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. 🏅

Angelica Rocco | Building Materials | Women Researcher Award

Dr. Angelica Rocco | Building Materials | Women Researcher Award

Orcid Profile

Educational Details

Dr. Angelica Rocco has a rich educational background centered on architecture and sustainable design. She participated in the International Workshop for PhD Students Water & Cities: Ecological Transition Through Water Saving and Management organized by UNISCAPE at the University of Naples Federico II in 2022. She earned a II Level Master in Architecture and Design for Internal Areas – Reconstruction of Small Countries from the Department of Architecture (DIARC) at the same university, where she completed her thesis titled The Head of the Skein: Interweaving of Ancient Knowledge and Flavors on the Traces of the Ancient Wool Route under the supervision of Prof. Adele Picone, achieving the highest evaluation of 110/110.

Dr. Rocco also holds a Master’s Degree in Building Engineering Architecture from the University of Naples Federico II, completed in July 2019. Her thesis, supervised by Prof. Dora Francese and co-supervised by Prof. Paulo J. Mendonça from the University of Minho (Portugal), explored Tensile Structures and Other Materials for Sustainable Architecture in Guimaraes (Portugal) – Social Housing, and she earned a final evaluation of 107/110. Additionally, she completed an Annual University Perfection Diploma in CLIL Methodology in Secondary School Education with English Reference from Dante Alighieri University for Foreigners in 2021, again achieving top marks of 110/110.

Her academic journey also includes professional training through a three-year program on initial teaching and internships (FIT) at the University of Naples Federico II (2017/2018), as well as participation in the Erasmus+ Program at the University of Minho, Portugal, during the 2015/2016 academic year. She began her educational path by earning a Scientific High School Diploma from L. Da Vinci Scientific High School in Vallo della Lucania, Italy, in 2003, graduating with a final score of 86/100.

Professional Experience

Technology Teacher (A060): First Level Secondary School, Naples (2020 – Present).

Laboratory Teacher for Textile and Embroidery: IFTS Training Center, Regenerative Tourism (March – June 2006).

Expert in Traditional Processing and Conservation: IFTS Training Center, Regenerative Tourism (March – June 2006).

Teaching Collaboration: Since 2019, Dr. Rocco has been collaborating with the University of Naples Federico II in teaching activities, particularly in the architectural technology sector (ICAR/12). She has worked closely with Prof. Paola De Joanna, Prof. Dora Francese, and Prof. Antonio Passaro.

Research Interest

Sustainable Architecture and Building Materials: Focus on tensile structures and the integration of eco-friendly materials for social housing projects.

Water Management in Urban Systems: Engaged in research on ecological transitions through water saving and sustainable urban design.

Conservation of Traditional Techniques: Specialization in traditional textile processing and its role in regenerative tourism.

Memberships

IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) since June 2023.

Eudoxia Research University, USA & India: International Innovation Program since January 2024.

Top Notable Publications

Adobe Blocks Reinforced with Vegetal Fibres: Mechanical and Thermal Characterisation
Authors: Angelica Rocco
Year: 2024
DOI: 10.3390/buildings14082582
Source: Buildings, August 22, 2024.

RETE DELLE GRANDI MACCHINE A SPALLA ITALIANE: ESTENSIONE DEL PATRIMONIO IMMATERIALE DAL DIVE INTO ICH UNESCO
Authors: Angelica Rocco
Year: 2023
Source: Los cuadernos del ReUSO, November 21, 2023.

Bibliometric Review of Building Material Assessment for Energy Efficiency in Urban Digital Twins
Authors: Angelica Rocco
Year: 2023
DOI: 10.55529/ijasm.35.22.32
Source: International Journal of Applied and Structural Mechanics, September 13, 2023.

Use of Vegetable Materials for Temporary Structures and Infrastructures
Authors: Angelica Rocco
Year: 2023
Source: Mediterranean Architecture and the Green-Digital Transition, September 8, 2023, pp. 313–324.

GIS Model of Vegetable Fibre Building Materials
Authors: Angelica Rocco
Year: 2023
Source: ICBBM 2023 5th International Conference on Bio-Based Building Materials (RILEM), June 20, 2023.

Bio-Based Building Materials
Authors: Angelica Rocco
Year: 2023
DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-33465-8
ISBN: 9783031334641, 9783031334658
Source: Springer Nature Switzerland, 2023.

Farm to Fork e Biodiversità: nuove opportunità per il settore delle costruzioni dagli scarti delle filiere cerealicole
Authors: Angelica Rocco
Year: 2023
Source: Urbanistica Informazioni, 2023.

Paesaggio rurale, economia circolare e risorse vegetali: l’architettura dei Mulini ad acqua
Authors: Angelica Rocco
Year: 2023
Source: A cento anni dalla legge Croce. Nuove prospettive sul paesaggio, Department of Architecture, University of Naples Federico II, 2023.

Dalla Valle della Biodiversità Brembana per una rinascita della filiera del lino
Authors: Angelica Rocco
Year: 2023
Source: GIS Day 2022. Il GIS per il governo e la gestione del territorio, 2023.

On the Trail of the Ancient ‘The Wool Route’: Enhancement Proposal for the Campania Region in Italy
Authors: Angelica Rocco
Year: 2023
Source: GIS Day 2022. Il GIS per il governo e la gestione del territorio, 2023.

Copertina Rivista SMC N.16 | 2022 Digital and Completion Procedure
Authors: Angelica Rocco
Year: 2022
Source: Luciano Editore, December 2022.

Waterfront Renaissance in Bagnoli (Italy)
Authors: Angelica Rocco
Year: 2022
Source: Proceedings of the Xth edition of the ReUSO – Documentation, Restoration and Reuse of Heritage, November 2, 2022.

PRACTICABILITY STUDY FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF A WOOL SUPPLY CHAIN IN CAMPANIA REGION, STUDIO DI FATTIBILITÀ PER LO SVILUPPO DI UNA FILIERA DELLA LANA NELLA REGIONE CAMPANIA
Authors: Angelica Rocco
Year: 2022
Source: Sustainable Mediterranean Construction, 2022.
EID: 2-s2.0-85160223775
ISSN: 24208213, 23851546.

Conclusion

Based on her diverse educational background, active teaching roles, and research contributions in architecture, sustainability, and urban systems, Dr. Angelica Rocco is well-suited for the Research for Best Researcher Award. Her work on sustainable architecture and her integration of traditional knowledge with modern engineering solutions make her a strong candidate for this award.