Zhen Zhang has been long engaged in the research of nanoscale ion flow and related interfacial phenomena, with applications encompassing separation, sensing, and energy conversion. The main research directions include: (1) Symmetric and asymmetric design of biomimetic multi-dimensional nanochannel membranes; (2) Investigation and regulation of water and ion transport behavior in confined nanochannels; (3) Construction of smart nanofluidic ion diodes, ion gating, and ion pump membranes; (4) Nanofluidic energy conversion system. His research centers on the fundamental scientific question regarding precisely regulating ion transport within nano-confined spaces. Drawing inspiration from the structure and function of the ion channels in living organisms, he constructed a series of bioinspired ion channel and ion pump membranes and elucidated the synergistic effects of channel structure, charge distribution, and surface wettability on the ion transport dynamics. Zhen Zhang has integrated energy conversion mechanisms observed in living organisms into artificial micro-nano channels, leading to the development of high-performance osmotic energy conversion system based on multiscale materials including 1D, 2D, and their hybrids.