Tengfei Cheng | Materials | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Tengfei Cheng | Materials | Best Researcher Award

Hefei General Machinery Research Institute Co., Ltd | China

Tengfei Cheng is a dedicated engineer and researcher specializing in materials science and engineering. With a strong academic background and extensive experience in research and development, he has contributed significantly to the fields of hydrogen storage materials, electrochemical energy storage, and corrosion-resistant alloys. Currently, he is serving as an engineer at the Hefei General Machinery Research Institute, focusing on pressure vessel and pipeline technology.

Professional profile👤

ORCID

Scopus

Strengths for the Awards✨

  1. Extensive Research Contributions: Tengfei Cheng has published numerous high-impact journal articles across various reputable journals, including Angewandte Chemie International Edition, ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, and Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research.
  2. Diverse Research Areas: His work spans multiple crucial areas, including lithium-ion and lithium-sulfur batteries, hydrogen storage materials, and aluminum alloys, showcasing his versatility and expertise in materials science and engineering.
  3. Notable Research Funding: He has secured multiple research grants, including projects on hydrogen storage systems and high-entropy alloys, indicating recognition of his work by funding agencies.
  4. Strong Academic Background: With both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Materials Science and Engineering from Shanghai University, he has a solid educational foundation that supports his research excellence.
  5. Industry and Academic Experience: His employment at Hefei General Machinery Research Institute and Yunnan Innovation Institute of Beijing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics reflects his contributions to both industrial applications and academic research.

Education 🎓

Tengfei Cheng holds both a Master’s and a Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science and Engineering from Shanghai University. His academic journey began in 2014 with undergraduate studies, followed by a master’s degree completed in 2021. His research during this period laid the foundation for his expertise in advanced materials and their applications in energy storage and structural integrity.

Professional Experience 💼

Cheng has accumulated valuable experience in engineering and research. He started as an assistant engineer at the New Materials Research Center of Yunnan Innovation Institute, Beijing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, before moving to his current role at Hefei General Machinery Research Institute. His work primarily revolves around the development of high-performance materials for industrial applications, with a focus on safety assessments and material durability.

Research Interests On Materials 🔬

Cheng’s research interests span several cutting-edge areas in materials science, including:

  • Hydrogen storage materials and high-entropy alloys
  • Electrochemical energy storage, including lithium-sulfur and sodium-ion batteries
  • Corrosion-resistant alloys and mechanical properties of aluminum-based materials
  • Advanced material processing techniques, such as high-pressure torsion and molecular dynamics simulations

Awards & Funding 🏆

Tengfei Cheng has been recognized for his contributions through various research grants and funding programs:

  • China National Machinery Industry Corporation Grant (2024-2027): Design and Safety Assessment Technology of High-Density Adaptive Solid-State Hydrogen Storage System.
  • Hefei General Machinery Research Institute Grant (2023-2025): Research on Uniformization Preparation and Hydrogen Storage Properties of Titanium-Based High-Entropy Alloys.

Publications 📚

Cheng has authored numerous research papers in prestigious journals. Some of his key publications include:

  • “Enhanced Lithium Polysulfide Conversion via the Second Current Collector Based on Multitransition-Metal-Phosphides for Li–S Batteries”

    • Authors: Liqing He, Kaiquan He, Tengfei Cheng, Wanggang Fang, Chaoqun Shang

    • Publication Year: 2025

  • “Thiol-assisted regulated electronic structure of ultrafine Pd-based catalyst for superior formic acid electrooxidation performances”

    • Authors: Yanling Hu, Jianding Li, Qianqian Wang, Xueqing Yu, Yao Kang, Tengfei Cheng, Liqing He, Linfeng Zhang

    • Publication Year: 2025

  • “Topological Insulator Heterojunction with Electric Dipole Domain to Boost Polysulfide Conversion in Lithium‐Sulfur Batteries”

    • Authors: Hedong Chen, Yecheng Qiu, Zhiyuan Cai, Wenhao Liang, Lin Liu, Manman Li, Xianhua Hou, Fuming Chen, Xunzhu Zhou, Tengfei Cheng, et al.

    • Publication Year: 2025

  • “Functionalized Polyethylene Separators with Efficient Li-Ion Transport Rate for Fast-Charging Li-Ion Batteries”

    • Authors: Ning Dang, Jiarong Mao, Yuqiong Mao, Wenjun Yi, Dan Li, Tengfei Cheng, Liqing He, Jinni Deng, Zhengping Zhao, Tianbao Zhao, et al.

    • Publication Year: 2025

  • “Study on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Al–Cu–Mg Aluminum Alloy Based on Molecular Dynamics Simulation”

    • Authors: Jing Huang, Tengfei Cheng, Wanggang Fang, Xinghai Ren, Xiangqun Duan, Zhigong Xu, Shulin Xiang

    • Publication Year: 2024

  • “Effects of the corrosion mechanism evolution of low silicon-cast aluminium alloys in service”

    • Authors: Tengfei Cheng, Guoqing Zou, Xiaoyan Mao, Yuxiang Yang

    • Publication Year: 2023

  • “Electrolyte precursor–free approach to prepare composite electrolyte for all-solid-state Na-ion battery”

    • Authors: Liqing He, Zhen Wang, Yuxiang Li, Heng Lin, Jianjun Li, Tengfei Cheng, Qiang Zhu, Chaoqun Shang, Zonghai Lu, Ricardo Floriano, et al.

    • Publication Year: 2023

  • “Severe Plastic Deformation through High-Pressure Torsion for Preparation of Hydrogen Storage Materials – A Review”

    • Authors: Liqing He, Xiaowei Shi, Xiaoyan Li, Jing Huang, Tengfei Cheng, Xianfeng Wang, Yuxiang Li, Heng Lin, Kazuyuki Edalati, Hiroyuki W. Li

    • Publication Year: 2023

  • “Analysis of the Fluidity and Hot Tearing Susceptibility of AlSi3.5Mg0.5Cu0.4 and A356 Aluminum Alloys”

    • Authors: Guoqing Zou, Yujie Chai, Qiang Shen, Tengfei Cheng, Hong Zhang

    • Publication Year: 2022

  • “The Improvement in Mechanical Properties and Strengthening Mechanism of The New Type of Cast Aluminum Alloy with Low Silicon Content for Automotive Purposes”

    • Authors: Tengfei Cheng, Peng Li, Fucheng Lu, Chao Wang, Hong Zhang, Yuxiang Yang

    • Publication Year: 2022

Conclusion 📈

Tengfei Cheng is a highly accomplished researcher whose work has made significant contributions to the fields of materials science, hydrogen storage, and electrochemical energy storage. His continued research and expertise in developing innovative materials promise to shape the future of sustainable energy solutions and advanced engineering materials.

Hongyang Zhang | Materials | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Hongyang Zhang | Materials | Best Researcher Award

Taiyuan University of Technology | China

Hongyang Zhang is currently a postgraduate student at Taiyuan University of Technology, pursuing a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering. His research primarily focuses on the lightweight forming of magnesium alloys, aiming to enhance material performance and manufacturing processes.

Professional profile👤

Scopus

Strengths for the Awards✨

  • Focused Research Area: Hongyang Zhang’s work on the lightweight forming of magnesium alloys addresses critical challenges in mechanical engineering, particularly in enhancing material properties while reducing weight — a significant contribution to industries like aerospace and automotive.

  • Ongoing Projects: The projects on “Control of Thin Plate Microstructure and Plastic Forming Properties Based on Pre-Twinning” and “Shape Control Mechanism of Complex Stamping Components” demonstrate a clear research trajectory with practical implications.

  • Journal Publication: The paper titled “Evolution of Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of AZ31 Sheets with Different Initial Microstructures During the Corrugated Wide Limit” indicates an ability to conduct and publish research in indexed journals, showcasing scientific rigor.

Education 🎓

  • Master’s Degree (Ongoing) in Mechanical Engineering, Taiyuan University of Technology, China.

Experience 💼

Hongyang Zhang has been actively involved in research projects centered around material science and mechanical engineering. His notable projects include the “Control of Thin Plate Microstructure and Plastic Forming Properties Based on Pre-twinning” conducted from August 2022 to December 2023, and the “Shape Control Mechanism of Complex Stamping Components Based on Local Organization Pre-regulation,” which began in January 2024 and is ongoing.

Research Interests On Materials🔬

His research interests encompass lightweight materials, magnesium alloys, microstructure control, and plastic forming processes, aiming to improve mechanical properties and industrial applications.

Awards 🏆

  • Best Researcher Award (Nomination Pending)

Publications 📚

Title: Effect of Initial Microstructure on Twinning, Dynamic Recrystallization Behaviors, and Mechanical Properties of Pre-twinned AZ31 Mg Sheets

Authors: Z. Li, Zhijian; H. Nie, Huihui; H. Zhang, Hongyang; H. Chen, Hongsheng; W. Liang, Wei

Publication Year: 2025

Conclusion 🌍

Hongyang Zhang is a dedicated researcher with a keen interest in advancing material engineering. His ongoing projects and academic pursuits underscore his commitment to enhancing the performance of lightweight materials, contributing to the broader field of mechanical engineering.

Jihye Kim | Materials | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Jihye Kim | Materials | Best Researcher Award

Assistant Professor | Colorado School of Mines | United States

Dr. Jihye Kim is an accomplished Assistant Professor at the George S. Ansell Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Colorado School of Mines. With a strong background in extractive metallurgy, resource recovery, and critical materials extraction, Dr. Kim has made significant contributions to sustainable materials processing. Her research focuses on innovative hydrometallurgical techniques, mineral carbonation for carbon sequestration, and chemical modeling of electrolyte systems. Dr. Kim is dedicated to fostering a stimulating learning environment that encourages students to explore, discover, and think critically beyond the classroom.

Professional profile👤

ORCID

Google Scholar

Scopus

Strengths for the Awards✨

  • Outstanding Research Contributions

    • Dr. Jihye Kim has an extensive publication record, including high-impact journal articles, conference papers, and book chapters.
    • Her research focuses on critical topics such as extractive metallurgy, mineral processing, carbon capture, and rare earth element recovery, all of which have significant industrial and environmental implications.
  • Strong Funding and Grant Success

    • She has successfully secured multiple high-value research grants, including funding from the National Science Foundation (NSF), Department of Energy (DOE), NASA, and the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation.
    • Active involvement as a Principal Investigator (PI) and Co-PI in multimillion-dollar research projects.
  • Awards and Recognitions

    • Recipient of the Ontario Trillium Scholarship ($160,000) and multiple academic scholarships and fellowships, demonstrating academic excellence and research impact.
    • Earned the Students Discovery Award (2021) at the University of Toronto, recognizing her research achievements.
  • Industrial and International Research Experience

    • Hands-on experience through engineering internships with Barrick Gold Corporation and National Metallurgical Laboratory, India.
    • Strong international collaborations with institutions in South Korea, Canada, and the USA.
  • Educational and Mentorship Contributions

    • Engaged in teaching undergraduate and graduate courses at the Colorado School of Mines.
    • Experience as a teaching assistant at University of Toronto and Seoul National University, shaping the next generation of metallurgical engineers.

Education 🎓

Dr. Kim earned her Doctor of Philosophy in Chemical Engineering from the University of Toronto (2017-2021), where she worked on sustainable valorization of steelmaking slag under the guidance of Professor Gisele Azimi. Prior to her Ph.D., she obtained a Master of Applied Science in Energy Systems Engineering (2014-2016) and a Bachelor of Applied Science in Energy Resources Engineering (2011-2014) from Seoul National University.

Experience 🌟

Dr. Kim’s academic and professional journey reflects her expertise in metallurgical and materials engineering. She is currently an Assistant Professor at Colorado School of Mines, where she leads cutting-edge research projects and teaches courses on chemical processing, transport phenomena, and hydrometallurgical processing. Previously, she was a Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Toronto, focusing on resource-efficient hydrometallurgical recovery of platinum group metals and rare earth elements. Her teaching experience includes serving as a Teaching Assistant at the University of Toronto and Seoul National University. She also gained industry experience as an Engineering Intern at Barrick Gold Corporation (Canada) and the National Metallurgical Laboratory (India).

Research Interests On Materials 🔬

Dr. Kim’s research centers on sustainable resource recovery, extractive metallurgy, and carbon capture technologies. She specializes in hydrometallurgical processing, mineral carbonation for CO2 sequestration, critical materials extraction from secondary resources, and electrolyte system modeling. Her work aims to develop environmentally friendly and economically viable methods for metal recovery and waste valorization.

Awards & Honors 🏆

Dr. Kim has received numerous prestigious awards, including the Ontario Trillium Scholarship (2017-2021), the Students Discovery Award (2021), and multiple fellowships from the University of Toronto. She was also awarded the Brain Korea 21 Plus Scholarship, Academic-Industrial Scholarship from Hyundai Resources Development, and several merit-based scholarships from Seoul National University. Her outstanding academic achievements were recognized with Graduation with Honors (Cum Laude) from Seoul National University in 2014.

Publications 📚

Dr. Kim has published extensively in top-tier journals, contributing valuable insights into metallurgical and materials engineering. Some of her notable publications include:

  • The CO2 sequestration by supercritical carbonation of electric arc furnace slag

    • Authors: J Kim, G Azimi
    • Year: 2021
    • Citations: 42
  • An innovative process for extracting scandium from nickeliferous laterite ore: Carbothermic reduction followed by NaOH cracking

    • Authors: J Kim, G Azimi
    • Year: 2020
    • Citations: 22
  • Recovery of scandium and neodymium from blast furnace slag using acid baking–water leaching

    • Authors: J Kim, G Azimi
    • Year: 2020
    • Citations: 20
  • Valorization of electric arc furnace slag via carbothermic reduction followed by acid baking–water leaching

    • Authors: J Kim, G Azimi
    • Year: 2021
    • Citations: 19
  • Technospheric mining of niobium and titanium from electric arc furnace slag

    • Authors: J Kim, G Azimi
    • Year: 2020
    • Citations: 16
  • Matrix complexity effect on platinum group metals analysis using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry

    • Authors: J Kim, J Anawati, G Azimi
    • Year: 2018
    • Citations: 16
  • Effect of sulfuric acid baking and caustic digestion on enhancing the recovery of rare earth elements from a refractory ore

    • Authors: R Kim, H Cho, J Jeong, J Kim, S Lee, KW Chung, HS Yoon, CJ Kim
    • Year: 2020
    • Citations: 15
  • Selective precipitation of titanium, magnesium, and aluminum from the steelmaking slag leach liquor

    • Authors: J Kim, G Azimi
    • Year: 2022
    • Citations: 13
  • Mineral carbonation of iron and steel by-products: State-of-the-art techniques and economic, environmental, and health implications

    • Authors: S Wang, J Kim, T Qin
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: 12
  • Recent advancements in hydrometallurgy: solubility and separation

    • Authors: KN Han, R Kim, J Kim
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: 10

Conclusion 🎯

Dr. Jihye Kim is a dedicated researcher and educator committed to advancing metallurgical and materials engineering. Her work in extractive metallurgy, critical materials recovery, and sustainable processing methods contributes to the global effort toward environmentally responsible resource management. Through her innovative research, teaching, and mentorship, Dr. Kim continues to inspire the next generation of engineers and scientists in the field of materials engineering.