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. 🏅

Kriti Ranjan Sahu | Material Science | Best Researcher Award

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.