-containing cationic collectors”, Minerals Engineering, 231, 109443 (2025).
    https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mineng.2025.109443
  14. Panxing Zhao, Wengang Liu*, Wenbao Liu, Lingyun Bao, Yanbai Shen, Ying Guo, Yahui Zhang, Stephen Butt, “The structure-property relationship of cationic collectors: effects of methyl and hydroxyl in polar head groups”, Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects, 722, 137293 (2025).
    https://doi.org/10.1016/j.colsurfa.2025.137293
  15. Wenbo Li, Maoyuan Wang, Shuo Wang, Yuexin Han, Zhidong Tang*, Yahui Zhang, “Mechanism study and thermodynamics analysis of iron recovery from sulfuric acid slag by suspension magnetization roasting and magnetic separation”, Process Safety and Environmental Protection, 199, 107321(2025). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psep.2025.107321
  16. Mengying Li, Qingliang Wang, Weiduo Guo, Shaobo Zhou, Jinlong Fan, Liping Zhao, Zhen He, Zhiwu Lei*, Yahui Zhang*, “Mechanism and Kinetics for Copper Leaching by Complexing with Lysine Bearing Two Amino Groups”, Langmuir, 41 (16), 10230-10237 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.langmuir.4c05274
  17. Mengying Li, Qingliang Wang, Weiduo Guo, Xu Zhao, Yaolong Zhang, Xiankun Zhou, Zhiwu Lei*, Yahui Zhang*, “Selective complexation and leaching of cobalt using histidine in alkaline medium”, Processes, 13, 1039 (2025). https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13041039
  18. Xiangheng Meng, Zhidong Tang, Peng Gao, Yahui Zhang, Mechanism Analysis of Hydrogen Mineral Phase-Transformed Iron Ore Tailings in Cementitious Materials: A Study on Hydration Kinetics, Mechanical Properties, and Microstructural Characteristics, Construction and Building Materials, 475, 141260 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2025.141260
  19. Zhidong Tang, Xiangheng Meng, Yuexin Han, Meng Chen, Peng Gao, Yahui Zhang, “Hydration and properties of Hydrogen-based Mineral Phase Transformation Iron Ore Tailings as Supplementary Cementitious Material”, Journal of Environmental Management, 356, 120594 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.120594
  20. Wenbo Li, Shuo Wang, Yuexin Han, Zhidong Tang, Yahui Zhang, “Recovery of iron from pyrite cinder by suspension magnetization roasting-magnetic separation method: Process optimization and mechanism study”, Separation and Purification Technology, 332, 125652 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.seppur.2023.125652
  21. Shiyao Fan, Qi Xin, Yahui Zhang, Xu Zhao, Xinwei Liu, Xuanzhang Hao, Eming Hu, Hongqiang Wang, Junwen Lv, Zhiwu Lei, Qingliang Wang, “Efficient and clean release of uranium and zirconium in hazardous uranium purification waste by combined alkali decomposition and acid leaching process”, Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering, 11 (2), 109382 (2023). https://doi.org/1016/j.jece.2023.109382
  22. Salem Elfeghe, Qiuyue Sheng, Abbas Mamudu, Lesley Anne James, Yahui Zhang*, “Removal of Lead (II) Ions from Aqueous Solutions Using Dowex G-26 and Puromet™ MTS9570 Ion Exchange Resins”, Minerals, 12(10), 1312 (2022). https://doi.org/10.3390/min12101312
  23. Salem Elfeghe, Shams Anwar, Lesley James, Yahui Zhang*, “Adsorption of Cu (II) ions from aqueous solutions using ion exchange resins with different functional groups”, The Canadian Journal of Chemical Engineering, 101, 2128-2138 (2023). http://doi.org/10.1002/cjce.24632
  24. Zhidong Tang, Zhenya Zhou*, Jianping Jin, Yongsheng Sun, Yuexin Han, Yahui Zhang, “Vanadium extraction from stone coal using a novel two-stage roasting technology” Fuel 321(1):124031(2022). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fuel.2022.124031
  25. Yahui Zhang, Salem Elfeghe, Zhidong Tang, “Mechanism Study of Cd(II) Ion Adsorption onto Resins with Sulfonic/Phosphonic Groups Using Electronic Structure Methods”, Journal of Molecular Liquids, 358, 119199 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.molliq.2022.119199
  26. Salem Elfeghe, Qiuyue Sheng, Yahui Zhang*, “Separation of Lead and Copper Ions in Acidic Media Using an Ion-Exchange Resin with a Thiourea Functional Group”, ACS Omega, 7, 13042-3049 (2022). http://doi.org/10.1021/acsomega.2c00417
  27. Zhidong Tang, Hanxin Xiao, Yongsheng Sun, Peng Gao, Yahui Zhang, “Exploration of hydrogen-based suspension magnetization roasting for refractory iron ore towards a carbon-neutral future: A pilot-scale study”, International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, 47, 15074-15083 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhydene.2022.02.219
  28. Salem Elfeghe, Shams Anwar, Yahui Zhang*, “Adsorption and removal studies of cadmium ion onto sulfonic/phosphonic acid functionalization resins”, Canadian Journal of Chemical Engineering, 100(10), 3006-3014 (2022). http://doi.org/10.1002/cjce.24400
  29. Shams Anwar, Faisal Khan*, Yahui Zhang, Abdoulaye Djire, “Recent Development in Electrocatalysts for Hydrogen Production through Water Electrolysis” International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, 46(63), 32284-32317 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhydene.2021.06.191
  30. Zhidong Tang, Peng Gao*, Yanjun Li, Yuexin Han, Wenbo Li, Stephen Butt, Yahui Zhang, “Recovery of iron from hazardous tailings using fluidized roasting coupling technology”, Powder Technology, 361, 591-599 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.powtec.2019.11.074
  31. Zhidong Tang, Peng Gao*, Yongsheng Sun, Yuexin Han, Erlei Li, Jia Chen, Yahui Zhang*, “Studies on the fluidization performance of a novel fluidized bed reactor for iron ore suspension roasting”, Powder Technology, 360, 649-657 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.powtec.2019.09.092
  32. Yahui Zhang*, Zhidong Tang, John Shirokoff, “Study on flotability and surface oxidation of sulfide minerals from the tailing of an iron-copper mine using electron probe microanalyzer”, Mineral Processing and Extractive Metallurgy Review, 42(4), 213–221 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1080/08827508.2019.1707675
  33. Alaaeddin Elhemmali, Shams Anwar, Yahui Zhang, John Shirokoff*, “A comparison of oil-water separation by gravity and electrolysis separation process”, Separation and Purification Technology, 56(4),1-15 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1080/01496395.2020.1713812
  34. Rene A. Silva, Yahui Zhang*, Kelly Hawboldt, Lesley Anne James, “Study on Iron-nickel Separation Using Ion Exchange Resins with Different Functional Groups for Potential Iron Sub-production”, Mineral Processing and Extractive Metallurgy Review 42(2), 75-89 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1080/08827508.2019.1678155
  35. Rene A. Silva, Kelly Hawboldt, Yahui Zhang*, “Application of Resins with Functional Groups in the Separation of Metal Ions/Species – A Review”, Mineral Processing and Extractive Metallurgy Review, 39(6), 395-413 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1080/08827508.2018.1459619
  36. Shams Anwar, Yahui Zhang, Faisal Khan*, “Electrochemical Behaviour and Analysis of Zn and Zn-Ni Alloy Anti-Corrosive Coating Deposited from Citrate Baths”, RSC Advances, 8, 28861-28873 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1039/c8ra04650f
  37. Hongxin Zhang, Hongchao Li, Ansheng Feng, Zhenxu Guo, Yahui Zhang*, “Application of Stirred Mill to Upgrading of Graphite Concentrate by Flotation”, Canadian Metallurgical Quarterly, 57(2), 245-251 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1080/00084433.2017.1409934
  38. Yahui Zhang*, Douglas G. Ivey, “Electrodeposition of Nanocrystalline CoFe Soft Magnetic Thin Films from Citrate-stabilized Baths”, Materials Chemistry and Physics, 204, 171–178 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matchemphys.2017.10.043
  39. Rene A. Silva, Danilo Borja, Jayhyun Parkc, Youngsoo Lee, Yahui Zhang, Hyunjung Kim, “Analysis of the Effects of Natural Organic Matter in Zinc Beneficiation”, Journal of Cleaner Production, 168, 814-822 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2017.09.011
  40. Susan Caines, Faisal Khan*, Yahui Zhang, John Shirokoff, “Simplified electrochemical potential noise method to predict corrosion and corrosion rate”, Journal of Loss Prevention in the Process Industries, 47, 72–84 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jlp.2017.02.023
  41. Yahui Zhang*, Qi Liu, Li Li, “Removal of Iron from Synthetic Copper Leach Solution Using a Hydroxy-Oxime Chelating Resin”, Hydrometallurgy, 164(9), 154-158 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hydromet.2016.06.004
  42. Yahui Zhang*, “Mirror Symmetry Rule for the Interaction between Flotation Reagents and Mineral Interfaces”, Nonferrous Metals (Mineral Processing Section), (4), 90-96 (2016). (In Chinese)
  43. Zhao Cao, Yahui Zhang, Chuanyao Sun and Yongdan Cao, “Activation Mechanism of Serpentine by Cu(II) and Ni(II) Ions in Copper-Nickel Sulfide Ore Flotation”, The Chinese Journal of Nonferrous Metals, (2), 506–510 (2014). (In Chinese)
  44. Yahui Zhang, Zhao Cao, Yongdan Cao and Chuanyao Sun, “FTIR Studies of Xanthate Adsorption on Chalcopyrite, Pentlandite and Pyrite Surfaces”, Journal of Molecular Structure, 1048, 434–440 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.molstruc.2013.06.015
  45. Zhao Cao, Yahui Zhang, Yongdan Cao, “Reverse Flotation of Quartz from Magnetite Ore with Modified Sodium Oleate”, Mineral Processing and Extractive Metallurgy Review, 34 (5), 320–330 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1080/08827508.2012.675531
  46. Ye Gao, Yahui Zhang and Guangzun Ouyang, “The Anionic Reverse Flotation Orthogonal Experiment for XuanLong Oolitic Hematite after Magnetic Roasting-magnetic Separation”, Advanced Materials Research, 826, 130-135 (2013).
  47. Yahui Zhang, Jia Zhang, Yanjiao Zhang, Hongchao Li and Ping Zhao, “Magnetizing Roasting - Grain Growth - Magnetic Separation Process for Oolitic Hematite Ore Dressing”，Journal of Wuhan University of Technology, 35 (3), 116-119 (2013). (In Chinese)
  48. Yahui Zhang and Douglas G. Ivey, “Characterization of Co–Fe and Co–Fe–Ni Soft Magnetic Films Electrodeposited from Citrate-Stabilized Sulfate Baths”, Materials Science and Engineering: B, 140(1-2), 15-22(2007). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mseb.2007.03.004
  49. Yahui Zhang and Douglas G. Ivey, “Electroplating of Nanocrystalline CoFeNi Soft Magnetic Thin Films from a Stable Citrate-Based Bath”, Chemistry of Materials, 16(7), 1189-1194 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1021/cm035306u.
  50. Yahui Zhang and Douglas G. Ivey, “Electroplating of Gold-Tin Alloys from a Sulfite-Citrate Bath”, Plating & Surface Finishing, 91(2), 28-33 (2004)
  51. Yahui Zhang, Qi Liu and Chuanyao Sun, “Correlation between Reducing Power and Electronic Structure of Organic Reducing Agents Used in Sulfuric Acid Leaching of Polymetallic Nodules”. International Journal of Mineral Processing, 65(3-4), 191-202 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1016/S0301-7516(01)00077-1
  52. Yahui Zhang, Qi Liu and Chuanyao Sun, “Sulfuric Acid Leaching of Ocean Manganese Nodules Using Aromatic Amines as Reducing Agents”, Minerals Engineering, 14(5), 539-542 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1016/S0892-6875(01)00041-3
  53. Yahui Zhang, Qi Liu and Chuanyao Sun, “Sulfuric Acid Leaching of Ocean Manganese Nodules Using Phenols as Reducing Agents”, Minerals Engineering, 14(5), 525-537, (2001). https://doi.org/10.1016/S0892-6875(01)00040-1
  54. Qi Liu, Yahui Zhang and J. S. Laskowski, “The Adsorption of Polysaccharides onto Mineral Surfaces: an Acid/Base Interaction”, International Journal of Mineral Processing, 60(3-4), 229-245 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1016/S0301-7516(00)00018-1
  55. Qi Liu and Yahui Zhang, “Effect of Calcium Ions and Citric Acid on the Flotation Separation of Chalcopyrite from Galena Using Dextrin”, Minerals Engineering, 13(13), 1405-1416 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1016/S0892-6875(00)00122-9