Prof. Dr. Pengxia Zhou | Physics | Best Researcher Award

Associate professor at Nantong University, China

Zhou Pengxia (Zhou Pengxia) 🎓, born on October 24, 1977 🎂, is a dedicated physicist and educator at the School of Physical Science and Technology, Nantong University 🇨🇳. With over two decades of experience, she has contributed significantly to condensed matter physics and multiferroic materials research ⚛️. She earned her Ph.D. from Nanjing University and conducted postdoctoral research at leading institutions in Singapore 🌏. As the principal investigator of an NSFC-funded project, she explores octahedral rotations in perovskite superlattices 🧪. Her work bridges teaching and innovation, advancing the frontiers of physics through both academia and international collaboration 🌟.

Professional Profile:

Orcid

🔹 Education and Experience 

📘 Education:

• 🎓 1997–2001: Bachelor’s Degree in Physics – Yanbei Normal College

• 📚 2001–2004: Master’s Degree in Condensed Matter Physics – Yangzhou University

• 🧠 2011–2015: Doctor’s Degree in Physics – Nanjing University

🧑‍🏫 Professional Experience:

• 🏫 2004–Present: Lecturer – Nantong University

• 🌏 2017.10–2018.02: Visiting Scholar – Singapore University of Technology and Design

• 🌐 2018.09–2019.08: Research Fellow – National University of Singapore

🔹 Professional Development 

Dr. Zhou Pengxia’s professional journey reflects her passion for physics and global academic growth 🌍📈. She has participated in international collaborations in Singapore, enriching her research and teaching perspectives 🇸🇬🔬. At Nantong University, she not only teaches but also mentors students in advanced materials science 🎓🧪. Her participation in cutting-edge research on perovskite superlattices and multiferroicity has positioned her as a recognized contributor in her field ⚛️. Through continual learning, overseas exchanges, and scientific leadership, Dr. Zhou remains committed to academic excellence and innovation in physical science education and research 📘🌟.

🔹 Research Focus 

Dr. Zhou Pengxia’s research is centered around condensed matter physics with a specific emphasis on multiferroic materials and perovskite superlattices 🧲⚡. She investigates how octahedral rotation affects multiferroicity, exploring mechanisms to enhance functional properties of complex oxides 🧪🧬. Her work contributes to the understanding and engineering of materials that exhibit both ferroelectric and magnetic properties – critical for next-generation electronic devices 💻🔋. With a focus on crystal structures and symmetry interactions, her research bridges fundamental science and potential applications in sensors, memory devices, and spintronics 🌐🔧. Zhou’s interdisciplinary approach adds great value to material innovation 🔍🧠.

🔹 Awards and Honors 

🏆 Awards & Honors:

• 🌟 Principal Investigator – National Natural Science Foundation of China (2017–2019) for research on perovskite superlattices

• 🎓 Invited Research Fellow – National University of Singapore (2018–2019)

• 🌍 International Collaboration Grant – Singapore University of Technology and Design (2017–2018)

Publication Top Notes

1. Employing interpretable multi-output machine learning to predict stable perovskites in photovoltaics

Journal: Materials Today Communications, 2025
DOI: 10.1016/j.mtcomm.2025.112552
Summary:
This study leverages interpretable multi-output machine learning models to predict thermodynamically stable perovskite materials for photovoltaic applications. The key innovation lies in the simultaneous prediction of multiple material properties (e.g., stability, band gap, defect tolerance) using models that offer transparency into decision-making (e.g., SHAP values, decision trees). This work contributes to faster and explainable discovery of efficient perovskites for solar cell design.

2. A first-principles study on the multiferroicity of semi-modified X₂M (X = C, Si; M = F, Cl) monolayers

Journal: Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics, 2023
DOI: 10.1039/D2CP04575C
Summary:
This DFT-based study explores multiferroic behavior in 2D monolayers composed of X₂M (X = C, Si; M = F, Cl), highlighting their coexisting ferroelectric and magnetic properties. The findings suggest semi-modified 2D materials could serve as candidates for spintronic and memory devices, due to their tunable multiferroic characteristics.

3. Theoretical investigation of the magnetic and optical properties in a transition metal-doped GaTeCl monolayer

Journal: Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics, 2023
DOI: 10.1039/D3CP02313C
Summary:
This study investigates how doping GaTeCl monolayers with transition metals (e.g., Mn, Fe, Co) affects their magnetic and optical behavior. Using DFT, the authors show enhanced magneto-optical properties, suggesting that doped GaTeCl systems are promising for optoelectronic and spintronic devices.

4. Magnetism and hybrid improper ferroelectricity in LaMO₃/YMO₃ superlattices

Journal: Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2019
Author: Pengxia Zhou
Summary:
This work presents a theoretical analysis of LaMO₃/YMO₃ (M, Y = transition metals) superlattices, showing hybrid improper ferroelectricity arising from coupling between octahedral tilting and rotations, along with magnetic ordering. The results support the design of multifunctional oxide heterostructures combining electric and magnetic orderings.

5. The excitonic photoluminescence mechanism and lasing action in band-gap-tunable CdS₁−ₓSeₓ nanostructures

Journal: Nanoscale, 2016
Author: Pengxia Zhou
Summary:
This paper discusses CdS₁−ₓSeₓ nanostructures with tunable band gaps. The team demonstrates strong excitonic photoluminescence and low-threshold lasing, linking optical properties to composition and quantum confinement. It provides a foundational understanding for nanoscale optoelectronic and laser devices.

6. Ferroelectricity driven magnetism at domain walls in LaAlO₃/PbTiO₃ superlattices

Journal: Scientific Reports, 2015
Author: Pengxia Zhou
Summary:
This study reveals that in LaAlO₃/PbTiO₃ superlattices, ferroelectric domain walls can induce localized magnetic moments due to lattice distortions and charge redistributions. This domain-wall magnetism introduces the potential for non-volatile magnetic memory controlled by ferroelectric domains.

Conclusion:

Dr. Zhou Pengxia is a suitable candidate for a Best Researcher Award, particularly in the fields of condensed matter physics and material science. Her leadership in nationally funded research, international collaboration experience, and long-standing academic service reflect a researcher committed to scientific advancement and knowledge dissemination. While her publication record and citation metrics were not provided, her PI role on an NSFC project suggests peer recognition and scholarly maturity.