Heather Yuying
ZHANG
張鈺瑩
PhD in Civil Engineering, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
Award
1. 2025.07 Enhanced RedBird PhD Award 2024/25, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
2. 2025.04 Gold Medal (Congratulations of the Jury), 50th International Inventions Exhibition in Geneva
3. 2025.04 Silver Medal, 50th International Inventions Exhibition in Geneva
4. 2024.12 Bronze Medal, Hong Kong Green Innovations Awards (2023) (3/3600)
5. 2024. 09 Stanford Top 2% Scientist (Single Year, 2024)
6. 2023.09 Bronze Medal, The 8th China International Internet+ College Students Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition
7. 2023.04 Silver Medal Award, 48th International Inventions Exhibition in Geneva
8. 2022.09 Merit Award, The 9th China Youth Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition
9. 2022.03 Silver Medal Award, 47th International Inventions Exhibition in Geneva
Selected Publications
A) Publications with peer review process
First author papers
1.Zhang, Y., Zhu, X., Ma, B.*, Xu, W., Wang, L., Tsang, D.C.W.*, 2026. Mineralogical evolution during and after Ca/Al-LDHs formation in Cr(VI)/Cl co-contaminated systems. J. Hazard. Mater. 501, 140849
2. Zhang, Y., Xu, W., Li, M., Zhu, X., Wang, L., Lee, B.Y.H., Tsang, D.C.W.*, 2025. Hydrochar-incorporated cement composites: Valorization of food waste digestate for green construction. Constr. Build. Mater. 500, 144260
3. Zhang, Y., Zhu, X., Li, M., Zhang, C., Zhang, Y., Du, X., Banthia, N., Mechtcherine, V., Carstensen, J.V., Monteiro, P.J.M., Tsang, D.C.W.*, 2025. 3D printing technology in concrete construction. Nat. Rev. Clean Technol. 1, 288–303.
4. Zhang, Y., Li, M., Zhu, X., Wang, L., Mašek, O., Sarmah, A.K., Tsang, D.C.W.*, 2025. Enhanced thermal insulation of biochar-gypsum composites. Cem. Concr. Compos., 159, 106013.
5. Zhang, Y., Zhu, X., Ma, B.*, Li, X., Xu, W., Wang, L., Maboudian, R., Tsang, D.C.W.*, 2025. Reconstruction kinetics and structural evolutions of Mg/Al layered double hydroxide in low-carbon cement. Cem. Concr. Compos. 164, 106250
6. Zhang, Y., Xu, W., Zhu, X., Maboudian, R., Ok, Y.S., Tsang, D.C.W.*, 2024. Scaling biochar solutions for urban carbon dioxide removal. One Earth, 7(9), 1481-1486.
7. Zhang, Y., Zhu, X., Ma, B., Wang, L.*, Yan, J., Tsang, D.C.W.*, 2024. Insights into microstructural alterations in alkali-activated materials incorporating municipal solid waste incineration fly ash. Constr. Build. Mater. 425, 136129.
8. Zhang, Y., Wan, Z., Wang, L.*, Guo, B., Ma, B.*, Chen, L., Tsang, D.C.W.*, 2022. Designing magnesium phosphate cement for stabilization/solidification of Zn-rich electroplating sludge. Environ. Sci. Technol. 56, 9398–9407.
9. Zhang, Y., He, M., Wang, L., Yan, J., Ma, B., Zhu, X., Ok, Y.S., Mechtcherine, V., Tsang, D.C.W.*, 2022. Biochar as construction materials for achieving carbon neutrality. Biochar 4, 59.
10. Zhang, Y., Labianca, C., Chen, L., De Gisi, S., Notarnicola, M., Guo, B., Sun, J., Ding, S., Wang, L.*, 2021. Sustainable ex-situ remediation of contaminated sediment: A review. Env. Pollut. 287, 117333.
11. Zhang, Y., Wang, L.*, Chen, L., Ma, B., Zhang, Yike, Ni, W., Tsang, D.C.W.*, 2021. Treatment of municipal solid waste incineration fly ash: State-of-the-art technologies and future perspectives. J. Hazard. Mater. 411, 125132.
12. Zhang, Y., Gao, W., Ni, W.*, Zhang, S., Li, Y., Wang, K., Huang, X., Fu, P., Hu, W., 2020. Influence of calcium hydroxide addition on arsenic leaching and solidification/stabilisation behaviour of metallurgical-slag-based green mining fill. J. Hazard. Mater. 390, 122161.
13. Zhang, Y., Zhang, S., Ni, W.*, Yan, Q., Gao, W., Li, Y., 2019. Immobilisation of high- arsenic-containing tailings by using metallurgical slag-cementing materials. Chemosphere 223, 117–123.
Co-author papers
14. Zhang, C., Zhu, X.*, Li, M., Zhang, Y., Zhang, Y., Banthia, N., Ye, H., Tsang, D.C.W.*, 2026. Enhancing interface adhesion of 3D printable concrete by biochar integration. Cem. Concr. Compos. 166, 106383.
15. Xu, W., Li, M., Liang, J., Zhang, Y., Zhu, X., Sarmah, A.K., Maboudian, R., Ok, Y.S., Tsang, D.C.W.*, 2026. Microstructural regulation of interfacial transition zone by biochar: A novel strategy for enhancing fire resistance. Cem. Concr. Compos. 169, 106517.
16. Zhang, J., Zhang, C., Zhang, Y., Li, M., Zhu, X.*, Xia, Y., Wang, L., Tsang, D.C.W.*, 2025. Designing printable cement composites with porous biochar using an extended water film thickness theory. J. Build. Eng. 113, 114181.
17. Zhu, X., Zhang, Y., Xu, W., Ma, B.*, Li, J., Wang, L., Yan, J., Tsang, D.C.W.*, 2025. Microstructural and pore network evolution of biochar-modified alkali-activated slag cement. J. Build. Eng. 115, 114584.
18. Liu, K.; Zhang, Y.; Wang, M.; Zhu, X.; Maboudian, R.; Tsang, D.C.W.* Dissolution of spent lithium-ion battery cathode materials: Overlooked significance of aluminum impurities. Adv. Sci., 2025, 12, 24177737.
19. Liu, K.; Zhu, X.; Zhang, Y.; Wang, M.; Maboudian, R.; Alessi, D.S.; Tsang, D.C.W.* Activating carbon and oxygen bonds for low-temperature thermal decomposition of spent lithium-ion battery cathode materials. Environ. Sci. Technol., 2025, 59, 5348-5358.
20. Xu, Z.; Zhang, Y.; Graham, N.J.D.; Parikh, S.J.; Xu, X.; Cao, X.; Ok, Y.S.; Shaheen, S.M.; Rinklebe, J.; Tsang, D.C.W.* Reducing environmental burden of electroplating wastewater treatment by ternary cooperation of zero-valence iron, manganese, and graphitic biochar. Commun. Mater., 2025, 6, 47.
21. Qu, F., Zhang, Y., Li, M., Dong, W., Li, W., Tsang, D.C.W.*, 2025. Resource recycling of industrial waste phosphogypsum in cementitious materials: Pretreatment, properties, and applications. J. Environ. Manage. 376, 124291.
22. Jiang, X., Qu, F., Zhang, Y., Zhu, X., Leung, A.Y., Poon, C.S., Tsang, D.C.W.*, 2025. Cold-bonded biochar-cement lightweight aggregates for evaporation-enhanced permeable bricks. J. Clean. Prod., 493, 144886.
23. Huang, G., Xia, Y., Liu, Y., Li, H., Zhang, Y., Chen, L., Wang, L.*, Yan, J.*, 2025. Upcycling rice husk biochar into carbon-negative composites. Constr. Build. Mater., 470, 140459.
24. Xia, Y., Zhao, Y., Baxtiyarovich, A. F., Zhang, Y., Wang, L.*, Yan, J.*, 2024. Transforming MSWI fly ash into low-carbon and high-compatibility composites via designed calcium sulfoaluminate-based binders. J. Environ. Manage., 371, 123023.
25. Xu, W., Zhang, Y., Li, M., Qu, F., Poon, C.S., Zhu, X., Tsang, D.C.W.*, 2024. Durability and micromechanical properties of biochar in biochar-cement composites under marine environment. J. Clean. Prod., 450, 141842.
26. Qu, F., Zhang, Y., Zhu, X., Xu, W., Li, W., Tsang, D.C.W.*, 2024. Roles of wood waste biochar for chloride immobilization in GGBS-blended cement composites. Constr. Build. Mater. 411, 134389.
27. Xu, W., Zhang, Y., Su, Y., Zhu, X., Wang, L., Tsang, D.C.W.*, 2024. Using waste to improve the weak: Recycled seashell as an ideal way to regulate the interfacial transition zone in biochar-cement composites. Constr. Build. Mater., 444, 137765.
28. Wang, L., Nerella, V. N., Li, D., Zhang, Y., Ma, B., Ivaniuk, E., Zhang, Y., Zhu, X., Yan, J., Mechtcherine, V., Tsang, D.C.W.*, 2024. Biochar-augmented climate-positive 3D printable concrete. Commun. Mater., 5(1), 257.
29. Chen, L., Zhu, X., Zhang, Y., Wang, L., Ma, B., Zheng, Y., Poon, C.S., Yan, J., Tsang, D.C.W.*, 2024. Carbonation-enhanced interfacial transition zone in biochar-cement mortar. Constr. Build. Mater., 451, 138606.
30. Li, M., Zhu, X., Zhang, Y., Tsang, D.C.W.*, 2024. A multi‐phase mechanical model of biochar–cement composites at the mesoscale. Comput. Aided Civ. Infrastruct. Eng., 39(23), 3552-3572.
31. Song, Z., Xia, Y., Zhang, Y., Xu, M., Wang, L.*, Yan, J., 2024. Synergistic recycling of MSWI fly ash and incinerated sewage sludge ash into low-carbon binders. Constr. Build. Mater., 445, 137930.
32. Meng, Y., Zhu, X., Zhang, Y., Su, Y., Qu, F., Poon, C.S., Yan, J., Tsang, D.C.W.*, 2024. Valorizing inherent resources from waste streams for in-situ CO2 capture and sequestration in the steel industry. Journal of Cleaner Production, 458, 142486.
33. Zhang, J., Su, Y., Zhang, C., Li, M., Zhu, X., Zhang, Y., Tsang, D.C.W.*, 2024. Alterations in rheo-viscoelastic properties of cement composites with biochar incorporation as bio- based admixture. J. Clean. Prod., 439, 137358.
34. Wang, L.; Xia, Y.; Zhang, Y.; Guo, B.; Sun, C.; Ma, B.*; Tsang, D.C.W.*; Yan, J.* Introducing reactive magnesia to activate chloride/sulfate in waste incinerator fly ash for immobilization of potentially toxic elements. ACS Sustain. Chem. Eng., 2024, 12, 9602- 9611.
35. Labianca, C.; Zhu, X.*; Ferrara, C.; Zhang, Y.; De Feo, G.; Hsu, S.C.; Tsang, D.C.W.* A holistic framework of biochar-augmented cementitious products and general applications: Technical, environmental, and economic evaluation. Environ. Res., 2024, 245, 118026.
36. Xia, Y., Shi, D., Wang, J., Zhao, Y., Liu, M., Yu, K., Zhang, Y., Ma, B.,Wang, L., 2024. Effects of colemanite, heavy aggregates and lead fibers on physical mechanics and radiation shielding properties of high-performance radiation shielding concrete. J. Build. Eng, 96, p.110496.
37. Wang, M.; Liu, K.; Yu, J.; Zhang, Q.; Zhang, Y.; Valix, M.; Huang, L.; Tsang, D.C.W.* 2023, Challenges in recycling spent lithium-ion batteries: Spotlight on polyvinylidene fluoride removal. Glob. Chall., 7, 2200237.
38. Zhu, X., Zhang, Y., Chen, L., Wang, L., Ma, B., Li, J., Poon, C.S., Tsang, D.C.W.*, 2023. Bonding mechanisms and micro-mechanical properties of the interfacial transition zone (ITZ) between biochar and paste in carbon-sink cement-based composites. Cem. Concr. Compos., 139, 105004.
39. Sun, C., Ge, W., Zhang, Y., Wang, L.*, Xia, Y., Lin, X., Huang, Q., Lu, S., Tsang, D.C.W.*, Yan, J., 2023. Designing low-carbon cement-free binders for stabilization/solidification of MSWI fly ash. J. Environ. Manage., 339, 117938.
40. Chen, L., Zhang, Y., Wang, L.*, Ruan, S., Chen, J., Li, H., Yang, J., Mechtcherine, V., Tsang, D.C.W.*, 2022. Biochar-augmented carbon-negative concrete. Chem. Eng. J., 431, 133946.
41. Wang, L., Zhang, Y., Chen, L., Guo, B., Tan, Y., Sasaki, K., Tsang, D.C.W.*, 2022. Designing novel magnesium oxysulfate cement for stabilization/solidification of municipal solid waste incineration fly ash. J. Hazard. Mater., 423, 127025.
42. Chen, L., Zhang, Y., Labianca, C., Wang, L.*, Ruan, S., Poon, C.S., Ok, Y.S., Tsang, D.C.W.*, 2022. Carbon-negative cement-bonded biochar particleboards. Biochar 4, 58.
43. Chen, L., Wang, L., Zhang, Y., Ruan, S., Mechtcherine, V., Tsang, D.C.W.*, 2022. Roles of biochar in cement-based stabilization/solidification of municipal solid waste incineration fly ash. Chem. Eng. J. 430, 132972.
44. Labianca, C., Ferrara, C., Zhang, Y., Zhu, X., De Feo, G., Hsu, M., You, S., Huang, L., Tsang, D.C.W.*, 2022. Alkali-activated binders – A sustainable alternative to OPC for stabilization and solidification of fly ash from municipal solid waste incineration. J. Clean. Prod. 134963.
45. Sun, J., Wang, L.*, Yu, J., Guo, B., Chen, L., Zhang, Y., Wang, D., Shen, Z., Tsang, D.C.W.*, 2021. Cytotoxicity of stabilized/solidified municipal solid waste incineration fly ash. J. Hazard. Mater. 127369.
46. Chen, L., Wang, Y., Wang, L.*, Zhang, Y., Li, J., Tong, L., Hu, Q., Dai, J.G., Tsang, D.C.W.*, 2021. Stabilisation/solidification of municipal solid waste incineration fly ash by phosphate-enhanced calcium aluminate cement. J. Hazard. Mater. 124404.
47. Gao, W., Li, Z., Zhang, S., Zhang, Y., Teng, G., Li, X. and Ni, W., 2021. Solidification/stabilization of arsenic-containing tailings by steel slag-based binders with high efficiency and low carbon footprint. Materials, 14(19), 5864.
48. Gao, W., Li, Z., Zhang, S., Zhang, Y., Fu, P., Yang, H., & Ni, W., 2021. Enhancing arsenic solidification/stabilisation efficiency of metallurgical slag-based green mining fill and its structure analysis. Metals, 11(9), 1389.
49. Gao, W., Ni, W.*, Zhang, Y., Li, Y., Shi, T., Li, Z., 2020. Investigation into the semi- dynamic leaching characteristics of arsenic and antimony from solidified/stabilized tailings using metallurgical slag-based binders. J. Hazard. Mater. 381, 120992.
50. Li, Y., Ni, W., Gao, W., Zhang, Y., Yan, Q., & Zhang, S., 2019. Corrosion evaluation of steel slag based on a leaching solution test. Energy Sources, Part A: Recovery, Utilization, and Environmental Effects, 41(7), 790-801.
51. Zhang, S., Shi, T., Ni, W.*, Li, K., Gao, W., Wang, K., Zhang, Y., 2021. The mechanism of hydrating and solidifying green mine fill materials using circulating fluidized bed fly ash-slag-based agent. J. Hazard. Mater. 415, 125625.
Teaching papers
52. Dutta, S.; Zhang, Y.; Xu, Z.; Chan, T.M.; Tsang, D.C.W.* Unconventional pedagogies for active learning to transform engineering education. Journal of Educational Research and Reviews, ISSN: 2384-7301, 2024, 12(5), 77-86, doi: 10.33495/jerr_v12i5.24.106.
53. Dutta, S.; Zhang, Y.; He, M.; Tsang, D.C.W.* Learning enhancement through deploying personal learning environment & network and problem-based learning assessment. Journal of Educational Research and Reviews, ISSN: 2384-7301, 2024, 12(2), 37-45, doi: 10.33495/jerr_v12i2.23.141.
54. Dutta, S.; Zhang, Y.; He, M.; Tsang, D.C.W.* Adopting a personal learning environment and network to strengthen students’ self-directed and life-long learning attributes. Journal of Educational Research and Reviews, ISSN: 2384-7301, 2024, 12(1), 12-24, doi: 10.33495/jerr_v12i1.23.138.
55. Dutta, S.; Zhang, Y.; Tsang, D.C.W.* Enhancing students’ engagement and learning through peer assessment in group projects. Journal of Educational Research and Reviews, ISSN: 2384-7301, 2023, 11(6), 93-104, doi: 10.33495/jerr_v11i6.23.120.
B) Submitted publications with peer review process
1. Zhang, Y., Zhu, X., Li, M., Zhang, Y., Wang, L., Zhang, Y., Ok, Y.S., Maboudian, R., Monteiro, P.J.M., Tsang, D.C.W.*, 2026. Biochar-enhanced 3D printable concrete for reducing shrinkage and anisotropy. Cem. Concr. Compos. (publisher's acknowledgement of receipt enclosed).
C) Chapters
1. Zhang, Y., Wang, L., Tsang, D.C.W.*, 2023. Characteristics of combustion residues, waste incineration residues, and various slags. Treatment and Utilization of Combustion and Incineration Residues. Elsevier, 3-40.
2. Qu, F., Tsang, D.C.W., Zhang, Y., Su, Y., Zhang, J., 2025. High-volume municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) fly ash blended cements. High-Volume Mineral Admixtures in Cementitious Binders. Woodhead Publishing Series in Civil and Structural Engineering. 195-213.
3. Song, Z., Zhang, Y., Xia, Y., Sun, C., Wang, L., 2024. Recycling of municipal solid waste incineration fly ash into SCMs and aggregates. Treatment and Utilization of Combustion and Incineration Residues. Elsevier. 317-338.
4. Li, H., Wang, L., Zhang, Y., Yang, J., Tsang, D.C.W.*, Mechtcherine, V., 2023. Biochar for sustainable construction industry. Current Developments in Biotechnology and Bioengineering. Elsevier. 63-95.
5. Wang, L., Zhang, Y., Tsang, D.C.W.*, 2022. Future research directions for sustainable remediation. Low Carbon Stabilization and Solidification of Hazardous Wastes. Elsevier, 555-564.
6. Xiong, X., Zhang, Y., Wang, L., Tsang, D.C.W.*, 2022. Overview of hazardous waste treatment and stabilization/solidification technology. Low Carbon Stabilization and Solidification of Hazardous Wastes. Elsevier, 1-14.
D) Patents
1. Tsang, D.C.W.; Zhang, Y.; Su, Y.; Zhu, X.; Chen, L., A method of manufacturing a carbon- negative gypsum-based biochar insulating plaster, ZL 2023 1 0019927.9, 2023
2. Tsang, D.C.W.; Qu, F.; Zhang, J.; Zhang, Y., A long-lasting stable industrial waste-based paving brick and its non-fired preparation method, ZL 2023 1 0007399.5, 2023
3. Tsang, D.C.W.; Qu, F.; Zhang, Y.; Zhang, J.; Chen, L., A biochar-based artificial lightweight aggregate with high chloride retention rate and its preparation method, ZL 2023 1 0006947.2, 2023
4. Tsang, D.C.W.; Zhang, J.; Zhu, X.; Zhang, Y., A low-shrinkage, high carbon sequestration 3D-printed cementitious building material utilizing agricultural waste and its preparation and application methods, ZL 2022 1 1440774.7, 2022
5. Tsang, D.C.W.; Xu, W.; Zhang, Y., A biochar copper manganese oxide self-cleaning coating based on photothermal co-catalysis and its preparation method, ZL 2022 1 1707195.4, 2022
6. Tsang, D.C.W.; Xu, W.; Zhang, Y., Chen, L., A self-cleaning carbon-negative biochar thermal insulation plaster mortar and its preparation method, ZL 2022 1 1707194.X, 2022
* = Corresponding author
The following above mentioned publications have evolved from my doctoral dissertation:
A1; A5; A6; A7; A8; A11; C1; C5; C6.