Zhang is professor at Tsinghua University. He received his B. S. (1978) from Peking University. He studied Solid State Chemistry and Materials Science in University of Bordeaux I (France) and received a PhD in 1993 in France. He makes great contributions to the fundamental research and application of rare-earth functional materials. His awards include: The 2nd Class of National Natural Science Award, China; Outstanding Youth Scholar Award by Hong Kong Qiushi Scientific and Technological Foundation, Hong Kong; and Gold Kangaroo World Innovation Award, Australia. His membership includes: Chinese Academy of Sciences; Chinese Chemical Society; American Chemical Society; Royal Society of Chemistry, UK; and Chinese Society of Rare Earths.

Tang is emeritus professor in the department of optical engineering at Zhejiang University in Hangzhou, China; former chairman, Optical Coatings Speciality Association of China; and member of the dditorial board of Acta Optica Sinica and Acta Photonica Sinica. His research has resulted in significant contributions to computer aided design of optical multilayer systems, specifically in applied optics. His awards include: Award of Science and Technology Progress, First Rank; Chinese National Outstanding Expert in Science and Technology; Chinese National Award in Natural Science, Fourth Rank, State Science and Technology Committee; and the Chinese National Invention Prize, Fourth Rank. He was former vice president of the Zhejiang Provincial Association of Science and Technology and former Vice President of the Zhenjiang University.