
Xuezhong Wang, male, born in 1963. He obtained his Bachelor's (1984), Master's (1987) and Ph.D. (1990) degrees from the College of Chemical Engineering at China University of Petroleum. From 1990-1992, he served as a Lecturer and an Associate Professor at the Department of Automation, Beijing University of Chemical Technology. After postdoctoral research in the UK in 1993, he was appointed as a Lecturer at the School of Chemical Engineering, University of Leeds in 1995, later promoted to Senior Lecturer (2001) and Reader (2005) with sponsorship from Malvern Instruments (Malvern Reader in Intelligent Measurement and Control), a seven-time winner of the Queen's Award for Enterprise. In 2006, he was appointed as a Chair Professor in Process Control and Informatics at the School of Chemical Engineering, University of Leeds. He was selected for China's National Talent Program in 2012, and he worked at South China University of Technology before joining Beijing Institute of Petrochemical Technology in 2019.
His research focuses on pharmaceutical (chemical, biological and traditional Chinese medicine), nanomaterial, and fine chemical product/process/equipment development, process scale-up, simulation, industrial production monitoring and intelligent optimization control. As a principal investigator, he has secured over ?9 million in research funding from UK EPSRC, EU and industry, and over ?20 million since returning to China in 2012.
Some achievements from his fundamental and applied research have been technologically transferred and applied in industry. In the UK, he established long-term close collaborations with over 20 major pharmaceutical companies, including Pfizer, GSK, AstraZeneca and Syngenta. The analytical instrument Morphologi G he helped develop for Malvern Instruments was ranked by his faculty as the most industrially impactful research achievement over six years (2006-2012), participating in the UK's nationwide Research Assessment Exercise. After returning to China, he has also established close collaborations with domestic pharmaceutical and chemical companies (e.g. Guangzhou Pharmaceutical Group Baiyunshan Pharmaceutical, Wanhua Chemical, Qilu Pharmaceutical, Sinochem International Saint-O Chemical, Infinitus (China), Rongdu Pharmaceutical, Huahai Pharmaceutical, Guobang Pharmaceutical, etc.).
He has published over 200 research papers and one English monograph, with over 4,300 citations. He received the Most Cited Paper Award (2006-2009) from Chemical Engineering Research and Design. He has supervised 25 PhD graduates (21 from UK, 4 from China), 16 postdocs, and numerous master's students, with four PhD students winning best thesis awards.
I. Current Research Focus
- Pharmaceutical and crystallization process systems engineering: Developing population balance models based on crystal structure to simulate crystal growth in crystallizers, achieving simulation of multidimensional crystal shape distributions and compositions during crystallization; Developing online 3D imaging and image processing technologies for in-situ measurement of 3D crystal structures during growth; Based on these breakthroughs, achieving closed-loop automatic control of crystal population shape distributions during crystallization processes. Crystal form screening, development of intelligent automated crystal form screening robots. Development of continuous crystallization, granulation and milling equipment.
- Simulation of entire pharmaceutical process flows, development of process analytical technologies and control technologies, including synthesis, crystallization, filtration, granulation, milling, drying and tableting; Research on process analytical technologies, control and simulation technologies for biopharmaceutical processes such as fermentation and cell culture.
- In process industry data mining: Proposed data mining for process monitoring and control, published English monograph "Data Mining and Knowledge Discovery for Process Monitoring and Control" (Springer, London, New York, 1999). Dedicated to big data mining and applications in intelligent and automated pharmaceutical manufacturing.
- Research in the important field of online measurement, simulation and control, scale-up and high-throughput new product development for nanomaterial production processes: Developing instruments including dynamic light scattering, ultrasound, near-infrared and process tomography, population balance models and computational fluid dynamics simulations.
- Additional research includes using structure-activity relationship (SAR) models to predict nanomaterial toxicity.
II. Major Research Projects
- Guangdong Science and Technology Department: Multi-objective optimization control of crystal form and habit in pharmaceutical crystal preparation, 2016.1-2018.12
- NSFC Major Research Program "Mesoscale Mechanism and Regulation in Multiphase Reaction Processes": Mesoscale mechanism research and simulation regulation of crystallization and reactive crystallization processes, 2015.1-2017.12
- NSFC Key Project: Online monitoring and control optimization of industrial crystallization based on infrared spectroscopy and image information, 2017.1-2021.12
- EU FP7 Large Collaborative Project: SUN Project - Sustainable Nanotechnologies, 2014.1-2017.3
- UK EPSRC: Processing Nanoparticles in Suspension of High Solid Concentration: On-line Characterisation and Process Modelling, 2010.9-2014.8
- UK Technology Strategy Board Project: High Value Manufacturing - Process Integration and Product Enhancement Through Crystal Growth Modifiers, 2009.1-2013.9
- EU FP7 Large Collaborative Project: MARINA - Reference Methods for Managing the Risk of Engineered Nanoparticles, 2011.11-2015.5
- UK EPSRC: Continuous Hydrothermal Synthesis of Nanomaterials: From Laboratory to Pilot Plant, 2008.7-2011.10
- Industry collaborations with Guangzhou Pharmaceutical Group Baiyunshan Pharmaceutical, Sinochem International Saint-O Chemical, Wanhua Chemical Group, Huahai Pharmaceutical, Guobang Pharmaceutical, HEC Pharmaceutical, China Biopharmaceutical, Qilu Pharmaceutical, Infinitus (China), Baihui Pharmaceutical, Ruiyang Pharmaceutical, Rundu Pharmaceutical, etc., 2012.10-2018.12
III. Representative Academic Publications
- Yi Dan Shu, Jing Jing Liu, Yang Zhang and Xue Zhong Wang*, Multi-stage Multi-component Transfer Rate Morphological Population Balance Model for Crystallisation Processes, CrystEngComm. 2019, 21(28), 4212-4220.
- Shuai Yu, Yang Zhang, and Xue Zhong Wang, Improved Understanding of Cefixime Trihydrate Reactive Crystallization and Process Scale-up with the Aid of PAT. Organic Process Research & Development. 2019, 23(2), 177-188.
- Ningxin Zhan, Yang Zhang, Xue Zhong Wang, Solubility of N-tert-Butylbenzothiazole-2-sulfenamide in several pure and binary solvents. Journal of Chemical & Engineering Data. 2019, 64(3), 1051-1062.
- F Zhang, T Liu, W Chen, CY Ma, XZ Wang, Seed Recipe Design for Batch Cooling Crystallization with Application to L-Glutamic Acid. Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research, 2019, 58(8), 3175-3187
- Lv Feng, Zhang Yang, Ma Caiyun, Wang Xuezhong, Population Balance Simulation and Experimental Study of Droplet Size Distribution Changes During Mannitol Spray Drying, Chemical Industry and Engineering Progress, 2019, 38(2): 772-778
- YD Shu, Y Li, Y Zhang, L Jing J., XZ Wang, A multi-component mass transfer rate based model for simulation of non-equilibrium growth of crystals. CrystEngComm, 35(21), 5081-5282. 20(35), 5143-5153
- XHT Tang, JJ Liu, Y Zhang, XZ Wang, Study on the influence of lysozyme crystallization conditions on crystal properties in crystallizers of varied sizes when temperature is the manipulated variable. Journal of Crystal Growth 498, 186-196
- Li Yajun, Wang Xuezhong, Decision Support System for Pharmaceutical Material Granulation Process Integrating Process Analytical Technology and Population Balance Modeling, Materials Review, 2018, 31(10), 1721-1729
- Li Jingjing, Zhou Zhaolu, Huang Shengquan, Lu Liang, Huang Yansheng, Tian Shuhua, Li Xuan, Li Jie, Shu Yidan, Chemometric Modeling for Online Quality Control of Chinese Herbal Oral Liquids Using Near-Infrared Spectroscopy. Chemical Industry and Engineering Progress, 2018, 37(5), 1923-1932
- YJ Li, K Wu, Y Li, Y Zhang, JJ Liu, XZ Wang, Solubility in Different Solvents, Crystal Polymorph and Morphology, and Optimization of Crystallization Process of AIBN. Journal of Chemical & Engineering Data, 2018, 63(1), 27-38
- Xi H. Tang, Yang Li, Jing J. Liu, Yang Zhang, and Xue Z. Wang*, (2017) Process Analytical Technology (PAT) Aided Identification of Operational Spaces Leading to Tailored Crystal Size Distributions in Azithromycin Crystallization via Coordinated Cooling and Solution Mediated Phase Transition. Organic Process Research & Development, 21(12), 1963-1971.
- Yan Huo, Tao Liu, Xue Z. Wang, Cai Y. Ma and Xiongwei Ni, (2017) Online Detection of Particle Agglomeration during Solution Crystallization by Microscopic Double-View Image Analysis, Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research, 56, 11257-11269
- Wen J. Liu, Cai Y. Ma, Jing J. Liu, Yang Zhang*, Xue Z. Wang*, (2017) Continuous reactive crystallization of pharmaceuticals using impinging jet mixers, AIChE Journal, 63: 967-974,
- Rui Zhang, Cai Y Ma, Jing J Liu, Yang Zhang, Yu J Liu and Xue Z. Wang*, (2017) Stereo Imaging Camera Model for 3D Shape Reconstruction of Complex Crystals and Estimation of Facet Growth Kinetics, Chemical Engineering Science, 160,171-182.
- Y Qin, C Zhao, X Wang and F Gao, (2017) Subspace decomposition and critical phase selection based cumulative quality analysis for multiphase batch processes, Chemical Engineering Science, 166: 130-143
- Chen Lin, Yang Zhang, Jing J Liu, Xue Z. Wang*, (2017) Study on nucleation kinetics of lysozyme crystallization, Journal of Crystal Growth, 469:59-64.
- Feng Lv, Jing J Liu, Yang Zhang and Xue Z Wang*, (2017), Combined control of morphology and polymorph in spray drying of mannitol for dry powder inhalation, Journal of Crystal Growth, 467: 155-161.
- Fangkun Zhang, Tao Liu, Yan Hou, Runduo Guan, Xue Z Wang (2017) Investigation of the operating conditions to morphology evolution of beta-L-glutamic acid during seeded cooling crystallization, Journal of Crystal Growth, 469:136-143.
- Tao Liu, Yan Hou, Cai Y Ma, Xue Z Wang* (2017), Sparsity-based image monitoring of crystal size distribution during crystallization, Journal of Crystal Growth, 469: 160-167.
- Kui Wu, Cai Y. Ma, Jing J. Liu, Yang Zhang,* ,and Xue Z. Wang* (2016) Measurement of Crystal Face Specific Growth Kinetics, Crystal Growth & Design, 16,4855-4868.
- Ceyda Oksel, Vrishali Subramanian, Elena Semenzin, Cai Yun Ma, Danail Hristozov, Xue Z. Wang,* Neil Hunt, Anna Costa, Wouter Fransman, Antonio Marcomini and Terry Wilkins (2016) Evaluation of existing control measures in reducing health and safety risks of engineered nanomaterials, Environmental Science: Nano 3, 869-882.
- Ceyda Oksel, David A. Winkler, Cai Y. Ma, Terry Wilkins & Xue Z. Wang*(2016) Accurate and interpretable nanoSAR models from genetic programming-based decision tree construction approaches, Nanotoxicology, 10(7)1001-1012.
- Cai Y. Ma, Jing J. Liu and Xue Z. Wang*, (2016) Measurement, Modelling and Closed-loop Control of Crystal Shape Distribution: Literature Review and Future Perspectives, Particuology, 26, 1-18.
- Cai Y. Ma, Jing J. Liu and Xue Z. Wang* (2016) Stereo imaging of crystal growth, AIChE Journal 62(1), 18-25
- JJ Liu, CY Ma, XZ Wang*, (2016) Imaging protein crystal growth behaviour in batch cooling crystallisation. Chinese Journal of Chemical Engineering 24(1), 101-108
- Yan Huo, Tao Liu, Hui Liu, Cai Y. Ma, Xue Z. Wang, (2016) In-situ crystal morphology identification using imaging analysis with application to the l-glutamic acid crystallization, Chemical Engineering Science, 148, 126-139.
- Zhou Zhaolu, Li Jie, Huang Shengquan, Tian Shuhua, Liu Yujiao, Lu Liang, Zhang Yang, Huang Yansheng, Wang Xuezhong*, (2016) Chemometric Modeling for Online Quality Control of Chinese Herbal Medicines Using Near-Infrared Spectroscopy: Review and Perspectives, Chemical Industry and Engineering Progress, 35(6), 1627-1645
- Li Jie, Li Chuankun, Wang Chunli, Wang Xuezhong, (2016) Soft Sensor Research for Final Boiling Point of Reforming Feed in Atmospheric Tower Based on Optimized Dynamic PLS, Computers and Applied Chemistry, 33(3),06-39.
- Ceyda Oksel, Cai Y Ma, Jing J Liu, Terry Wilkins, Xue Z Wang* (2015) (Q)SAR modelling of nanomaterial toxicity: A critical review, Particuology 21, 1-19
- Wen J. Liu, Cai Y. Ma, Jing J. Liu, Yang Zhang, and Xue Z. Wang*, (2015) Analytical technology aided optimization and scale-up of impinging jet mixer for reactive crystallization process, AIChE Journal, 61(2), 503-517.
- Ceyda Oksel, Cai Y Ma, Xue Z Wang* (2015) Structure-activity relationship models for hazard assessment and risk management of engineered nanomaterials, Procedia Engineering 102, 1500-1510
- Rui Zhang, Cai Y Ma, Jing J Liu, Xue Z Wang*, (2015) On-line measurement of the real size and shape of crystals in stirred tank crystalliser using non-invasive stereo vision imaging, Chemical Engineering Science 137, 9-21.
- Yang Zhang, Yanbin Jiang, Duanke Zhang, Yu Qian, Xue Z. Wang*, (2015) Metastable zone width, crystal nucleation and growth kinetics measurement in anti-solvent crystallization of -artemether in the mixture of ethanol and water. Chemical Engineering Research and Design, 9(5): 187-194.
- Cai Y Ma, Jing J Liu, Yang Zhang, Xue Zhong Wang*, (2015) Simulation for scale-up of a confined jet mixer for continuous hydrothermal flow synthesis of nanomaterials, The Journal of Supercritical Fluids, 98, 211-221.
- C. Oksel, C.Y. Ma & X.Z. Wang*, (2015) Current situation on the availability of nanostructure-biological activity data. SAR and QSAR in Environmental Research, 26(2), 79-94.
- Ratna Tantra*, Ceyda Oksel, Tomasz Puzyn, Jian Wang, Kenneth N. Robinson, Xue Z. Wang, Cai Y. Ma, Terry Wilkins, (2015) ..Nano (Q)SAR: Challenges, pitfalls and perspectives, Nanotoxicology 9(5), 636-642
- Yang Zhang, Jing Jing Liu, Jian Wan, Xue Z. Wang*, (2015) Two dimensional population balance modelling of crystal growth behaviour under the influence of impurities, Advanced Powder Technology, 26(2), 672-678
- R. Tantra*, C. Oksel, K.N. Robinson, A. Sikora, X.Z. Wang, T.A. Wilkins, (2015) A method for assessing nanomaterial dispersion quality based on principal component analysis of particle size distribution data. Particuology, 22, 30-38
- Yang Zhang, Jing J Liu, Lei Zhang, Xue Z Wang, (2015) Solubility of 2,5-Di-tert-butylhydroquinone and Process Design for Its Purification Using Crystallization, Journal of Chemical and Engineering Data, 60: 1968-1974.
- XZ Wang*, Y Yang, R Li, C Mcguinnes, J Adamson, IL Megson, (2014), Principal component and causal analysis of structural and acute in vitro toxicity data for nanoparticles. Nanotoxicology 8(5), 465-476.
- CY Ma, M Chen, XZ Wang* (2014) Modelling and simulation of counter-current and confined jet reactors for hydrothermal synthesis of nano-materials, Chemical Engineering Science 109, 26-37.
- WJ Liu, CY Ma, SX Feng, XZ Wang* (2014) Solubility measurement and stability study of sodium cefuroxime. Journal of Chemical & Engineering Data 59(3), 807-816.
- T Liu, XZ Wang*, J Chen (2014) Robust PID based indirect-type iterative learning control for batch processes with time-varying uncertainties. Journal of Process Control 24(12), 95-106.
- Y Zhang, CY Ma, JJ Liu, T Liu, XZ Wang*, (2014) Modelling and simulation of counter-current reactors for continuous hydrothermal flow synthesis of nanoparticles, Dalian Ligong Daxue Xuebao (Journal of Dalian University of Technology), 54(6):662-675.
- T Liu, XZ Wang*, J Chen (2014) Robust PID based indirect-type iterative learning control for batch processes with time-varying uncertainties. Journal of Process Control 24(12), 95-106.
- JJ Liu, YD Hu, XZ Wang*, (2013) Optimization and control of crystal shape and size in protein crystallization process. Computers & Chemical Engineering, 57, 133-140.
- A Falola, A Borissova, XZ Wang*, (2013) Extended method of moment for general population balance models including size dependent growth rate, aggregation and breakage kernels, Computers & Chemical Engineering 56, 1-11.
- R Quesada-Cabrera, X Weng, G Hyett, RJH Clark, XZ Wang, JA Darr*, (2013) High-Throughput Continuous Hydrothermal Synthesis of Nanomaterials (Part II): Unveiling the As-Prepared Ce x Zr y Y z O2? δ Phase Diagram. ACS Combinatorial Science, 15(9), 458-463.
- Ma, C.Y., X.Z. Wang*, 2012, Model identification of crystal facet growth kinetics in morphological population balance modeling of l-glutamic acid crystallization and experimental validation Chemical Engineering Science, 70(5), 22-30
- Boonkhao, B., Li, R.F., Wang, X.Z.*, Tweedie, R.J., Primrose, K., 2011, Making use of process tomography data for multivariate statistical process control, AIChE Journal, 57(9), 2360-2368
- Wan, J., Wang, X.Z.*, Ma, C.Y, 2009, Particle shape manipulation and optimization in cooling crystallization involving multiple crystal morphological forms, AIChE Journal, 55(8), 2049-2061
- Wang, X.Z.*, Ma, C.Y., 2009, Morphological population balance model in principal component space, AIChE Journal, 55(9), 2370-2381
- Ma, C.Y., Wang, X.Z.*, 2009, Inductive data mining based on genetic programming: Automatic generation of decision trees from data for process historical data analysis, Comput & Chem Eng, 33(10), 1602-1616
- Wang, X.Z.*, Liu, L., Li, R.F., Tweedie, R.J., Primrose, K., Corbett, J., McNeil-Watson, F.K., 2009, Online characterisation of nanoparticle suspensions using dynamic light scattering, ultrasound spectroscopy and process tomography, Chem Eng Res & Des, 87(6), 874-884
- Wang, X.Z.*, Perston, B., Yang, Y., Lin, T., Darr, J.A., 2009, Robust QSAR model development in high-throughput catalyst discovery based on genetic parameter optimization, Chem Eng Res & Des, 87(10), 1420-1429
- Ma, C.Y., Wang, X.Z*., 2008, Crystal growth rate dispersion modeling using morphological population balance, AIChE Journal, 54(9),2321-2334
- Wang, X.Z.*, Roberts, K.J., Ma, C., 2008, Crystal growth measurement using 2D and 3D imaging and the perspectives for shape control, Chem Eng Sci, 63(5), 1173-1184
- Ma, C.Y., Wang, X.Z.*, Roberts, K.J., 2008, Morphological population balance for modeling crystal growth in face directions, AIChE Journal 54(1), 209-222
- Wang, X.Z.*, Calderon De Anda, J., Roberts, K.J., 2007, Real-time measurement of the growth rates of individual crystal facets using imaging and image analysis: A feasibility study on needle-shaped crystals of L-glutamic acid, Chem Eng Res & Design, 85 A, 921-927
- Li, R.F., Thomson, G.B., White, G., Wang, X.Z.*, Calderon De Anda, J., Roberts, K.J., 2006, Integration of crystal morphology modeling and on-line shape measurement, AIChE Journal, 52(6),2297-2305
- Calderon De Anda, J., Wang, X.Z.*, Lai, X., Roberts, K.J., 2005, Classifying organic crystals via in-process image analysis and the use of monitoring charts to follow polymorphic and morphological changes, J Process Control, 15(7), 785-797
- Buontempo, F.V., Wang, X.Z.*, Mwense, M., Horan, N., Young, A., Osborn, D., 2005, Genetic programming for the induction of decision trees to model ecotoxicity data, J Chem Infor & Modeling, 45(4), 904-912
- De Calderon Anda, J., Wang, X.Z.*, Lai, X., Roberts, K.J., Jennings, K.H., Wilkinson, M.J., Watson, D., Roberts, D., 2005, Real-time product morphology monitoring in crystallization using imaging technique, AIChE Journal, 51(5), 1406-1414
- De Calderon Anda, J., Wang, X.Z.*, Roberts, K.J.,2005,Multi-scale segmentation image analysis for the in-process monitoring of particle shape with batch crystallisers, Chem Eng Sci, 60, 1053-1065
- Albazzaz, H., Wang, X.Z.*, 2004, Statistical process control charts for batch operations based on independent component analysis, Ind & Eng Chem Res, 43(21), 6731-6741
- Mwense, M., Wang, X.Z.*, Buontempo, F.V., Horan, N., Young, A., Osborn, D., 2004, Prediction of noninteractive mixture toxicity of organic compounds based on a fuzzy set method, J Chem Infor & Computer Sci, 44(5),1763-1773
- Chen, J., Wang, X.Z.*, 2001, A new approach to near-infrared spectral data analysis using independent component analysis, J Chem Infor and Computer Sciences 41(4), 992-1001
- Garcia-Flores, R., Wang, X.Z.*, Goltz, G.E., 2000, Agent-based information flow for process industries' supply chain modeling, Computers and Chem Eng, 24(2-7), 1135-1141
- Chen, B.H., Wang, X.Z.*, Yang, S.H., McGreavy, C, 1999, Application of wavelets and neural networks to diagnostic system development, 2, an integrated framework and its application, Computers and Chem Eng, 23(7),945-954
- Chen, B.H., Wang, X.Z.*, Yang, S.H., McGreavy, C, 1999, Application of wavelets and neural networks to diagnostic system development, 1, feature extraction, Comput Chem Eng, 23(7), 899-906.
- Wang, X.Z., 1999, Data Mining and Knowledge Discovery for Process Monitoring and Control, Springer, London, New York.
IV. Patents
- Wang Xuezhong, Ma Caiyun, Liu Jingjing, Stereo imaging measurement system and method for crystal 3D facet growth kinetics, Chinese National Invention Patent, CN103575734B, 2016.06.08.
- Wang Xuezhong, Ma Caiyun, Liu Jingjing, Probe-type online stereo imaging detection system and method, Chinese National Invention Patent, CN103558129B, 2016.02.24.
- Wang Xuezhong, Liu Wenjing, Liu Jingjing, Device and method for continuous rapid reactive crystallization to improve crystal stability, Chinese National Invention Patent, CN103551100A, 2015.10.28.
- Yu Shuai, Zhang Yang, Wang Xuezhong, Luo Chun, Fu Haiyan, Liu Xiaohong, Liu Danqing, Method for rapid quantitative prediction of drug stability, Chinese National Invention Patent, CN107255646A, 2018.9.14.