Prince Ukaogo | Chemistry and Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Prince Ukaogo | Chemistry and Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

Abia State University | Nigeria

Dr. Prince Ukaogo is a distinguished Nigerian analytical and environmental chemist at Abia State University, Uturu, whose research focuses on sustainable strategies for pollution assessment, industrial waste management, and environmental remediation. His scientific investigations encompass trace metals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and radionuclides in soils, food crops, and aquatic systems, providing essential insights into human health and ecological safety. He has published extensively in high-impact journals such as Science of the Total Environment, Environmental Pollution, Waste Management, PLOS ONE, and Emerging Contaminants, contributing substantially to global knowledge on dioxin emission modeling, solid waste incineration, and radiological risk evaluation. With 18 publications, 829 citations, and an h-index of 11 (Scopus Author ID: 57223434758), Dr. Prince Ukaogo has established himself as a leading voice in environmental and analytical chemistry. His collaborative research with scientists across Africa, Europe, and Asia integrates computational modeling with experimental analyses to enhance pollution control strategies and risk assessment frameworks. His interdisciplinary work on corrosion inhibition, eco-toxicological profiling, and environmental monitoring continues to shape innovative approaches for sustainable industrial and environmental practices.

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Featured Publications

  1. Ukaogo, P. O., Igwe, O. U., Nwankwo, O. C., Friday, C., Oko, E. H., & Ezenwafor, O. F. (2025, December). Analysis and human health evaluation of trace metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in Ocimum basilicum and Vernonia amygdalina cultivated close to industrial markets in Owerri, Imo State. Waste Management Bulletin. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wmb.2025.100241

  2. Ukaogo, P. O., Aljerf, L., Nwaru, E. C., Imrana, I., Tang, J., Ajong, A. B., Emole, P. O., Siddhant, O., & Ukaogo, C. T. (2024, April). Evaluation and risk assessment of heavy metals in King tuber mushroom in the context of COVID-19 pandemic lockdown in Sokoto State, Nigeria. Kuwait Journal of Science. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.kjs.2024.100193

  3. Xia, H., Tang, J., Aljerf, L., Wang, T., Gao, B., Xu, Q., Wang, Q., & Ukaogo, P. (2023). Assessment of PCDD/Fs formation and emission characteristics at a municipal solid waste incinerator for one year. Science of the Total Environment. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.163705

  4. Xia, H., Tang, J., Aljerf, L., Cui, C., Gao, B., & Ukaogo, P. O. (2023). Dioxin emission modeling using feature selection and simplified DFR with residual error fitting for the grate-based MSWI process. Waste Management. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wasman.2023.05.056

  5. Obike, A. I., Udorji, F. I., Ekerenam, O. O., Emori, W., Onyeije, U. C., Onyedinma, U. P., Okonkwo, P. C., & Ikeuba, A. I. (2024). Efficacy of Fleurya aestuans on mild steel protection in acidic systems: Combined gravimetry, gasometry, and electrochemical evaluations. Journal of Bio- and Tribo-Corrosion. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40735-024-00843-3

Hyesung Park | Chemistry and Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Hyesung Park | Chemistry and Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

Korea University | South Korea

Dr. Hyesung Park, a distinguished Professor at Korea University, is an internationally recognized authority in hetero-dimensional materials synthesis and their applications in functional devices, including energy harvesting, nanoelectronics, and nanophotonics. His academic journey spans world-leading institutions such as MIT, Northwestern University, and UNIST, where he has consistently advanced renewable energy technologies and next-generation device engineering. He earned his Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science from MIT with groundbreaking research on CVD graphene for organic photovoltaics, pioneering innovations in transparent conducting electrodes that have shaped subsequent advances in the field. Before joining Korea University, he held prestigious research and faculty positions that further strengthened his international reputation. At Korea University, Dr. Park leads pioneering work in integrative energy engineering, with research spanning hybrid nanostructures, scalable perovskite solar cells, electro/photo-catalysis, graphene-based devices, and triboelectric nanogenerators, producing notable innovations in solar cell production and energy harvesting materials. He has authored 116 Publications,Ā accumulated 5,452 citations, and holds an impressive h-index of 36, reflecting the global impact of his scholarship. His highly cited works on graphene electrodes and hybrid solar cells have been published in top-tier journals such as Nature Nanotechnology, ACS Nano, and Advanced Energy Materials. Widely acclaimed for his leadership, impactful publications, and international collaborations, Dr. Hyesung Park is celebrated not only for advancing materials science and energy technologies but also for inspiring future scientists and engineers through his mentorship and academic contributions. Honored with national and international recognition, he exemplifies excellence in research, education, and innovation, and his pioneering contributions continue to drive breakthroughs in sustainable energy technologies that are shaping a cleaner and more efficient future.

Profile: Scopus | Google Scholar | ORCID

Featured Publications

Kim, K. K., Reina, A., Shi, Y., Park, H., Li, L. J., Lee, Y. H., & Kong, J. (2010). Enhancing the conductivity of transparent graphene films via doping. Nanotechnology, 21(28), 285205.

Park, H., Brown, P. R., Bulović, V., & Kong, J. (2012). Graphene as transparent conducting electrodes in organic photovoltaics: Studies in graphene morphology, hole transporting layers, and counter electrodes. Nano Letters, 12(1), 133–140.

Park, H., Rowehl, J. A., Kim, K. K., Bulović, V., & Kong, J. (2010). Doped graphene electrodes for organic solar cells. Nanotechnology, 21(50), 505204.

Park, H., Chang, S., Zhou, X., Kong, J., Palacios, T., & Gradečak, S. (2014). Flexible graphene electrode-based organic photovoltaics with record-high efficiency. Nano Letters, 14(9), 5148–5154.

Park, H., Chang, S., Jean, J., Cheng, J. J., Araujo, P. T., Wang, M., Bawendi, M. G., & Kong, J. (2013). Graphene cathode-based ZnO nanowire hybrid solar cells. Nano Letters, 13(1), 233–239.

Koo, D., Jung, S., Seo, J., Jeong, G., Choi, Y., Lee, J., Lee, S. M., Cho, Y., Jeong, M., & Park, H. (2020). Flexible organic solar cells over 15% efficiency with polyimide-integrated graphene electrodes. Joule, 4(5), 1021–1034.

Oh, N. K., Seo, J., Lee, S., Kim, H. J., Kim, U., Lee, J., Han, Y. K., & Park, H. (2021). Highly efficient and robust noble-metal free bifunctional water electrolysis catalyst achieved via complementary charge transfer. Nature Communications, 12(1), 4606.

Oh, N. K., Kim, C., Lee, J., Kwon, O., Choi, Y., Jung, G. Y., Lim, H. Y., Kwak, S. K., Kim, G., & Park, H. (2019). In-situ local phase-transitioned MoSe2 in La0.5Sr0.5CoO3-Ī“ heterostructure and stable overall water electrolysis over 1000 hours. Nature Communications, 10(1), 1723.

Dan Qiao | Chemistry and Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dan Qiao | Chemistry and Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

Lanzhou Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences | China

Prof. Dan Qiao is an accomplished scientist whose research has significantly advanced the field of tribo chemistry and lubrication engineering. He is widely recognized for his groundbreaking work in liquid super lubrication, nano-additives, and specialized lubricating oils that have transformed both academic understanding and industrial applications. His career reflects an impressive balance of research, innovation, leadership, and mentorship. As a doctoral supervisor and senior researcher at the Lanzhou Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Prof. Dan Qiao has made remarkable contributions to the study of interfacial reactions, tribological mechanisms, and the design of next-generation lubricants. His efforts continue to strengthen the bridge between fundamental science and applied technologies in aerospace, energy, and advanced manufacturing.

Professional Profile

Scopus

Education

Prof. Dan Qiao completed his higher studies in materials science at the Lanzhou Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences. During this period, he built a strong foundation in the fields of materials design, friction chemistry, and lubrication engineering. His academic training not only sharpened his expertise in materials research but also inspired his passion for solving industrial challenges through scientific innovation. This educational background allowed him to specialize in tribology and lubrication, disciplines that would later define his professional identity and establish him as a global authority in his field.

Experience

Prof. Dan Qiao began his career at the Lanzhou Institute of Chemical Physics, where he has steadily risen through multiple research and leadership positions. His journey from an early-stage researcher to a full professor and doctoral supervisor reflects both his dedication and his outstanding contributions to the advancement of tribological science. Over the years, he has successfully led more than ten significant scientific projects supported by national and provincial funding agencies. His expertise has also driven the development of specialized lubricants and tribological technologies that have been applied to aerospace and other high-tech industries. Beyond research, he has actively engaged in academic societies, contributed to scientific conferences, and provided mentorship to young scientists, thereby strengthening the research community both nationally and internationally.

Research Interest

Prof. Dan Qiao’s research interests lie at the intersection of materials science, tribology, and chemical engineering. His work focuses on tribo chemistry, liquid super lubrication, frictional catalysis, and the development of advanced lubricants incorporating nano-additives. He is particularly interested in the molecular-level mechanisms that govern interfacial interactions, tribofilm formation, and the dynamic behavior of lubricants under extreme conditions. By combining theory, experimental methods, and practical engineering applications, Prof. Dan Qiao’s research aims to create lubricating materials with superior efficiency, biodegradability, and adaptability. His studies contribute not only to the development of environmentally friendly lubricants but also to the long-term reliability of machines and equipment in demanding industries such as aerospace, energy, and precision manufacturing.

Awards

Prof. Dan Qiao has received numerous recognitions that highlight his outstanding contributions to science and technology. He has been honored as a Young Scientist of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and was selected among the most promising talents of his generation in Gansu Province. His achievements have also earned him membership in the prestigious Youth Innovation Promotion Association of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, along with inclusion among the Longyan Young Talents. In addition, he has been recognized as an Excellent Graduate Tutor, reflecting his dual role as both a leading researcher and an inspiring academic mentor. These awards underscore his reputation as a scientist who combines creativity with dedication, ensuring both scientific progress and the training of future leaders in materials research.

Publications

Prof. Dan Qiao has authored more than fifty peer-reviewed papers in leading international journals, with many of his works being widely cited by other researchers in the fields of tribology, chemistry, and materials engineering. His publications demonstrate both academic depth and practical significance. Some selected works include:

Tittle: Preparation and tribological performance of core-shell structured rare-earth nanocomposites as lubricating additives
Journal: Scientia Sinica Technologica
Published on: 2025

Tittle: Robust Macroscale Superlubricity Enabled by the Protic Ionic Liquid Polyol Aqueous Solution: From Interface Adsorption to Tribofilm Formation
Journal: ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces
Published on: 2025

Tittle: Elucidating the Friction Catalytic Lubrication Mechanism of Ag Nanoparticles Loaded on MOFs
Journal: Advanced Materials Interfaces
Published on: 2025

Tittle: Perspective of Tribological Mechanisms for α-Alkene Molecules with Different Chain Lengths from Interface Behavior
Journal: Langmuir
Published on: 2024

Tittle: Study on the tribological properties of hexagonal boron nitride flakes composite hydrophilic/hydrophobic ionic liquids films by self-assembly
Journal: Applied Surface Science
Published on: 2024

Conclusion

Prof. Dan Qiao’s scientific journey represents the perfect blend of intellectual curiosity, innovative research, and real-world application. His pioneering contributions in tribology and lubrication science have expanded the frontiers of knowledge while delivering tangible solutions to industries that demand high-performance materials. With extensive publications, numerous patents, and impactful projects, his research continues to inspire advancements in surface engineering and energy-efficient lubrication technologies. Beyond his personal achievements, Prof. Dan Qiao is a mentor, leader, and collaborator who actively contributes to the global scientific community. His accomplishments make him a highly deserving nominee for the Best Researcher Award.

Zhen Zhang | Chemistry and Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

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 profilešŸ‘¤

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.

šŸŽ“ 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 COā‚‚ 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.

šŸ”¬ Research Interests On Chemistry and Materials Science

Prof. Zhang’s research centers on energy electrocatalytic materials and devices, especially focusing on COā‚‚ reduction reactions (COā‚‚RR), 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.

šŸ† 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 🌟.

šŸ“š 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 COā‚‚
    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 Nbā‚‚O₅–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 COā‚‚ 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

  • ā€œTwo Ships in a Bottleā€ Design for Zn–Ag–O Catalyst Enabling Selective and Long-Lasting COā‚‚ 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 COā‚‚ electroreduction
    B. Ren, G. Wen, R. Gao, D. Luo, Z. Zhang, W. Qiu, Q. Ma, X. Wang, Y. Cui, …
    Year: 2022 | Citations: 191

āœ… 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 šŸ….