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 🏅.

Ghazala Ashraf | Chemistry and Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Ghazala Ashraf | Chemistry and Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

Fudan University | China

Dr. Ghazala Ashraf is a Pakistani postdoctoral researcher (age 32) based in Shanghai, China, with expertise in nanomaterials, biosensing, and wearable diagnostics. With a Ph.D. from Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST) and postdoc roles at Fudan University and HUST, she has published extensively in top journals (Advanced Materials, Nature Communications, ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces). Her work focuses on innovative sensor technologies for healthcare and environmental monitoring.

Professional profile👤

ORCID

Google Scholar

Scopus

Strengths for the Awards✨

  1. Strong Academic and Research Background

    • Holds a PhD in Analytical Chemistry from Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST) and has 4+ years of postdoctoral experience at prestigious institutions (HUST and Fudan University).

    • Research spans nanomaterials, biosensing, wearable diagnostics, and electrochemical sensors, aligning with cutting-edge scientific advancements.

  2. High-Quality Publications in Top-Tier Journals

    • First-author publications in high-impact journals (e.g., Advanced Materials, Nature Communications, Journal of Hazardous Materials, ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, Chemical Engineering Journal).

    • Multiple co-authored papers in Q1 journals, demonstrating collaborative research strength.

    • Google Scholar profile shows consistent citations, indicating research impact.

  3. Innovative Research Contributions

    • Developed nanomaterial-integrated microneedle patches for real-time biomarker monitoring (e.g., L-Cysteine detection).

    • Worked on MOFs, 2D materials, and nanozymes for biosensing applications, contributing to early disease diagnostics.

    • Explored wearable and microfluidic devices, a rapidly growing field in personalized healthcare.

  4. Leadership and Collaboration

    • Principal Investigator (PI) for postdoctoral research projects, securing funding and leading research directions.

    • Active collaborations with Fudan University, HUST, and international researchers.

    • Mentored PhD and Master’s students, contributing to academic development.

  5. Recognition and Awards

    • Recipient of prestigious scholarships (CSC PhD scholarship, HUST Academic Excellence Award).

    • Keynote speaker at international conferences, showcasing thought leadership in nanomaterials and biosensing.

    • Review editor and journal reviewer, contributing to peer review in analytical chemistry.

Education 🎓

  • Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry (2020): Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST), China.

  • M.Sc. in Analytical Chemistry (2016): Government College University, Faisalabad, Pakistan.

Experience 💼

  • Postdoctoral Researcher (2023–present): Fudan University, Shanghai.

  • Postdoctoral Researcher (2020–2023): HUST, Wuhan.

  • Research Associate (2013–2017): National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (NIBGE), Pakistan.

Research Interests On Chemistry and Materials Science 🔍

  • Nanomaterials for Biosensing: MOFs, 2D materials, and green-engineered nanostructures for detecting biomarkers/pathogens.

  • Wearable Diagnostics: Microneedle-based devices for real-time health monitoring.

  • Electrochemical/Optical Sensors: Early disease detection and environmental analysis.

Awards & Honors 🏆

  • CSC Ph.D. Scholarship (2017–2020, China).

  • HUST Academic Excellence Award (2019).

  • HUST Honorary International Graduate Award (2020).

  • Provincial Merit Scholarship (Pakistan, 2012).

Publications 📜

Title: Hierarchical CNTs@CuMn Layered Double Hydroxide Nanohybrid with Enhanced Electrochemical Performance in H2S Detection from Live Cells
Authors: M Asif, A Aziz, Z Wang, G Ashraf, J Wang, H Luo, X Chen, F Xiao, H Liu
Year: 2019
Citations: 158

Title: A review on electrochemical biosensing platform based on layered double hydroxides for small molecule biomarkers determination
Authors: M Asif, A Aziz, M Azeem, Z Wang, G Ashraf, F Xiao, X Chen, H Liu
Year: 2018
Citations: 138

Title: The role of biosensors in coronavirus disease-2019 outbreak
Authors: M Asif, M Ajmal, G Ashraf, N Muhammad, A Aziz, T Iftikhar, J Wang, H Liu
Year: 2020
Citations: 137

Title: Self-stacking of exfoliated charged nanosheets of LDHs and graphene as biosensor with real-time tracking of dopamine from live cells
Authors: A Aziz, M Asif, M Azeem, G Ashraf, Z Wang, F Xiao, H Liu
Year: 2019
Citations: 114

Title: Advancements in electrochemical sensing of hydrogen peroxide, glucose and dopamine by using 2D nanoarchitectures of layered double hydroxides or metal dichalcogenides. A review
Authors: A Aziz, M Asif, G Ashraf, M Azeem, I Majeed, M Ajmal, J Wang, H Liu
Year: 2019
Citations: 108

Title: Facet-inspired core–shell gold nanoislands on metal oxide octadecahedral heterostructures: high sensing performance toward sulfide in biotic fluids
Authors: M Asif, A Aziz, G Ashraf, Z Wang, J Wang, M Azeem, X Chen, F Xiao, …
Year: 2018
Citations: 96

Title: Tuning Electrocatalytic Aptitude by Incorporating α-MnO2 Nanorods in Cu-MOF/rGO/CuO Hybrids: Electrochemical Sensing of Resorcinol for Practical Applications
Authors: T Iftikhar, Y Xu, A Aziz, G Ashraf, G Li, M Asif, F Xiao, H Liu
Year: 2021
Citations: 89

Title: Rice-Spikelet-like Copper Oxide Decorated with Platinum Stranded in the CNT Network for Electrochemical In Vitro Detection of Serotonin
Authors: G Ashraf, M Asif, A Aziz, T Iftikhar, H Liu
Year: 2021
Citations: 87

Title: Unveiling microbiologically influenced corrosion engineering to transfigure damages into benefits: a textile sensor for H2O2 detection in clinical cancer tissues
Authors: M Asif, A Aziz, G Ashraf, T Iftikhar, Y Sun, F Xiao, H Liu
Year: 2022
Citations: 76

Title: Trends in biosensing platforms for SARS-CoV-2 detection: A critical appraisal against standard detection tools
Authors: A Aziz, M Asif, G Ashraf, U Farooq, Q Yang, S Wang
Year: 2021
Citations: 58

Title: Engineering MOFs derived metal oxide nanohybrids: Towards electrochemical sensing of catechol in tea samples
Authors: T Iftikhar, A Aziz, G Ashraf, Y Xu, G Li, T Zhang, M Asif, F Xiao, H Liu
Year: 2022
Citations: 45

Title: Topical advances in nanomaterials based electrochemical sensors for resorcinol detection
Authors: T Iftikhar, M Asif, A Aziz, G Ashraf, S Jun, G Li, H Liu
Year: 2021
Citations: 45

Title: Boosting electrocatalytic activity of carbon fiber@ fusiform-like copper-nickel LDHs: Sensing of nitrate as biomarker for NOB detection
Authors: A Aziz, M Asif, G Ashraf, T Iftikhar, J Hu, F Xiao, S Wang
Year: 2022
Citations: 44

Conclusion 🌟

Dr. Ghazala Ashraf is a dynamic researcher bridging nanotechnology and diagnostics, with accolades from China and Pakistan. Her pioneering work in wearable sensors and nanomaterials holds promise for personalized medicine and environmental safety. She actively mentors students and collaborates globally, driving innovation in analytical chemistry.

Lei Tao | Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Lei Tao | Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Associate professor | Tsinghua University | China

Lei Tao, is an accomplished chemist specializing in polymer science and engineering. Currently an Associate Professor at the Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, his research focuses on multicomponent reactions and self-healing hydrogels. With over 200 publications and more than 16,000 citations, his work has gained international recognition.

Professional profile👤

ORCID

Scopus

Strengths for the Awards✨

  • Pioneering Research: Lei Tao has made remarkable contributions to polymer chemistry, focusing on multicomponent reactions, self-healing hydrogels, and bio-applications.
  • Publication Excellence: With over 200 SCI papers and more than 16,000 citations, his H-index of 68 highlights the substantial impact of his research.
  • Recognitions and Awards: Notable accolades include being a Clarivate Highly Cited Researcher in 2018 and 2019, and receiving the Outstanding Reviewer award for Polymer Chemistry in 2021.
  • Leadership Roles: Editorial roles at Molecules and Polymer Chemistry reflect his influence in the academic community.
  • Interdisciplinary Impact: His work bridges chemistry, biology, and materials science, with innovative applications in UV protection, heavy metal damage prevention, and bacterial resistance.

🎓 Education

Lei Tao earned his BS (1994-1999) and MS (1999-2002) degrees from the University of Science and Technology of China in Polymer Science and Engineering, under the supervision of Prof. Caiyuan Pan. He completed his PhD in Chemistry at the University of Warwick (2003-2006), mentored by Prof. David Haddleton.

💼 Experience

Following his doctoral studies, Dr. Tao undertook postdoctoral research at the University of California, Los Angeles (2006-2008) with Prof. Heather Maynard and at the University of New South Wales, Australia (2008-2010) with Prof. Thomas Davis. Since 2010, he has been an Associate Professor at Tsinghua University.

🔬 Research Interests On Chemistry

Dr. Tao’s research focuses on:

  • Multicomponent reactions for new functional polymers.
  • Self-healing hydrogels for bio-applications.

📝 Awards

  • 2021: Outstanding Reviewer of Polymer Chemistry (Journal).
  • 2019: Outstanding Employee of Tsinghua University.
  • 2019: Clarivate Highly Cited Researcher (Cross-field); Top Peer Reviewer.
  • 2018: Clarivate Highly Cited Researcher (Cross-field).
  • 2018: First Prize, 8th Young Teachers Teaching Competition, Tsinghua University.

📖 Publications

  1. Synthesis and Performance of Epoxy-Terminated Hyperbranched Polymers Based on Epoxidized Soybean Oil

    • Year: 2025
    • Authors: Guang-Zhao Li, Qiuhong Wang, Chongyu Zhu, Shuai Zhang, Fumei Wang, Lei Tao, Youqi Jiang, Qiang Zhang, Wenyan Wang, Rui Han
    • DOI: 10.3390/molecules30030583

  2. Cold-resistant, highly stretchable ionic conductive hydrogels for intelligent motion recognition in winter sports

    • Year: 2024
    • Authors: Tongda Lei, Jiajun Pan, Ning Wang, Zhaopeng Xia, Qingsong Zhang, Jie Fan, Lei Tao, Wan Shou, Yu Gao
    • DOI: 10.1039/D3MH02013D

  3. Hydrogels constructed by multicomponent reactions

  4. Highly transparent UV-shielding film via Hantzsch’s reaction to prevent artwork from UV bleaching

    • Year: 2024
    • Authors: Siyu Pan, Xianzhe He, Chongyu Zhu, Zeyu Ma, Yingkai Liu, Yen Wei, Rui Yuan, Lei Tao
    • DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrp.2024.102257

  5. Ferrocene-Based Antioxidant Self-Healing Hydrogel via the Biginelli Reaction for Wound Healing

    • Year: 2024
    • Authors: Rui Yuan, Zhao Fang, Fang Liu, Xianzhe He, Sa Du, Nan Zhang, Qiang Zeng, Yen Wei, Yuwei Wu, Lei Tao
    • DOI: 10.1021/acsmacrolett.4c00063

  6. Recent Developments in Functional Polymers via the Kabachnik–Fields Reaction: The State of the Art

  7. Polymeric Copper Chelator for Long-term Inhibition of Breast Cancer Proliferation and Lung Metastasis

  8. Superhydrophobic Coatings Composed of Multifunctional Polymers Synthesized Using Successive Modification of Dihydropyrimidin-2(1H)-thione

  9. Poly(vinyl alcohol) Modified via the Hantzsch Reaction for Biosafe Antioxidant Self-Healing Hydrogel

  10. Coral-friendly and non-transdermal polymeric UV filter via the Biginelli reaction for in vivo UV protection

🌍 Conclusion:

Dr. Lei Tao is a leading figure in polymer chemistry, pioneering multicomponent reactions and self-healing hydrogels. His influential work continues to inspire advancements in materials science and bio-applications.