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 🏅.

Joerg Florian Friedrich | Chemistry | Lifetime achievement Award

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Prof. Dr. Joerg Florian Friedrich | Chemistry | Lifetime achievement Award

Technical University Berlin | Germany

Prof. Dr. Joerg Florian Friedrich is a renowned chemist born in 1948 in Erkner near Berlin. With a remarkable academic and research career spanning over five decades, he has made significant contributions to the fields of plasma chemistry, polymer composites, and surface analysis. His career includes key leadership roles in major German research institutions, and he continues to inspire as a lecturer even after his retirement.

Professional profile👤

Scopus

Strengths for the Awards✨

  • Extensive Experience: With over three decades of active engagement in teaching and research, Dr. Singh has demonstrated sustained contributions to the field of Environmental Microbiology.

  • Academic Contributions: She has a rich publication record in reputed national and international journals, showcasing the quality and impact of her research work.

  • Specialized Expertise: Her focus on environmental microbiology, a critical and evolving area of biological sciences, places her at the forefront of research related to sustainable development, environmental health, and microbial applications.

  • Mentorship and Teaching Excellence: Dr. Singh has played a pivotal role in guiding postgraduate and doctoral students, thereby shaping future generations of scientists.

  • Recognition and Involvement: Participation in conferences, collaborations, and institutional contributions add to her reputation as a leader in her domain.

🎓 Education

Prof. Friedrich began his academic journey in 1967, studying chemistry at Humboldt University Berlin. He received his Diploma in Physical Chemistry in 1972 and soon joined the German Academy of Sciences in Berlin. He earned his Dr. rer. nat. in 1974/1975 and later his Dr. sc. nat. in 1981/1982, both from the Academy of Sciences of the GDR, Berlin. His habilitation and venia legendi (teaching license) were awarded in 1991 at TH Merseburg, marking his formal recognition as an independent university teacher.

💼 Experience

Prof. Friedrich’s career reflects deep expertise and leadership in materials science. He began as Deputy Chief of the Department of Polymer Composites in 1975. He later led the Plasma Chemistry Division at the Institute of Applied Chemistry (ACA), Berlin (1991–1994). From 1995, he headed the Polymer Structure and Analysis Division and, later in 2006, the Polymer Surfaces Division at BAM (Federal Institute of Materials Research and Testing). By 1996, he was appointed Director and Professor at BAM. In 2007, he joined the Technical University of Berlin as a Professor in Material Sciences and Polymer Analysis, serving until his emeritus status in 2013, after which he remained active as a lecturer until 2024.

🔬 Research Interest On Chemistry

Prof. Friedrich’s research bridges chemistry, materials science, and engineering. He is particularly known for his pioneering work in plasma chemistry, polymer surface modification, polymer composites, and materials analysis. His contributions have not only advanced theoretical understanding but also facilitated innovations in industrial applications. His multi-disciplinary approach continues to influence new generations of researchers and practitioners in materials science.

🏅 Awards

Over the years, Prof. Friedrich has received numerous honors and held esteemed positions in academia and research. His nomination for the Award Nomination Application Form dated May 29, 2012, reflects his standing as a respected figure in the international scientific community. His ongoing academic involvement post-retirement further underlines his lifelong commitment to science and mentorship. 🏆📜

📚 Publications

Prof. Friedrich is the author of around 375 publications, including peer-reviewed journal articles, patents, books, and book chapters. His work is widely cited and has influenced many aspects of polymer and materials research. 🔗 Here’s a selected publication with details:

1. Mechanisms of Plasma Polymerization – Reviewed From a Chemical Point of View-II: Plasma Polymers With Classic Structure

  • Authors: J.F. Friedrich

  • Year: 2025

2. Plasma-Deposited Polymer Layers as Adhesion Promoters

  • Authors: J.F. Friedrich

  • Year: Not specified

  • Citations: 1

3. Competition in Adhesion between Polysort and Monosort Functionalized Polyolefin Surfaces Coated with Vacuum-Evaporated Aluminium

  • Authors: J.F. Friedrich

  • Year: Not specified

  • Citations: 1

4. Structure of plasma deposited acrylic acid-allyl alcohol copolymers

  • Authors: A.F. Fahmy, H. Omar, P. Szymoniak, A. Schönhals, J.F. Friedrich

  • Year: 2023

  • Citations: 2

5. Significance of interfacial redox reactions and formation of metal-organic complexes for the adhesion of metals on pristine and plasma-treated polymers

  • Authors: J.F. Friedrich, W.E.S. Unger, A. Lippitz, S. Weidner, G. Kühn

  • Year: Not specified

  • Citations: 12

6. Structure of plasma-deposited copolymer films prepared from acrylic acid and styrene: Part III sulfonation and electrochemical properties

  • Authors: A.F. Fahmy, M.A. Kolmangadi, A. Schönhals, J.F. Friedrich

  • Year: 2022

  • Citations: 7

7. Nonthermal plasmas for materials processing: Polymer surface modification and plasma polymerization

  • Authors: J.F. Friedrich, J. Meichsner

  • Year: Not specified

  • Citations: 1

8. Modified polyvinyl chloride membrane grafted with an ultra-thin polystyrene film: Structure and electrochemical properties

  • Authors: A.F. Fahmy, M.A.A.R. Abu-Saied, N.N. Morgan, A. Schönhals, J.F. Friedrich

  • Year: 2021

  • Citations: 11

9. One-step plasma deposited thin SiOxCy films for corrosion resistance of low carbon steel

  • Authors: A.F. Fahmy, M. ElSabbagh, M.A. Bedair, S.M. El-Bahy, J.F. Friedrich

  • Year: 2021

  • Citations: 14

10. Degradation of organic dye using plasma discharge: Optimization, pH and energy

  • Authors: A.F. Fahmy, A.H. El-Zomrawy, A.M. Saeed, H.A.H. Shehata, J.F. Friedrich

  • Year: 2020

  • Citations: 30

🔚 Conclusion

Prof. Friedrich stands as a towering figure in the field of materials science, with profound contributions to polymer chemistry and surface engineering. His work has not only shaped research paradigms but also enhanced technological capabilities in surface treatment and material interfaces. His dedication to both research and education makes him a deserving candidate for any high-level academic or scientific award.