Prof. Huifang Xu
Professor, MSA Fellow
University of Wisconsin – Madison
USA
Biography
Prof. Huifang Xu received his PhD degree from The John’s Hopkins University in field of Mineralogy and Crystallography. He completed postdoctoral studies at Arizona State University in area of electron crystallography. Dr. Xu is a Faculty member in the Department of Geoscience and Materials Science Program at the University of Wisconsin – Madison. His research interests are studies of incommensurately modulated structures and nano-phase structures using e-beam imaging, X-ray diffraction, and neutron scattering methods. He has published more than 100 papers in fields of mineralogy, crystallography, and inorganic materials. Dr. Xu is an elected fellow of Mineralogical Society of America.
Research Interest
My research focuses on interdisciplinary study of (1) crystal chemistry of clays, rock-forming minerals, and nano-crystals; (2) role of nanopore in controlling geochemical reactions; (3) roles of microbes in controlling mineral shape, structure, and compositions; (4) mineral interface-induced carbonate mineralization: a fundamental process relevant to carbon sequestration; (5) Formation mechanism of banded iron formation (BIF) and dolomite / dolomitization; and (6) functional minerals for environment clean up and renewable energy applications.