Lei Zhao | Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

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. 🏅

Ran Wang | Materials Science | Women Researcher Award

Ms. Ran Wang | Materials Science | Women Researcher Award

Student at Beijing Institute of Technology, China

Wang Ran is a dedicated master’s student in Materials Science and Engineering at Beijing Institute of Technology. She completed her undergraduate studies at Shandong University. With a keen interest in absorbing materials, she is committed to advancing research in this field. Though at an early stage in her academic journey, she is eager to contribute to scientific advancements. Wang Ran aspires to explore innovative materials with potential applications in energy absorption and electromagnetic shielding. Her passion for scientific discovery drives her ambition to make significant contributions to materials engineering. She is applying for the Women Research Award or Young Scientist Award. 🌟

Professional Profile 

Education & Experience 📚🔍

  • 🎓 Master’s Degree (Ongoing) – Beijing Institute of Technology, Materials Science and Engineering
  • 🎓 Bachelor’s Degree – Shandong University, Materials Science and Engineering

Professional Development 📖🔬

Wang Ran is in the early stages of her academic career, focusing on developing expertise in absorbing materials. She actively engages in coursework, laboratory experiments, and independent research projects to build a strong foundation in material science. Passionate about innovation, she continuously explores the latest advancements in materials engineering. Though she has not yet published any journals or patents, she is eager to collaborate with experts in her field. Her long-term goal is to contribute groundbreaking research that enhances the performance of absorbing materials in practical applications such as stealth technology and electromagnetic interference shielding. 🚀

Research Focus🏗️🔬

Wang Ran’s research interests lie in the field of absorbing materials, a crucial area in materials science that plays a significant role in energy dissipation, stealth technology, and electromagnetic shielding. She is particularly interested in developing new materials that can efficiently absorb electromagnetic waves and reduce interference in electronic devices. By studying the structural and compositional properties of these materials, she aims to optimize their absorption efficiency and enhance their performance in real-world applications. Her research has potential implications in defense, aerospace, and communication industries, where advanced absorbing materials are essential for improving stealth and signal integrity. 📡🛡️

Awards & Honors 🏆🎖️

  • 🌟 Nominee – Women Research Award (2025)
  • 🌟 Nominee – Young Scientist Award (2025)
  • 🎓 Bachelor’s Degree Completion – Shandong University
  • 📖 Master’s Degree Pursuit – Beijing Institute of Technology

Publication Top Notes

  • “Resonantly pumped acousto-optic Q-switched Er:YAG lasers at 1617 and 1645 nm”

    • Authors: R. Wang, Q. Ye, C. Gao
    • Journal: Applied Optics, 2014
    • Citations: 5
    • Summary:
      • Discusses the development of acousto-optic Q-switched Er:YAG lasers emitting at 1617 nm and 1645 nm.
      • The lasers are resonantly pumped, enhancing efficiency.
      • These wavelengths are valuable for medical, LIDAR, and optical communication applications.
  • “Single-frequency operation of a resonantly pumped 1.645μm Er:YAG Q-switched laser”

    • Authors: R. Wang, Q. Ye, Y. Zheng, M. Gao, C. Gao
    • Type: Conference Paper
    • Citations: 13
    • Summary:
      • Focuses on achieving single-frequency operation of an Er:YAG laser at 1645 nm.
      • Uses resonant pumping and a Q-switching technique for better performance.
      • Suitable for high-precision applications such as spectroscopy and atmospheric sensing.

Conclusion

While Wang Ran shows potential in her research field, she currently lacks the extensive academic contributions and professional engagement necessary to compete for a “Best Researcher” or “Women Researcher” award. She would be a more suitable candidate for a “Young Scientist Award” in the future, provided she enhances her publication record, citations, collaborations, and industry engagement.