Cheng Gong | Perovskite Solar Cell | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Cheng Gong | Perovskite Solar Cell | Best Researcher Award

Deputy Director of the Department of Energy and Physics at Jiangxi University of Science and Technology, China

Cheng Gong is a dedicated researcher in the realm of perovskite solar cells ☀️🔬, having completed a Ph.D. in Optical Engineering at Chongqing University under Prof. Zhigang Zang. His academic foundation includes a Master’s in Chemical Engineering from Nanchang University, where he explored photocatalysis and electrocatalysis ⚗️⚡, and a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering and Technology. Cheng’s prolific publication record in Nature Energy, Nature Communications, and Advanced Materials reflects his contributions to next-gen photovoltaic technologies 📚🌱. His research elegantly integrates 2D/3D heterojunctions, fullerene electron transport layers, and advanced doping mechanisms, culminating in world-class device efficiencies above 26% 🏆. With an interest in solar-to-chemical energy conversion, Cheng bridges material science with device physics to address real-world energy challenges 🔋🌍. His passion for clean energy innovation and scientific rigor makes him a rising star in sustainable materials research 🌟🔧.

Professional Profile

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🎓 Education 

Cheng Gong’s academic trajectory is a fusion of optics and chemistry, structured by prestigious institutions and visionary mentors 📘🎓. He embarked on his doctoral journey (2020–2024) in Optical Engineering at Chongqing University, supervised by Prof. Zhigang Zang, where he advanced inverted NiOx-based perovskite solar cell research 🌞🧪. His Master’s (2016–2019) at Nanchang University focused on photocatalysis and electrocatalysis, mentored by Prof. Jun Du, merging catalysis and sustainability. Earlier, Cheng laid his scientific foundation with a Bachelor’s (2011–2015) in Chemical Engineering and Technology, also at Nanchang University 🧫🛠️. Each phase of his education contributed to a multidisciplinary arsenal, empowering him to tackle materials design, interface engineering, and advanced photovoltaic physics 🔍📊. His cross-disciplinary training has been instrumental in pushing the boundaries of clean energy conversion technologies. This solid academic lineage has prepared Cheng to thrive at the interface of material science, photophysics, and device engineering 🧠🚀.

💼 Professional Experience 

Though early in his professional path, Cheng Gong has accumulated a wealth of hands-on research experience that rivals seasoned scientists 🔧📈. At Chongqing University, Cheng immersed himself in the fabrication and physics of methylammonium-free NiOx-based inverted perovskite solar cells, refining device efficiency through innovative material engineering ⚙️📐. His work on PCBM electron transport layers, particularly n-doping via photoinduced radicals and metal-ligand coordination, showcases his advanced understanding of charge dynamics and interfacial chemistry 🌡️🔋. He has actively contributed to over eight peer-reviewed publications, many in top-tier journals, reflecting both his technical finesse and collaborative spirit 🧾🤝. His innovations have pushed power conversion efficiencies past 26%, incorporating sustainable materials and scalable methods. Through hands-on experimentation, device architecture design, and precise material synthesis, Cheng has cultivated a versatile toolkit applicable to both academia and industry. He exemplifies the modern researcher: innovative, detail-driven, and impact-focused 🔬🏭.

🔬 Research Interests

Cheng Gong’s research interests revolve around advanced solar energy harvesting and device physics, particularly inverted perovskite solar cells ☀️🧲. He investigates how carrier transport balance, multiple exciton dynamics, and interface engineering influence solar cell performance. Cheng is passionate about developing hybrid devices that combine photovoltaic and electrochemical processes to realize efficient solar-to-chemical energy conversion 🌿⚡. His recent work on 2D/3D heterojunctions, n-doping of PCBM, and coordination chemistry at the electrode interface highlights his drive to solve both fundamental and practical challenges in next-gen photovoltaics. He is equally interested in material optimization for scalability, stability, and environmental safety 🧪🌎. Cheng’s forward-looking vision includes integrating solar technologies into sustainable energy systems and deepening our understanding of interfacial carrier dynamics. Through his multifaceted research, he aims to accelerate the transition toward clean, renewable energy technologies for a greener future 🔋🛠️.

🏅 Awards and Honors 

Cheng Gong’s research achievements have garnered international recognition, as evidenced by multiple publications in high-impact journals such as Nature Energy, Nature Communications, and Advanced Materials 📚🏆. Although at the early stages of his career, he has co-authored several breakthrough papers, including first-author contributions that demonstrate his leadership and innovation in perovskite solar cell research 🌟🖊️. His work on homogenized PCBM, silver-coordination doping, and single quantum well 2D perovskites has not only improved device performance but also set new benchmarks in efficiency and stability. Cheng’s solar cells have achieved certified power conversion efficiencies exceeding 25%, placing him at the forefront of photovoltaic research 🚀⚡. These accomplishments reflect both technical excellence and the global relevance of his work. As his career advances, Cheng is poised to receive further accolades for his pioneering research in energy materials and device engineering 🏅🔍.

Publications Top Notes 

1. Direct Z-scheme CdTe/g-C₃N₄ van der Waals heterojunction for enhanced solar-to-hydrogen efficiency and spontaneous photocatalytic water splitting

  • Authors: Not specified

  • Year: 2025

  • Citation: Molecular Catalysis, 2025-07, Article 115170

  • DOI: 10.1016/j.mcat.2025.115170

  • Source: Crossref

  • Summary: This study reports a direct Z-scheme heterojunction formed by CdTe and graphitic carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄) via van der Waals forces to enhance charge separation and solar-to-hydrogen conversion efficiency. The system enables spontaneous photocatalytic water splitting under visible light without sacrificial agents, highlighting its potential in sustainable hydrogen production.


2. Recent advances in interfacial engineering for high-efficiency perovskite photovoltaics

  • Authors: Zhijie Wang, Cheng Gong, Cong Zhang, Chenxu Zhao, Tzu-Sen Su, Haiyun Li, Hong Zhang

  • Year: 2025

  • Citation: DeCarbon, Volume 8, Article 100107

  • DOI: 10.1016/j.decarb.2025.100107

  • Source: ScienceDirect

  • Summary: This review highlights recent strategies in interfacial engineering to improve perovskite solar cells‘ efficiency and stability. Techniques such as surface passivation, interface modification, and novel materials design are discussed as critical factors for advancing commercial viability.


3. Molecular polymerization strategy for stable perovskite solar cells with low lead leakage

  • Authors: Not specified

  • Year: 2025

  • Citation: Science Advances, 2025-05-09

  • DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.ado7318

  • Source: Crossref

  • Summary: This paper introduces a molecular polymerization approach to enhance the mechanical stability of perovskite layers, effectively reducing lead leakage—a major environmental concern—while maintaining high photovoltaic performance.


4. Supramolecular host-guest complexation creates a “lead cage” for efficient and eco-friendly perovskite solar cells

  • Authors: Not specified

  • Year: 2025

  • Citation: Nano Energy, Volume 134, Article 110547

  • DOI: 10.1016/j.nanoen.2024.110547

  • Source: ScienceDirect

  • Summary: This study designs supramolecular host molecules that encapsulate lead ions in perovskite films, forming a “lead cage” that minimizes lead toxicity and leakage, improving the environmental safety and durability of perovskite solar cells.


5. High solar-to-hydrogen efficiency in Z-scheme AlN/GaO heterojunctions for visible light water splitting

  • Authors: L. Liu, N. Zhou, T. Chen, C. Gong, L. Wang, K. Dong, L. Xu

  • Year: 2025

  • Citation: Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics, 27, 7740–7752

  • DOI: 10.1039/D5CP00283D

  • Source: RSC Publishing

  • Summary: The paper reports Z-scheme heterojunctions of AlN and GaO demonstrating efficient charge transfer and enhanced visible-light photocatalytic water splitting, suggesting a promising route for solar hydrogen production with high stability and activity.


6. Efficient and stable inverted perovskite solar cells enabled by homogenized PCBM with enhanced electron transport

  • Authors: Not specified

  • Year: 2024

  • Citation: Nature Communications, 2024-10-23

  • DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-53283-5

  • Source: Crossref

  • Summary: This work demonstrates a homogenized PCBM (electron transport layer) design that improves electron mobility and interface stability, resulting in high efficiency and long-term stability in inverted perovskite solar cells.


7. Silver coordination-induced n-doping of PCBM for stable and efficient inverted perovskite solar cells

  • Authors: Cheng Gong, Haiyun Li, Huaxin Wang, Cong Zhang, et al.

  • Year: 2024

  • Citation: Nature Communications, 15:4922

  • DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49395-7

  • Source: PubMed Central

  • Summary: The authors reveal how silver coordination can induce n-doping in PCBM, significantly enhancing electron transport and stability in inverted perovskite solar cells, advancing performance and device lifetime.


8. Functional-Group-Induced Single Quantum Well Dion–Jacobson 2D Perovskite for Efficient and Stable Inverted Perovskite Solar Cells

  • Authors: Cheng Gong, Xihan Chen, Jie Zeng, Huaxin Wang, Haiyun Li, et al.

  • Year: 2024

  • Citation: Advanced Materials, 36(8), Article 2307422

  • DOI: 10.1002/adma.202307422

  • Source: Wiley Online Library

  • Summary: This paper introduces a novel Dion–Jacobson 2D perovskite structure modified with functional groups, forming a single quantum well that enhances charge confinement and stability, yielding highly efficient inverted perovskite solar cells.


9. Stabilizing Buried Interface via Synergistic Effect of Fluorine and Sulfonyl Functional Groups Toward Efficient and Stable Perovskite Solar Cells

  • Authors: Cheng Gong, Cong Zhang, Qixin Zhuang, Haiyun Li, Hua Yang, et al.

  • Year: 2023

  • Citation: Nano-Micro Letters, 15:17

  • DOI: 10.1007/s40820-022-00992-5

  • Source: SpringerLink

  • Summary: The study highlights how fluorine and sulfonyl functional groups synergistically stabilize buried interfaces in perovskite solar cells, improving device efficiency and long-term operational stability.


10. 2D/3D heterojunction engineering at the buried interface towards high-performance inverted methylammonium-free perovskite solar cells

  • Authors: Not specified

  • Year: 2023

  • Citation: Nature Energy

  • DOI: 10.1038/S41560-023-01295-8

  • Source: Web of Science

  • Summary: This article investigates 2D/3D perovskite heterojunctions engineered at the buried interface to enhance charge extraction and reduce recombination, leading to improved performance and stability in methylammonium-free inverted perovskite solar cells.

📌 Conclusion 

Cheng Gong stands as a promising figure in the field of clean energy and perovskite photovoltaics, blending deep academic training with an impressive publication footprint 📘⚡. His commitment to sustainable energy solutions is reflected in his exploration of high-efficiency, stable solar devices and innovative charge transport strategies. By mastering both the fundamental science and practical device engineering, Cheng has positioned himself as a bridge between academic theory and technological application 🔧🔬. With eyes set on the future, he envisions multifunctional energy systems that integrate solar harvesting with electrochemical processes, enhancing both efficiency and utility 🌞🔋. As he moves forward, Cheng Gong’s dynamic, cross-disciplinary research ethos and impactful contributions to energy conversion technology will continue to shape the field of photovoltaic innovation. He embodies the qualities of the next-generation scientific leader: visionary, meticulous, and dedicated to a sustainable world 🌍💡.

Hassan Md. Naveed Anzum | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Hassan Md. Naveed Anzum | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Assistant Professor at Jashore University of Science and Technology, Bangladesh

Hassan Md. Naveed Anzum 🎓 is an Assistant Professor at Jashore University of Science and Technology (JUST), Bangladesh 🇧🇩. With a strong academic foundation in Environmental Science 🌿 and Disaster Management 🌪️, he has dedicated his career to understanding and addressing climate-related challenges. Hassan’s research focuses on climate change adaptation, hydro-meteorological hazards, and public health risks due to environmental factors. Passionate about education 📘, he has taught and mentored undergraduate students while actively collaborating on research. His dedication to academia and field-based studies has made him a promising voice in environmental resilience and sustainable development 🌍.

Professional Profile:

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🔹 Education & Experience 

📘 Education

  • 🎓 M.Sc. in Disaster Management, University of Dhaka (2013–2015) — CGPA: 3.82/4.00

  • 🌱 B.Sc. (Hons.) in Environmental Science, JUST (2009–2012) — CGPA: 3.81/4.00

💼 Professional Experience

  • 👨‍🏫 Assistant Professor, JUST (June 2023 – Present)

  • 📚 Lecturer, JUST (Dec 2020 – May 2023)

🔹 Professional Development 

Hassan Md. Naveed Anzum 🌟 has significantly contributed to academia through diverse teaching roles and active student mentorship at JUST 🎓. He has developed and delivered a variety of specialized undergraduate courses related to climate change, hazard risk, and disaster management 🌪️🧪. His efforts extend beyond the classroom—he supervises student research 📑, participates in collaborative research projects 🤝, and actively prepares funding proposals 💡. Hassan also integrates practical applications into his lectures, preparing students for real-world environmental challenges 🌏. His dynamic role as both an educator and a researcher demonstrates his commitment to academic excellence and societal resilience 🌱.

🔹 Research Focus 

Hassan’s research aligns with the category of Environmental and Disaster Risk Management 🌪️🌿. His interests center on climate change adaptation strategies, hydro-meteorological hazard analysis (like floods and cyclones) 🌊🌀, and community vulnerability and risk assessments 🧭. He also explores climate-smart agriculture 🌾, and water quality’s impact on public health 🧪🚰. His interdisciplinary approach integrates environmental science with public policy, sustainability, and health outcomes 🧬🏥. Through both academic and field-based research, Hassan contributes to advancing resilient systems that support vulnerable communities against the increasing threats of climate and environmental crises 🌍💧.

🔹 Awards & Honors 

🏅 Awards & Honors

  • 🎓 Merit Scholarship at JUST for ranking in the top 5% during B.Sc.

  • 🌐 General Member, Bangladesh Poribeshbid Society (ID: G-21062)

Publication Top Notes

1. Simulation and observation of tropical cyclone Sitrang: A comparative study using WRF-ARW model and geostationary satellite imagery

  • Journal: Natural Hazards Research

  • Published: April 2025

  • DOI: 10.1016/j.nhres.2025.04.004

  • Type: Journal article

  • Summary: This study uses the WRF-ARW model and satellite imagery to simulate and analyze the behavior of Cyclone Sitrang, comparing modeled outputs with observational data for better prediction and disaster preparedness.

2. Farmer’s Perception and Factors Influencing Adoption of Adaptation Measures to Cope with Climate Change: An Evidence from Coastal Bangladesh

  • Journal: Environment and Natural Resources Journal

  • Published: March 1, 2023

  • DOI: 10.32526/ennrj/21/202200186

  • ISSN: 1686-5456 / 2408-2384

  • Type: Journal article

  • Summary: This paper investigates how coastal farmers perceive climate change and what factors influence their adoption of adaptation strategies, providing policy-relevant insights.

3. Changing Dynamics of River Ecosystem from Aquatic to Terrestrial: A Case of Bhairab River, Jashore, Bangladesh

  • Journal: Watershed Ecology and the Environment (Preprint via SSRN)

  • Year: 2023

  • DOI: 10.2139/ssrn.4339614

  • Type: Preprint

  • Summary: This preprint discusses how the Bhairab River’s ecosystem is shifting from aquatic to terrestrial, analyzing hydrological and ecological data to explore environmental degradation and its drivers.

4. Water Supply and Sanitation Status in Jashore Municipality, Bangladesh

  • Journal: Environmental and Biological Research

  • Published: June 18, 2019

  • Type: Journal article

  • Summary: The study evaluates the current state of water supply and sanitation in Jashore Municipality, identifying gaps in infrastructure and service delivery.

5. Assessment of Supplied Water Quality at Jashore Municipality (Pourashava), Bangladesh

  • Journal: Bangladesh Journal of Environmental Research

  • Published: October 14, 2012

  • Type: Journal article

  • Summary: This paper presents an assessment of the chemical and microbial quality of municipal water in Jashore, highlighting risks to public health and recommending improvement strategies.

Conclusion

Hassan Md. Naveed Anzum is a promising early-career researcher with a solid foundation in environmental and disaster science. While his academic and teaching credentials are excellent, his profile would be best suited for awards recognizing emerging talent, young researchers, or early-career contributions, rather than a top-tier “Best Researcher Award” typically reserved for individuals with extensive peer-reviewed publications and international impact.

If he builds a portfolio of high-quality publications and secures competitive research funding in the near future, he will become a strong candidate for more prestigious recognitions.

Rafael García Gutiérrez | Solar Energy | Excellence in Innovation Award

Prof. Rafael García Gutiérrez | Solar Energy | Excellence in Innovation Award

Departamento de Investigación en Física at Universidad de Sonora, Mexico

Rafael García Gutiérrez is a full-time professor and senior researcher at the Universidad de Sonora 🇲🇽, specializing in optoelectronic materials, solar energy, and lithium-ion batteries ☀🔋. He is a Level 2 Researcher in Mexico’s National System of Researchers (SNI) 🏅 and holds a PRODEP profile (RO2023). With a Ph.D. in Materials Science from UNAM-CICESE 🎓, he has postdoctoral experience at Arizona State University 🇺🇸. His work includes solar cells, hydrogen photovoltaics, and electroluminescent devices. He has led national energy initiatives, served as President of the National Solar Energy Association, and actively collaborates in renewable energy research 🌱⚡.

Professional Profile

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Education & Experience 🎓💼

Education 📚

Ph.D. in Materials Science – UNAM-CICESE, 2001 🧪
M.Sc. in Materials Science – UNAM-CICESE, 1998 🔬
B.Sc. in Chemical Engineering – Instituto Tecnológico de Sonora, 1989 🏭

Experience 🏢

🔹 2008 – Present: Professor-Researcher, Universidad de Sonora 🎓🔬
🔹 2024 – 2025: Sabbatical at the Instituto de Energías Renovables-UNAM ☀🏡
🔹 2015 – 2016: Sabbatical at the Centro de Nanociencias y Nanotecnología, UNAM 🏗⚛
🔹 2004 – 2008: Researcher, Department of Physics, Arizona State University 🇺🇸
🔹 2002 – 2004: Postdoctoral Fellow, Arizona State University 🔍
🔹 1997 – 2002: Lecturer, Universidad de Baja California 🎓
🔹 1990 – 1997: Operations Manager, PEMEX 🏭⚡
🔹 1988 – 1990: Oil Extraction Plant Supervisor, GAMESA 🌿🛢

Professional Development 📈🏆

Rafael García Gutiérrez has built a strong academic and research career in solar energy, battery storage, and advanced optoelectronic materials 🌞🔋. His expertise spans nanomaterials, photovoltaics, and hydrogen energy systems ⚛⚡. He has conducted multiple international research stays, including at Arizona State University (6 years) and the University of California, San Diego (1 year) 🌍🔬. His leadership extends to national and international energy organizations, including serving as President of the National Solar Energy Association (ANES) 🏅☀. He has also been a technical advisor for renewable energy policies in Mexico and is actively involved in research collaborations on sustainable energy solutions 🌱⚡.

Research Focus 🔍🔬

His research focuses on renewable energy and optoelectronic materials 🌞⚡. He works on:
Solar energy conversion and photovoltaic hydrogen production ☀🔋
Lithium-ion batteries and next-generation energy storage systems 🔋🔬
Electroluminescent materials for lighting and displays 💡📱
Synthesis and characterization of nanomaterials, including nanodiamonds, III-nitrides, and complex oxides 🏗🧪
✔ Development of high-efficiency solar cells and sustainable energy technologies ⚡🌍

Awards & Honors 🏅🎖

🏆 President, National Solar Energy Association (2022 – 2024) ☀
🏅 Level 2 Researcher, CONACYT SNI (2022) 🔬
🏆 Vice President, National Solar Energy Association (2020 – 2022) ☀
🥇 Poster Award 1st Place, XLI National Solar Energy Week (2017) 📜
🎓 Fulbright García-Robles Fellowship, Arizona State University (2013) 🇺🇸
📚 CONACYT Postdoctoral Fellowship, Arizona State University (2002) 🔬
📖 CONACYT Mixed Fellowship, University of California San Diego (1999) 🎓

Publication Top Notes

  1. CdS Thin Films Doped with Ag by Ion Exchange

    • Authors: SR Ferrá-González, D Berman-Mendoza, R García-Gutiérrez, SJ Castillo, et al.
    • Journal: Optik, 2014
    • Citations: 48
    • Summary: Investigates the optical and structural properties of CdS thin films doped with Ag using ion exchange. This study is important for optoelectronic applications.
  2. Low-Temperature Hot Filament CVD of Ultrananocrystalline Diamond Films

    • Authors: JJ Alcantar-Peña, J Montes, MJ Arellano-Jimenez, JEO Aguilar, et al.
    • Journal: Diamond and Related Materials, 2016
    • Citations: 44
    • Summary: Examines the deposition of ultrananocrystalline diamond films with adjustable sheet resistance for electronic power device applications.
  3. Single ZnO Nanowire-Based Gas Sensors for Hydrogen Detection

    • Authors: MN Cardoza-Contreras, JM Romo-Herrera, LA Ríos, R García-Gutiérrez, et al.
    • Journal: Sensors, 2015
    • Citations: 43
    • Summary: Develops and tests a ZnO nanowire-based gas sensor capable of detecting low hydrogen concentrations.
  4. Photoluminescence of Cerium-Doped ZnO Nanorods

    • Authors: JL Cervantes-López, R Rangel, J Espino, E Martínez, R García-Gutiérrez, et al.
    • Journal: Applied Physics A, 2017
    • Citations: 28
    • Summary: Explores the photoluminescence properties of cerium-doped ZnO nanorods grown via atomic layer deposition and hydrothermal methods.
  5. Afterglow, Thermoluminescence, and Optical Properties of Diamond Films

    • Authors: JA Montes-Gutiérrez, JJ Alcantar-Peña, E de Obaldia, NJ Zúñiga-Rivera, et al.
    • Journal: Diamond and Related Materials, 2018
    • Citations: 22
    • Summary: Characterizes micro-, nano-, and ultrananocrystalline diamond films grown on silicon using hot filament CVD.