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 🏅.

Xiaoxuan Liu | Chemistry | Outstanding Scientist Award

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Prof. Xiaoxuan Liu | Chemistry | Outstanding Scientist Award

Professor | GDUT | China

Dr. Xiaoxuan Liu (刘晓暄), born in 1957 in Changchun, is a second-level professor and Ph.D. supervisor at the School of Materials and Energy, Guangdong University of Technology. A foreign academician of the European Academy of Natural Sciences, he leads the provincial key discipline “Materials Science and Engineering” under the Peak Plan, with a specific focus on polymer materials. He currently serves as Director of the Guangdong Photocuring Advanced Materials Engineering Technology Research Center and has held multiple leadership positions in academia and professional societies worldwide.

Professional profile👤

ORCID

Scopus

Strengths for the Awards✨

  • Distinguished Academic and Professional Standing

    • Second-level professor and PhD supervisor at Guangdong University of Technology.

    • Elected Foreign Academician of the European Academy of Natural Sciences (2024).

    • Recognized internationally with multiple prestigious honors including the Euler Medal (2024) and IAAM Scientist Award Medal (2022).

  • Leadership & Institutional Contribution

    • Leads the Key Discipline of Polymer Materials under the provincial “Pinnacle Plan”.

    • Director of the Guangdong Engineering Technology Research Center for Photocurable Advanced Materials.

    • Played pivotal roles in talent training and academic administration, including serving as a former department head and leading innovation teams.

  • Research Excellence

    • Over 1300 million CNY in research funding in the past five years.

    • Directed numerous national and provincial-level major scientific projects.

    • Published 273 research papers (89 SCI-indexed, H-index: 47, over 9300 citations) in top-tier journals like Prog Polym Sci, ACS Macro Letters, J. Mater. Chem., etc.

  • Technological Innovation and Industrial Impact

    • 60 invention patents filed, with 40 granted – indicating strong technology transfer and innovation capabilities.

    • Extensive collaborative projects under industry-university-research integration.

🎓 Education

Dr. Liu earned his Bachelor of Engineering in Polymer Chemical Engineering from Dalian University of Technology in January 1982. Later, in December 2001, he completed his Ph.D. in Science at Sun Yat-sen University. His academic training laid a solid foundation in polymer chemistry and advanced materials engineering.

💼 Experience

Since June 2006, Dr. Liu has served as a professor in Polymer Materials and Engineering at Guangdong University of Technology. He was promoted to Ph.D. supervisor in the same year and chaired the department from 2010 to 2015. He is an active member of several prestigious societies including the Chinese Chemical Society and RadTech North America. His collaborative work spans academia, industry, and international research communities, making him a globally influential materials scientist.

🔬 Research Interests On Chemistry

Dr. Liu focuses on polymer photochemistry and photocuring technology, specializing in high-performance materials for coatings, membranes, and composites. His research integrates fundamental science and applied engineering, contributing to green manufacturing, photoinitiated polymerization, and advanced functional materials. Over the years, he has led more than 20 national, provincial, and enterprise-academic collaborative research projects, with research funding exceeding ¥13 million in the past five years alone.

🏆 Awards

Dr. Liu’s exceptional contributions have earned him numerous accolades, including:

  • 🎖️ IAAM Medal (2017) and IAAM Scientist Award (2022) by the International Association of Advanced Materials

  • 🏅 Euler Medal (2024) and induction as a Foreign Academician of the European Academy of Natural Sciences

  • 🥇 Outstanding Contribution Award from RadTech China (2023)

  • 🏆 Second Prize of Guangdong Science and Technology Progress Award (2022)

  • 🌟 Gold Award for Industry-University-Research Innovation from the China Association for Industry-University-Research Cooperation (2023)

  • 🧑‍🏫 Twice awarded the First Prize for Teaching Excellence by Guangdong University of Technology

  • 📰 Featured in Science and Technology Daily (July 25, 2016)

📚 Publications

Dr. Liu has published 273 academic papers, including 89 SCI-indexed and 48 EI-indexed articles, with over 9,311 citations and an H-index of 47. His most notable works include publications in:

1. Enhanced Silicone Coatings via Rapid Photocatalytic Hydrosilylation Using a Platinum Complex and ITX Photosensitizer

  • Authors: Yushu Zhang, Shufang Wu, Wenqiang Ma, Zhiquan Li, Xiaoxuan Liu

  • Year: 2025

  • Journal: Molecular Catalysis

  • DOI: 10.1016/j.mcat.2025.114993

2. Photocatalytic Hydrosilylation over Pt@UiO‐66‐NH₂: Enhanced Activity and Polymerization Kinetics

  • Authors: Yushu Zhang, Shufang Wu, Wenqiang Ma, Xiaoxuan Liu, Zhiquan Li

  • Year: 2024

  • Journal: Macromolecular Rapid Communications

  • DOI: 10.1002/marc.202400241

  • Citation Count: 1 citation

3. Metal-Free ATRP with Oligopyrene as a Photocatalyst under LED Irradiation

  • Authors: Shufang Wu, Yushu Zhang, Zhiquan Li, Xiaoxuan Liu, Yusuf Yagci

  • Year: 2024

  • Journal: European Polymer Journal

  • DOI: 10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2024.112802

4. Photobase-Catalysed Anionic Thiol-Epoxy Click Photopolymerization under NIR Irradiation: From Deep Curing to Shape Memory

  • Authors: Yaoxin Huang, Longji Li, Xiaoxuan Liu, Zhiquan Li

  • Year: 2022

  • Journal: Polymer Chemistry

  • DOI: 10.1039/D2PY00144F

  • Citation Count: 17 citations

5. Upconversion Nanoparticle-Assisted Cationic and Radical/Cationic Hybrid Photopolymerization Using Sulfonium Salts

  • Authors: Xiaoyan Meng, Longji Li, Yaoxin Huang, Xin Deng, Xiaoxuan Liu, Zhiquan Li

  • Year: 2021

  • Journal: Polymer Chemistry

  • DOI: 10.1039/D1PY01455B

6. Synthesis and Properties of CO₂ Copolymer-Based Waterborne Polyurethane with High Solid Content

  • Authors: Wenqi Xian, Jie Yuan, Zhengbin Xie, Wei Ou, Xiaoxuan Liu, Baohua Liu

  • Year: 2021

  • Journal: Journal of Polymer Research

  • DOI: 10.1007/s10965-021-02616-9

  • Citation Count: 12 citations ​

7. A Healable Waterborne Polyurethane Synergistically Cross-Linked by Hydrogen Bonds and Covalent Bonds for Composite Conductors

  • Authors: Yan Yang, Zushan Ye, Xiaoxuan Liu, Jiahui Su

  • Year: 2020

  • Journal: Journal of Materials Chemistry C

  • DOI: 10.1039/D0TC00551G

8. Fabricated of Superhydrophobic Silanized Melamine Sponge with Photochromic Properties for Efficiency Oil/Water Separation

  • Authors: Peng Hong, Zhu Liu, Yang Gao, Yubin Chen, Mingxun Zhuang, Lijuan Chen, Xiaoxuan Liu, Hongping Xiang

  • Year: 2019

  • Journal: Advances in Polymer Technology

  • DOI: 10.1155/2019/9536320

9. Facile TEMPO Immobilization onto Poly(acrylic acid)-Modified Magnetic Nanoparticles: Preparation and Property

  • Authors: Guohui Huang, Xiaoxuan Liu, Yiling Bei, Huiqing Ma

  • Year: 2017

  • Journal: International Journal of Polymer Science

  • DOI: 10.1155/2017/9621635

✅ Conclusion

Dr. Xiaoxuan Liu is a pioneering figure in polymer materials and photochemistry. His interdisciplinary research, significant publication record, and global recognition position him as a key innovator in sustainable materials science. From developing next-gen photoinitiated systems to mentoring future researchers, Dr. Liu’s legacy continues to shine in both academic and industrial arenas.