Zhen Zhang | Chemistry and Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Dr. Zhen Zhang | Chemistry and Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

Northwestern Polytechnical University | China

Dr. Zhen Zhang is a distinguished Professor and Doctoral Supervisor at the School of Materials Science and Engineering, Northwestern Polytechnical University. He earned his Ph.D. from the University of Waterloo, Canada, and subsequently held roles as a Postdoctoral Fellow and Senior Researcher at the same institution. Recognized as a Shaanxi Province High-Level Talent, Young Talent of Xi’an Association for Science and Technology, and Aoxiang Overseas Scholar, Prof. Zhang is a leading researcher in the field of energy electrocatalysis, with more than 5,500 citations, 14 ESI highly cited papers, and an H-index of 38.

Professional profile👤

Google Scholar

ORCID

Strengths for the Awards✨

Prof. Zhen Zhang exemplifies excellence in materials science and energy electrocatalysis. With a Ph.D. from the University of Waterloo and a robust academic trajectory, he has made pioneering contributions to confined electrocatalytic materials. His exceptional research productivity—over 50 SCI-indexed publications, including in top-tier journals like JACS, Advanced Materials, and Angewandte Chemie—alongside 14 ESI Highly Cited Papers, H-index of 38, and 5,500+ citations, clearly demonstrate profound scientific influence. His leadership in 16 competitive research projects, including national and industrial collaborations, speaks to both his technical depth and applied impact. Furthermore, his involvement in prestigious international collaborations and multiple editorial roles solidify his standing as a thought leader in his field.

🎓 Education

Prof. Zhang pursued his doctoral studies at the University of Waterloo, Canada, where he specialized in electrocatalytic materials and energy systems. His academic foundation laid the groundwork for innovative research in CO₂ reduction, hydrogen production, and advanced battery technologies. His global educational exposure significantly enhances his scientific perspective.

🧪 Experience

Prof. Zhang has a rich and varied research background, including appointments as a Postdoctoral Fellow and Senior Researcher at the University of Waterloo before returning to China. He now serves as a full Professor at Northwestern Polytechnical University, where he leads multiple national and provincial-level research initiatives. His industrial consultancy includes a 30 million RMB project on fuel cell power generation.

🔬 Research Interests On Chemistry and Materials Science

Prof. Zhang’s research centers on energy electrocatalytic materials and devices, especially focusing on CO₂ reduction reactions (CO₂RR), oxygen/hydrogen evolution and reduction reactions (OER/ORR, HER/HOR). His work facilitates the development of fuel cells, electrolyzers, and metal-air batteries for sustainable energy production ⚡. His innovations in confined electrocatalytic systems are advancing next-generation energy devices.

🏆 Awards

Prof. Zhang has received numerous prestigious honors, including the Advanced Materials Award from the International Association of Advanced Materials, Canadian Mitacs Accelerate Award, and the Chinese Government Award for Outstanding Self-Financed Students Abroad. He is also a Fellow of the Chinese Chemical Society and Chinese Materials Research Society. These accolades underscore his contributions to materials science and global energy sustainability 🌟.

📚 Publications

  • Microporous framework membranes for precise molecule/ion separations
    H. Dou, M. Xu, B. Wang, Z. Zhang, G. Wen, Y. Zheng, D. Luo, L. Zhao, A. Yu, …
    Year: 2021 | Citations: 285

  • Constructing multifunctional solid electrolyte interface via in-situ polymerization for dendrite-free and low N/P ratio lithium metal batteries
    D. Luo, L. Zheng, Z. Zhang, M. Li, Z. Chen, R. Cui, Y. Shen, G. Li, R. Feng, …
    Year: 2021 | Citations: 279

  • Quasi-Covalently Coupled Ni–Cu Atomic Pair for Synergistic Electroreduction of CO₂
    J. Zhu, M. Xiao, D. Ren, R. Gao, X. Liu, Z. Zhang, D. Luo, W. Xing, D. Su, A. Yu, …
    Year: 2022 | Citations: 244

  • Revealing the rapid electrocatalytic behavior of ultrafine amorphous defective Nb₂O₅–x nanocluster toward superior Li–S performance
    D. Luo#, Z. Zhang# (co-first author), G. Li, S. Cheng, S. Li, J. Li, R. Gao, M. Li, …
    Year: 2020 | Citations: 237

  • Template-guided synthesis of Co nanoparticles embedded in hollow nitrogen doped carbon tubes as a highly efficient catalyst for rechargeable Zn-air batteries
    Q. Zhou, Z. Zhang, J. Cai, B. Liu, Y. Zhang, X. Gong, X. Sui, A. Yu, L. Zhao, …
    Year: 2020 | Citations: 218

  • Synergistic engineering of defects and architecture in binary metal chalcogenide toward fast and reliable lithium–sulfur batteries
    D. Luo, G. Li, Y.P. Deng, Z. Zhang, J. Li, R. Liang, M. Li, Y. Jiang, W. Zhang, …
    Year: 2019 | Citations: 216

  • Rational design of tailored porous carbon-based materials for CO₂ capture
    Z. Zhang, Z.P. Cano, D. Luo, H. Dou, A. Yu, Z. Chen
    Year: 2019 | Citations: 213

  • Regulation of outer solvation shell toward superior low‐temperature aqueous zinc‐ion batteries
    Q. Ma, R. Gao, Y. Liu, H. Dou, Y. Zheng, T. Or, L. Yang, Q. Li, Q. Cu, R. Feng, …
    Year: 2022 | Citations: 212

  • “Two Ships in a Bottle” Design for Zn–Ag–O Catalyst Enabling Selective and Long-Lasting CO₂ Electroreduction
    Z. Zhang, G. Wen, D. Luo, B. Ren, Y. Zhu, R. Gao, H. Dou, G. Sun, M. Feng, …
    Year: 2021 | Citations: 200

  • Nano-crumples induced Sn-Bi bimetallic interface pattern with moderate electron bank for highly efficient CO₂ electroreduction
    B. Ren, G. Wen, R. Gao, D. Luo, Z. Zhang, W. Qiu, Q. Ma, X. Wang, Y. Cui, …
    Year: 2022 | Citations: 191

✅ Conclusion

🌟 Prof. Zhen Zhang is a visionary in the field of energy electrocatalysis, combining scientific innovation with a strong record of international collaboration. His pioneering work on confined electrocatalytic materials addresses critical challenges in catalyst performance, contributing to cleaner and more efficient energy systems. With a strong academic foundation, over 5,500 citations, prestigious awards, and leadership in over 16 major projects, Prof. Zhang exemplifies excellence and innovation, making him a compelling candidate for the Best Researcher Award 🏅.

Xueen Fang | Chemical Engineering | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Dr. Xueen Fang | Chemical Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Fudan University | China

Dr. Xueen Fang is a distinguished male professor at Fudan University and a doctoral supervisor. He is a jointly appointed professor under the Ministry of Education’s prestigious “Changjiang Scholars” program and recognized as a young top-notch talent under the national “Ten Thousand Talents Program.” Since joining Fudan University in 2014, Fang has been deeply involved in teaching, research, and fostering industry-academia collaborations, specializing in micro-nano clinical chemistry. His pioneering work in rapid nucleic acid testing has made significant contributions to public health and national security.

Professional profile👤

Scopus

ORCID

Strengths for the Awards✨

  1. Outstanding Academic and Professional Credentials
    Fang Xuen holds a Ph.D. in Chemical Biology from a prestigious university (Fudan University) and serves as a professor and doctoral supervisor. His joint appointment as a “Changjiang Scholar” and recognition as a top talent under the national “Ten Thousand Talents Program” highlight his academic excellence and national prominence.

  2. Pioneering Research Contributions
    He was among the earliest researchers globally to apply microfluidic confinement systems to point-of-care testing (POCT) molecular diagnostics. His leadership in developing rapid, on-site nucleic acid testing systems has direct and critical public health impact, especially in combating pandemics and zoonotic diseases.

  3. Significant Research Funding and Project Leadership
    Fang Xuen has successfully secured and led major national research projects funded by top agencies such as the Ministry of Science and Technology and the National Natural Science Foundation, underscoring his capability to manage high-impact, cutting-edge research.

  4. High-Impact Publications and Patents
    With over 60 publications in prestigious international journals, multiple cover stories, and over 1,500 citations, his scientific output is both prolific and influential. Furthermore, he has secured more than 60 invention patents (national and international), including award-winning innovations, demonstrating his prowess in translating research into practical technologies.

  5. Successful Technology Commercialization
    He has led the registration and approval of important diagnostic reagents and automated testing devices, with patented technology generating significant economic value (over 16 million yuan), bridging the gap between academia and industry.

  6. Professional Service and Leadership
    Serving on national committees and editorial/review boards of top journals indicates his respected status in the scientific community. His role in authoring chapters in key monographs also reflects his expertise and leadership in the field.

🎓 Education

Fang Xuen earned his Ph.D. in Chemical Biology from Fudan University in 2012. Following his doctoral studies, he completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology from 2012 to 2013, where he further refined his expertise in cutting-edge chemical and biological research.

💼 Experience

In March 2014, Fang joined the Department of Chemistry at Fudan University through a talent introduction program. He has led major national research projects, including key R&D programs funded by the Ministry of Science and Technology and the National Natural Science Foundation. Fang has served as a reviewer for leading journals and is an inventor on more than 60 national and international patents, including several that have been transformed into commercially valuable technologies.

🔬 Research Interest On Chemical Engineering

Fang’s research primarily focuses on micro-nano clinical chemistry, with a particular emphasis on microfluidic confinement systems for point-of-care testing (POCT) in molecular diagnostics. His work addresses the urgent need for rapid nucleic acid testing technologies to detect emerging pathogens, playing a critical role in combating infectious diseases such as African Swine Fever and COVID-19.

🏆 Awards

Fang Xuen’s innovative contributions have earned him numerous accolades including the Shanghai Youth Science and Technology Innovation and Entrepreneurship Award, the Silver Award at the 48th Geneva Exhibition of Inventions, the Third Prize of the Shanghai Higher Education Students’ Invention and Creation, and multiple awards at the National Challenge Cup Entrepreneurship Competition.

📚 Publications

  • Rapid differential diagnosis of the B.1.617.2 (delta) variant of SARS-CoV-2 using an automated Cas12a–microfluidic system

    • Authors: Pintao Li, Jin Zhang, Qiuyuan Lin, Jilie Kong, Xueen Fang

    • Year: 2021

  • Wearable chem-biosensing devices: from basic research to commercial market

    • Authors: Bin Yang, Xingyu Jiang, Xueen Fang, Jilie Kong

    • Year: 2021

  • Loop-mediated isothermal amplification technique: principle, development and wide application in food safety

    • Authors: Tianzeng Huang, Linzhi Li, Xing Liu, Qi Chen, Xueen Fang, Jilie Kong, Mohamed S. Draz, Hongmei Cao

    • Year: 2020

  • Rapid and simultaneous analysis of twelve virulence factor genes by a microfluidic-CFPA chip for identifying diarrheagenic Escherichia coli

    • Authors: Bin Yang, Yiling Fan, Yang Li, Jun Yan, Xueen Fang, Jilie Kong

    • Year: 2020

  • A hybridization chain reaction coupled with gold nanoparticles for allergen gene detection in peanut, soybean and sesame DNAs

    • Authors: Dan Yuan, Xueen Fang, Yongxin Liu, Jilie Kong, Qin Chen

    • Year: 2019

  • A novel exonuclease-assisted isothermal nucleic acid amplification with ultrahigh specificity mediated by full-length Bst DNA polymerase

    • Authors: Xin Ye, Yang Li, Lijuan Wang, Xueen Fang, Jilie Kong

    • Year: 2018

🔚 Conclusion

Professor Fang Xuen stands at the forefront of micro-nano clinical chemistry, combining academic excellence with impactful innovations that have enhanced pathogen detection and public health responses globally. His commitment to interdisciplinary teaching and talent cultivation continues to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers at Fudan University and beyond.