Younan Xia is at the forefront of research revolutionizing how we design, synthesize, and use nanomaterials for applications ranging from medicine to electronics and energy conversion. Xia uses a combination of chemical synthesis, theoretical modeling, analytical tools, and electron microscopy analysis to understand and manipulate the synthesis of nanomaterials. 

Xia has invented numerous important nanomaterials with desirable properties, some of which have been commercialized for widespread use. Notably, he developed silver nanowires which are used for the fabrication of flexible, transparent, and conductive coatings in touchscreen displays, flexible electronics, and photovoltaics that convert sunlight into electricity. His approach has become the standard for large-scale synthesis of silver nanowires. In addition to commercial use, many of the materials Xia has developed are being used by other scientists in their own research, multiplying their potential uses and impact even further. Another aspect of Xia’s research is catalysis in fuel cells. Xia’s work has been instrumental in advancing our fundamental understanding of how nanomaterial structure controls catalytic behavior, leading to more efficient catalysts for energy conversion.  

Xia joined Johns Hopkins University as a Bloomberg Distinguished Professor in 2026 from the Georgia Institute of Technology.