Lei Zhao | Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Lei Zhao | Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

Associate professor at Longdong University, China

Dr. Zhao Lei is an Associate Professor at the School of Materials Engineering, Longdong University, with a solid foundation in polymer materials and advanced battery technologies. 🎓 Currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Materials Science at Lanzhou University of Technology, he has earned a Master’s in Materials Processing and a Bachelor’s in Polymer Materials Engineering. 🧪 His research is centered on the failure mechanisms and electrolyte affinity of metal electrodes in metal-based batteries. Over the past five years, he has led multiple cutting-edge projects funded by provincial and municipal agencies, focusing on fast-charging hard carbon anodes and novel carbon fiber membranes for sodium-ion and zinc-based energy storage systems. ⚡ His career progression from assistant lecturer to associate professor reflects his dedication and growth in academic research. 📚 Dr. Zhao’s contributions are paving the way for innovations in sustainable energy storage, making him a strong contender for any prestigious research award. 🏆

Professional Profile 

Orcid

Scopus

🎓 Education

Zhao Lei has built an impressive academic background tailored toward materials science and engineering. 📘 He began his journey with a Bachelor’s degree in Polymer Materials and Engineering from Taishan University (2006–2010), establishing his expertise in macromolecular structures. He then pursued a Master’s in Materials Processing Engineering at Lanzhou University of Technology (2010–2013), where he specialized in materials fabrication and behavior. 🔬 Currently, he is a Ph.D. candidate in Materials Science at the same institution, diving deeper into energy materials, particularly those used in batteries and electrochemical systems. 🔋 This progressive academic path showcases a consistent focus on materials innovation and sustainability. His education blends theoretical knowledge with practical application, laying the groundwork for advanced research in battery failure mechanisms and energy storage materials. Zhao Lei’s dedication to continuous learning and specialized education demonstrates his commitment to academic and technological excellence. 🧑‍🎓

👨‍🏫 Professional Experience

Zhao Lei’s professional trajectory at Longdong University is a testament to his dedication and evolving expertise. 📈 Beginning as a Teaching Assistant in 2013, he steadily advanced through roles in the School of Mechanical Engineering and the School of Intelligent Manufacturing, ultimately becoming an Associate Professor in the School of Materials Engineering by 2024. 🏫 His teaching and research roles span over a decade, during which he has mentored students and engaged in forward-thinking research projects in materials and battery engineering. His cross-disciplinary teaching experience, from mechanical foundations to smart manufacturing, reflects his ability to adapt to emerging educational needs and integrate materials science across domains. ⚙️ Now, in his current role, Zhao is deeply engaged in pioneering studies on electrode materials, with an emphasis on real-world applications in energy storage. His career arc demonstrates resilience, leadership, and academic maturity. 💼

🔬 Research Interest

Zhao Lei’s research is driven by the pressing need for efficient and stable energy storage solutions. 🌍 His primary focus lies in understanding the failure mechanisms of metal anodes in metal-based batteries—a crucial factor in the longevity and safety of next-generation battery systems. 🔋 He also investigates how electrode materials interact with electrolytes, particularly enhancing electrolyte affinity to suppress battery degradation. His projects include studies on asphalt-based hard carbon for fast-charging sodium-ion batteries and zinc-metal anode stabilization for aqueous systems. 💡 He explores cutting-edge techniques such as hierarchical porous carbon microspheres and nanostructured carbon fiber membranes for supercapacitors and energy storage. These research themes not only address current industrial challenges but also align with global efforts toward green and sustainable energy technology. ⚡ Zhao’s work bridges theoretical chemistry and industrial-scale innovation, highlighting his capability as a forward-looking energy materials scientist. 🌱

🏅 Awards and Honors

Although specific award titles are not listed, Zhao Lei has received consistent support and recognition through competitive research grants from the Gansu Provincial Science and Technology Department and the Qingyang Science and Technology Bureau. 📑 The successful leadership of four funded research projects, including high-profile key R&D initiatives and natural science foundation programs, reflects trust in his scientific vision and execution skills. 💼 These grants are highly selective, signaling his capacity to design impactful studies, secure funding, and deliver valuable results. His progression to Associate Professor is itself an academic honor, recognizing both his scholarly contributions and institutional service. 🏆 While formal accolades may follow, Zhao Lei’s growing portfolio of research and grants already positions him as a leader in his field. His career continues to gain momentum, and he is well-poised to achieve further distinctions in battery technology and materials science. 🧠

📚 Publications Top Note 

1. Intercalation mechanism of surfactants in vanadium pentoxides interlayer framework for improving electrochemical performance of zinc metal batteries

  • Authors: [Names not provided; likely includes the user or research team]

  • Year: 2025

  • Citations: 0

  • Source: Journal of Alloys and Compounds

  • Summary:
    This study investigates how surfactant molecules can be intercalated into vanadium pentoxide (V₂O₅) layers to improve the structural stability and electrochemical performance of zinc metal batteries. The modified framework enhances zinc ion diffusion and cycle life.

2. Controllable Nitrogen-Doped Hollow Carbon Nano-Cage Structures as Supercapacitor Electrode Materials

  • Authors: [Names not provided]

  • Year: 2025

  • Citations: 0

  • Source: Molecules

  • Summary:
    The paper reports the synthesis of nitrogen-doped hollow carbon nano-cages. Their high surface area and tailored pore structure make them promising electrode materials for high-performance supercapacitors with enhanced capacitance and cycling stability.

3. Lithium ion mediated competitive mechanism in polymer solution for fast phase-inversion toward advanced porous electrode materials

  • Authors: [Names not provided]

  • Year: 2025

  • Citations: 1

  • Source: Energy Storage Materials

  • Summary:
    This article presents a novel lithium-ion-driven mechanism in polymer solutions that accelerates phase inversion to create highly porous electrode structures. These are beneficial for applications requiring fast ion transport in batteries or supercapacitors.

4. Improving diffusion kinetics of zinc ions/stabilizing zinc anode by molecular slip mechanism and anchoring effect in supramolecular zwitterionic hydrogels

  • Authors: [Names not provided]

  • Year: 2025

  • Citations: 1

  • Source: Journal of Colloid and Interface Science

  • Summary:
    This research explores the use of zwitterionic hydrogels to enhance zinc ion mobility and stabilize zinc anodes. The “molecular slip” mechanism and anchoring interactions within the hydrogel matrix reduce dendrite formation and improve cycling performance.

5. Enhanced charge separation in a CoOx@CdS core-shell heterostructure by photodeposited amorphous CoOx for highly efficient hydrogen production

  • Authors: [Names not provided]

  • Year: 2025

  • Citations: 0

  • Source: New Journal of Chemistry

  • Summary:
    This article details the fabrication of a CoOx@CdS core-shell heterostructure with amorphous CoOx photodeposited on the surface. This structure improves charge carrier separation and transfer, enabling more efficient photocatalytic hydrogen evolution.

✅ Conclusion

Zhao Lei is a rising star in the field of materials science and electrochemical energy storage. 🌟 His educational foundation, professional journey, and focused research interests position him at the forefront of sustainable battery innovation. With over a decade of teaching and research experience, he has successfully transitioned into a leadership role within academia, simultaneously contributing to fundamental research and real-world energy applications. 🔄 His grant acquisition and active research trajectory make him a promising candidate for future collaborations, industrial partnerships, and academic awards. As energy challenges mount globally, Zhao’s work on metal anode stabilization and advanced carbon materials holds the potential to impact both science and society. 🌐 He exemplifies the qualities of a best researcher awardee—dedicated, innovative, and impactful. 🏅

Kriti Ranjan Sahu | Material Science | Best Researcher Award

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Assist. Prof. Dr .Kriti Ranjan Sahu | Material Science | Best Researcher Award

Assistant Professor, Bhatter College, Dantan(Autonomous), India

Dr. Kriti Ranjan Sahu is an accomplished physicist and academic leader with a track record of novel research in piezoelectricity, superconductivity, optical materials, and bio-physics. His multifaceted experience, spanning material synthesis to device application, reflects deep scientific rigor and societal relevance. His innovations have the potential for technological translation in energy, defense, and industrial applications. Furthermore, his leadership role as HOD and teaching legacy contribute to knowledge dissemination.

Professional Profile

🎓 Education Background

Dr. Kriti Ranjan Sahu earned his Ph.D. in Physics from Jadavpur University in January 2016 under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Udayan De, a former senior scientist at VECC, Kolkata. His doctoral thesis, titled “Study of some piezoelectric and other oxides and of their polymeric composites for applications,” focused on developing advanced functional materials. He completed his M.Sc. in Physics from G.G.D. University, Bilaspur in 2004 with a commendable score of 64.39%. His foundational studies include a B.Sc. in Physics from P.K. College, Contai under Vidyasagar University, and school-level education from Tickrapara Ambikyamoye High School in West Bengal.

🧑‍🏫 Teaching & Academic Experience

Dr. Sahu currently serves as the Assistant Professor and Head of the Department of Physics at Bhatter College, Dantan (Autonomous), Paschim Medinipur, West Bengal, a position he has held since December 11, 2019. Previously, he served as a Government-approved part-time teacher (now SACT) in the Department of Physics at Egra S.S.B. College, from August 2005 to December 2019, where he also led the department. His extensive teaching experience spans undergraduate and postgraduate levels, reflecting his commitment to physics education over two decades.

🧪 Research Expertise and Technical Skills

Dr. Kriti Ranjan Sahu possesses extensive expertise in experimental condensed matter physics, with a strong focus on material synthesis, characterization, and device applications. His core competencies include the preparation of advanced materials such as piezoelectric ceramics, optical glasses, EMI shielding composites, and high-temperature superconductors. He is skilled in a wide range of characterization techniques including X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-Visible spectroscopy, FTIR, SEM, TEM, Raman spectroscopy, fluorescence analysis, and thermal techniques like DSC, DTA, and TGA. Dr. Sahu has conducted low-temperature resistivity and magnetization measurements, dielectric property analysis, and electrical conductivity studies. His technical abilities extend to refractive index measurement using laser-based methods, as well as organic solar cell fabrication and testing. He has also worked with gamma and ion irradiation processes.

🏆 Awards & Recognitions

While the list of formal recognitions is still growing, Dr. Sahu’s innovations have earned academic distinction and publication in reputed journals, particularly in material physics and applied sciences. His interdisciplinary work has contributed both to fundamental physics and real-world applications, including imaging sensors for nuclear reactors and cost-effective educational lab setups.

Publication Top Notes

  • Title: Ferroelectric materials for high temperature piezoelectric applications
    Authors: U De, KR Sahu, A De
    Journal: Solid State Phenomena, Vol. 232, pp. 235–278
    Citations: 54
    Year: 2015

  • Title: Characterization of new natural cellulosic fibers from Cyperus compactus Retz. (Cyperaceae) Plant
    Authors: Anup Kumar Bhunia, Dheeman Mondal, Kriti Ranjan Sahu, Amal Kumar Mondal
    Journal: Carbohydrate Polymer Technologies and Applications, Vol. 5, 100286
    Citations: 29
    Year: 2023

  • Title: Structural characterization of orthorhombic and rhombohedral lead meta-niobate samples
    Authors: KR Chakraborty, KR Sahu, A De, U De
    Journal: Integrated Ferroelectrics, Vol. 120(1), pp. 102–113
    Citations: 29
    Year: 2010

  • Title: Thermal characterization of piezoelectric and non-piezoelectric Lead Meta-Niobate
    Authors: KR Sahu, U De
    Journal: Thermochimica Acta, Vol. 490(1–2), pp. 75–77
    Citations: 22
    Year: 2009

  • Title: Spectroscopic Investigation of Degradation Reaction Mechanism in γ-Rays Irradiation of HDPE
    Authors: SG Prasad, C Lal, KR Sahu, A Saha, U De
    Journal: Biointerface Research in Applied Chemistry, Vol. 11(2), pp. 9405–9419
    Citations: 19
    Year: 2021

  • Title: Dielectric Properties of PbNb₂O₆ up to 700°C from Impedance Spectroscopy
    Authors: KR Sahu, U De
    Journal: Journal of Materials, Vol. 2013(1), Article ID 702946
    Citations: 19
    Year: 2013

  • Title: Role of Nb₂O₅ phase in the formation of piezoelectric PbNb₂O₆
    Authors: KR Sahu, U De
    Journal: Thermochimica Acta, Vol. 589, pp. 25–30
    Citations: 17
    Year: 2014

  • Title: Dielectric and thermal investigations on PbNb₂O₆ in pure piezoelectric phase and pure non-piezoelectric phase
    Authors: U De, KR Sahu, KR Chakraborty, SK Pratihar
    Journal: Integrated Ferroelectrics, Vol. 119(1), pp. 96–109
    Citations: 16
    Year: 2010

  • Title: Synthesis and study of electroactive nanoparticles and their polymer composites for novel applications
    Authors: N Dutta Gupta, KR Sahu, I Das, A De, U De
    Journal: Indian Journal of Physics, Vol. 84, pp. 1413–1419
    Citations: 14
    Year: 2010

  • Title: Polymer Composites for Flexible Electromagnetic Shields
    Authors: KR Sahu, U De
    Journal: Macromolecular Symposia: Advance Science News, Vol. 381(1), Article 1800097
    Citations: 9
    Year: 2018

Conclusion 

Dr. Kriti Ranjan Sahu is highly suitable for the Best Researcher Award. His scientific excellence, interdisciplinary work, academic leadership, and innovation in material science align well with the award’s objectives. He represents a model researcher whose work pushes the boundaries of applied physics while contributing meaningfully to science, education, and industry. With minor steps to globalize his efforts and protect intellectual property, his profile would reach even greater heights.

Xuan Fang | Semiconductor Materials | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Xuan Fang | Semiconductor Materials | Best Researcher Award

Research Fellow at State Key Laboratory of High Power Semiconductor Lasers, School of Physics, Changchun University of Science and Technology, China.

Dr. Xuan Fang 🎓 is a dedicated Research Fellow at the State Key Laboratory of High Power Semiconductor Lasers, Changchun University of Science and Technology 🇨🇳. Specializing in advanced optoelectronic materials and devices 🔬, she focuses on structural engineering, low-dimensional materials, and MBE growth techniques ⚙️. Her pioneering monolayer-distributed epitaxy strategy has resolved key challenges in III–V alloy semiconductor growth 🧪. Dr. Fang’s innovations, including mid-IR emitting “superalloy” structures 💡, push the limits of bandgap engineering and open new pathways for next-generation photonic devices 🌐. She is also a prolific inventor with multiple national patents 🏅.

Professional Profile:

Scopus

🏆 Suitability for Best Researcher Award – Dr. Xuan Fang

Dr. Xuan Fang exhibits all the hallmarks of a top-tier researcher in the field of advanced optoelectronic materials and semiconductor device engineering. Her proven research leadership, technological innovation, and impactful contributions to semiconductor materials, MBE growth techniques, and mid-infrared photonics make her an ideal candidate for this prestigious recognition.

📘 Education & Experience

  • 🎓 Ph.D. in Optoelectronics or Physics – Specializing in semiconductor materials and nanotechnology.

  • 🧪 Research Fellow, State Key Lab of High Power Semiconductor Lasers, Changchun University of Science and Technology (Current).

  • 💼 Principal Investigator in over 10 national and regional research projects, including NSFC, China Postdoc Foundation, and industry collaborations.

  • 🧠 Expert in MBE growth, energy band prediction, low-dimensional materials, and mid-IR photonic devices.

  • 📈 Published multiple high-impact papers in SCI-indexed journals (e.g., Rare Metals, Nano Research).

  • 🛠️ Holds six national patents on semiconductor device structures and epitaxy methods.

🚀 Professional Development 

Dr. Xuan Fang’s professional journey is marked by innovative thinking and technological excellence 🎯. As Principal Investigator on numerous competitive projects 🎓, she has developed and led groundbreaking work on III-V superlattices, mid-IR lasers, and photodetectors 💡. She bridges fundamental science and real-world applications, contributing novel concepts like monolayer-distributed epitaxy and high-responsivity avalanche photodiodes 🔍. Through collaborative research and consistent experimentation, she fosters cutting-edge semiconductor advancements 🧪. Her dedication to research excellence, coupled with intellectual property creation 📑, reflects a career built on curiosity, precision, and scientific impact 🌍.

🔬 Research Focus Category

Dr. Fang’s research lies at the intersection of advanced semiconductor materials and device engineering ⚙️. Her focus spans low-dimensional systems, type-II superlattices, quantum heterostructures, and mid-infrared optoelectronics 🔦. She specializes in molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) to develop multicomponent alloy structures with high luminescence and carrier lifetimes 🌈. With deep expertise in energy band structure prediction and device integration, Dr. Fang addresses critical challenges in laser efficiency, detection precision, and material compatibility 🔍. Her work propels forward-thinking technologies in infrared imaging, sensing, and next-gen photonic integration 🚀.

🏆 Awards & Honors

  • 🧠 Principal Investigator for major NSFC and China Postdoc Foundation projects.

  • 🥇 Multiple national patents granted on novel epitaxy methods and optoelectronic devices.

  • 🧪 Recognized for pioneering mid-IR superalloy device structures.

  • 📊 Consistently publishes in high-impact journals indexed in SCI and Scopus.

  • 🏅 Leading innovator in semiconductor structural engineering and optoelectronic integration.

Publication Top Notes

1. Cu-Plasma-Induced Interfacial Engineering for Nanosecond Scale WS₂/CuO Heterojunction Photodetectors

Authors: Tianze Kan, Kaixi Shi, Fujun Liu, Jinhua Li, Xuan Fang
Journal: Advanced Optical Materials, 2025
Summary: This study presents a novel Cu-plasma treatment to engineer the WS₂/CuO interface, significantly boosting carrier dynamics and photoresponse speed. Achieving nanosecond-level response, the device offers enhanced performance for ultrafast photodetection in optoelectronic systems.
Citations: 1

2. Nanoengineering Construction of g-C₃N₄/Bi₂WO₆ S-Scheme Heterojunctions for Enhanced CO₂ Reduction and Pollutant Degradation

Authors: Bingke Zhang, Yaxin Liu, Dongbo Wang, Liancheng Zhao, Jinzhong Wang
Journal: Separation and Purification Technology, 2025
Summary: This paper demonstrates a g-C₃N₄/Bi₂WO₆ S-scheme heterojunction that significantly improves photocatalytic CO₂ reduction and pollutant degradation. The synergistic interface enhances charge separation and transfer, yielding superior photocatalytic efficiency.
Citations: 17
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3. Plasma-Enhanced Interfacial Electric Field for High-Performance MoS₂/p-Si Photovoltaic Photodetectors

Authors: Wanyu Wang, Kaixi Shi, Jinhua Li, Xueying Chu, Xuan Fang
Journal: ACS Applied Nano Materials, 2024
Summary: The authors explore plasma treatment to create a strong interfacial electric field in MoS₂/p-Si heterostructures, enabling enhanced light absorption and charge carrier dynamics for high-performance photovoltaic photodetection.
Citations: 1

4. High-Performance Self-Driven Broadband Photoelectrochemical Photodetector Based on rGO/Bi₂Te₃ Heterojunction

Authors: Chenchen Zhao, Yangyang Liu, Dongbo Wang, Liancheng Zhao, Jinzhong Wang
Journal: Nano Materials Science, 2024 | Open Access
Summary: A reduced graphene oxide (rGO)/Bi₂Te₃ heterojunction-based self-powered photodetector is introduced, featuring broadband detection and fast photoresponse, promising for next-gen PEC optoelectronics.
Citations: 3

5. Al@Al₂O₃ Core-Shell Plasmonic Design for Solving High Responsivity–Low Dark Current Tradeoff in MoS₂ Photodetectors

Authors: Ziquan Shen, Wanyu Wang, Zhe Xu, Xuan Fang, Mingze Xu
Journal: Applied Physics Letters, 2024
Summary: By integrating Al@Al₂O₃ core-shell nanostructures, this study mitigates the tradeoff between responsivity and dark current in MoS₂ photodetectors, enhancing device performance through plasmonic effects.
Citations: 2

6. Design of a Self-Powered 2D Te/PtSe₂ Heterojunction for Room-Temperature NIR Detection

Authors: Fengtian Xia, Dongbo Wang, Wen He, Lihua Liu, Liancheng Zhao
Journal: Journal of Materials Chemistry C, 2024
Summary: This paper introduces a novel 2D Te/PtSe₂ heterojunction photodetector capable of room-temperature NIR sensing. The self-powered device exhibits low power consumption, high sensitivity, and stability.
Citations: 1

🧾 Conclusion

Dr. Xuan Fang is not only a prolific and innovative researcher but also a strategic thinker with a rare blend of academic excellence, technical innovation, and practical relevance. Her pioneering work in mid-IR optoelectronics, mastery of semiconductor growth technologies, and tangible contributions through patents and publications establish her as a top contender for the Best Researcher Award.

Xiaofeng Li | Energy Materials | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Xiaofeng Li | Energy Materials | Best Researcher Award

Researcher at Xiamen University, China

Xiaofeng Li 🎓, born on September 27, 1993, is a talented researcher in photovoltaic and novel energy Energy Materials⚡. He is currently an Associate Researcher at Xiamen University’s College of Aerospace Engineering 🛰️. With extensive international experience spanning Estonia and China 🌍, Xiaofeng specializes in monograin and thin-film solar cell technologies 🌞. He is fluent in Chinese 🇨🇳 and English 🇬🇧, with basic Estonian 🇪🇪 skills. His research journey has earned him prestigious scholarships and positions that reflect both dedication and innovation in renewable energy solutions 🌱🔬.

Professional Profile:

Orcid

Scopus

📘 Education and Experience 

🎓 Education

  • 🧪 PhD (Cum Laude), Materials & Environmental Technology, Tallinn University of Technology, Estonia (2018.09–2022.06) – Advisors: Dr. Marit Kauk-Kuusik & Dr. Kristi Timmo

  • 🧑‍🔬 Master’s (Cum Laude), Joint program, Tallinn University of Technology & Tartu University (2016.09–2018.06) – Advisor: Dr. Marit Kauk-Kuusik

  • 🧰 Bachelor’s (Cum Laude), Materials Science, Shanghai Dianji University, China (2012.09–2016.07) – Advisor: Dr. Hailong Shang

💼 Professional Experience

  • 🔬 Associate Researcher, College of Aerospace Engineering, Xiamen University, China (2024.11–Present)

  • 🧫 Postdoctoral Researcher, College of Materials, Lab of Photovoltaics, Xiamen University (2022.11–2024.10)

  • 🏭 Engineer, Dept. of Materials & Environmental Technology, Tallinn University of Technology, Estonia (2022.06–2022.10)

🌱 Professional Development 

Xiaofeng Li’s professional journey is a fusion of innovation, technical expertise, and international collaboration 🌐🔧. His hands-on skills include semiconductor chalcogenide preparation, solar cell fabrication 🛠️, and advanced analysis tools like SEM, EDX, Raman, XRD, PL, and J-V 📊. With experience in both academia and industry across Estonia and China, Xiaofeng has contributed to cutting-edge solar technologies ☀️. Proficient in data visualization and management tools such as Origin and Mendeley 📈📚, he seamlessly integrates scientific rigor with effective research communication 🧑‍💻. His work reflects a commitment to renewable energy and sustainable technologies 🌍⚙️.

🔍 Research Focus Category 

Xiaofeng Li focuses on the Energy Materials domain, particularly in Photovoltaic Materials and Devices ☀️🔋. His research covers the design, fabrication, and optimization of monograin and thin-film solar cells 🧪, aiming to enhance efficiency and reduce cost in renewable energy production. He explores semiconducting chalcogenides and their post-treatment techniques to improve solar cell performance 🌿. Combining material science with photovoltaic engineering 🛠️, his work supports the development of next-generation sustainable energy solutions ⚡. His contributions align with global efforts to combat climate change and transition to greener technologies 🌎🔬.

🏅 Awards and Honors 

  • 🎓 Estonia National Scholarship (PhD) – 2018–2022 (€57,600)

  • 💡 Dora Scholarship (MSc) – 2016–2018 (€8,400; Top 3%)

  • 🥇 Performance Scholarship – 2018 (€2,400; Top 1%)

  • ✈️ Dora Plus Travel Bursary – 2019 (€3,000; Conferences like EMRS)

Publication Top Notes

1. Single-Atom Effect on the Regulation of Buried Interface for Self-Assembled Molecules in Inverted Perovskite Solar Cells

  • Journal: Journal of Materials Chemistry C

  • Year: 2025

  • DOI: 10.1039/d5tc01020a

  • Highlights:

    • Investigates the regulatory effect of single atoms at the buried interface in inverted PSCs.

    • Explores how self-assembled molecules can be tuned for interfacial optimization.

2. Acid Doping of PEDOT:PSS Strengthens Interfacial Compatibility toward Efficient and Stable Perovskite Solar Cells

  • Journal: ACS Applied Energy Materials

  • Date: 2024-10-28

  • DOI: 10.1021/acsaem.4c02092

  • Highlights:

    • Shows how acid doping of PEDOT:PSS enhances interfacial contact and stability.

    • Critical for hole transport layer (HTL) compatibility in PSCs.

3. Solvent-Activated Transformation of Polymer Configurations for Advancing the Interfacial Reliability of Perovskite Photovoltaics

  • Journal: Journal of the American Chemical Society (JACS)

  • Date: 2024-09-25

  • DOI: 10.1021/jacs.4c05904

  • Highlights:

    • Uses solvent-induced polymer configuration changes to improve buried interface integrity.

    • Demonstrates strong improvements in interfacial adhesion and charge transport.

4. Impacts of Cation Modification on the Carrier Dynamics and Chemical Stability of SnO₂-Based Buried Interfaces in Perovskite Solar Cells

  • Journal: Chemical Engineering Journal

  • Date: 2024-09

  • DOI: 10.1016/j.cej.2024.153121

  • Highlights:

    • Focuses on SnO₂ electron transport layers.

    • Evaluates how cation doping/modification affects carrier mobility and long-term stability.

5. Fluorinated Naphthalene Diimides as Buried Electron Transport Materials Achieve Over 23% Efficient Perovskite Solar Cells

  • Journal: Advanced Science

  • Date: 2024-07-23

  • DOI: 10.1002/advs.202403735

  • Highlights:

    • Introduces fluorinated NDI-based materials as high-performance electron transport layers.

    • Achieves >23% efficiency through enhanced buried interface passivation and energy alignment.

Conclusion

Dr. Xiaofeng Li is highly deserving of the Best Researcher Award due to his pioneering work in photovoltaic energy materials, international research experience, and demonstrated excellence in academia and technical contributions. His efforts align well with global sustainability goals and offer significant potential for future breakthroughs in renewable energy technologies.

Yaseen Iqbal | Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Yaseen Iqbal | Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

Scopus Profile

Orcid Profile

Educational Details:

Dr. Yaseen Iqbal holds a Ph.D. in Engineering Materials and Applied Physics from the University of Sheffield, UK (1993-1997), where he completed his thesis on “Early Stage Crystallization in Lithium Silicate-Based Glasses.” He possesses expertise in glass melting, microstructural and phase evolution, crystallization, XRD, EDS, optical microscopy, SEM, and TEM. Prior to this, he earned his M.Sc. in Physics from Gomal University, D.I. Khan, Pakistan (1984-1986), focusing on “Gamma Ray Spectroscopy of Eu152,” with expertise in nuclear physics and quantum mechanics. Dr. Iqbal completed his B.Sc. in Physics, Mathematics, and Statistics from the University of Peshawar, Pakistan (1981-1983).

Professional Experience

Dr. Iqbal has over 32 years of experience in teaching, research, and academic administration. He currently serves as the Dean of the Faculty of Numerical & Physical Sciences at the University of Peshawar (since October 2021) and was previously the Chairman of the Department of Physics (2015-2021). A tenured professor since 2017, he is also the founder and project director of the Materials Research Lab at UOP. His research collaborations have extended internationally, having held postdoctoral positions at the University of Sheffield (1997-2004) and worked as a visiting scientist at Boise State University, USA, and as a visiting academic at Sheffield. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Physics (UK) and holds Chartered Engineer status with the UK Engineering Council, in addition to being a Professional Engineer registered with the Pakistan Engineering Council.

Research Interest

Dr. Iqbal’s research spans materials science, particularly in glass-ceramics, electro-ceramics, and nanomaterials. He has conducted extensive work on phase evolution, crystallization, and microstructural properties of materials, with applications in energy, telecommunication, lasers, and environmental sciences. His projects include the synthesis of novel cover-glass for photovoltaic applications, electro-ceramics for microwave technologies, and rare-earth-doped nanomaterials for live-cell imaging and cancer dosimetry.

Research Contributions

Prof. Iqbal has authored over 140 ISI-indexed journal articles and contributed significantly to material science research through various projects. His key projects include the development of next-generation cover-glass for photovoltaics, electro-ceramics for microwave applications, and nanomaterials for medical and technological applications. He has also played a major role in establishing the Materials Research Laboratory at UOP and contributed to national initiatives, including the development of an engineering university in collaboration with Germany.

Top Notable Publications

Niaz, F., Shah, S. S., Hayat, K., Iqbal, Y., Oyama, M. (2024). “Utilizing rubber plant leaf petioles derived activated carbon for high-performance supercapacitor electrodes.” Industrial Crops and Products, 219, 119161.
Citations: 1

Amir, M., Chaghouri, H. A., Iqbal, Y., Ali, S., Amin, M. (2024). “Enhancement of CO gas sensing with ZnO nanostructures on MWCNTs films.” Ceramics International, 2024, pp. 1–12.
Citations: 0

Ali, H., Uzair, M., Iqbal, Y., Ali, M., Ahmad, W. (2023). “Electrical properties of Barium titanate and graphite incorporated PVA matrix composite (PVA-BaTiO3-G) nanofibers.” Materials Science and Engineering: B, 296, 116655.
Citations: 3

Fayaz, M., Ali, S., Bibi, S., Rooh, G., Kaewkhao, J. (2023). “Luminescence and energy transfer mechanism in Ce3+ and Gd3+ ions in bismuth borate glass.” Ceramics International, 49(15), pp. 24690–24695.
Citations: 5

Rehman, M. U., Manan, A., Ullah, A., Khan, M. A., Muhammad, R. (2023). “Structural, dielectric and complex impedance analysis of Pb-free BaTiO3-Bi(Mg0.5Ce0.5)O3 ceramics.” Journal of Alloys and Compounds, 947, 169575.
Citations: 18

Rehman, M. U., Manan, A., Khan, M. A., Ullah, A., Ahmad, A. S. (2023). “Improved energy storage performance of Bi(Mg0.5Ti0.5)O3 modified Ba0.55Sr0.45TiO3 lead-free ceramics for pulsed power capacitors.” Journal of the European Ceramic Society, 43(6), pp. 2426–2441.
Citations: 16

Uzair, M., Iqbal, Y., Hayat, K., Muhammad, R. (2023). “Sintering behavior, dielectric properties, and impedance spectroscopy of BaTiO3–Li2WO4.” Journal of Materials Science: Materials in Electronics, 34(7), 631.
Citations: 2

Khan, H., Iqbal, Y., Khan, M., Zeng, Y. (2022). “Optical absorption of tri-doped (Mo, Y, N)-TiO2 with first-principle calculations.” Modern Physics Letters B, 36(25), 2250132.
Citations: 0

Li, S., Li, C., Mao, M., Sun, S., Wang, D. (2022). “High Q×f values of Zn-Ni co-modified LiMg0.9Zn0.1-xNixPO4 microwave dielectric ceramics for 5G/6G LTCC modules.” Journal of the European Ceramic Society, 42(13), pp. 5684–5690.
Citations: 45

Jiang, Y., Liu, H., Muhammad, R., Sun, R., Wang, D. (2022). “Broadband and high-efficiency of garnet-typed ceramic dielectric resonator antenna for 5G/6G communication application.” Ceramics International, 48(18), pp. 26922–26927.
Citations: 33

 

Conclusion

Prof. Yaseen Iqbal’s extensive qualifications, international research collaborations, and successful completion of numerous impactful projects make him an outstanding candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His contributions to materials science, especially in the development of innovative materials for photovoltaics and electro-ceramics, are highly significant. His leadership in establishing research facilities and mentoring future scholars further solidifies his case for the award