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 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 🏅.

Chuan-Pei Lee | Materials | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chuan-Pei Lee | Materials | Best Researcher Award

Associate Professor | Department of Applied Physics and Chemistry, University of Taipei | Taiwan

Dr. Chuan-Pei Lee is an esteemed Associate Professor in the Department of Applied Physics and Chemistry at the University of Taipei, Taiwan. With a strong background in chemical engineering and a passion for nanomaterials and renewable energy, he has significantly contributed to the fields of nanotechnology, solar fuels, water splitting, and supercapacitors. His extensive research in electrochemical techniques has established him as a leading figure in energy-related applications. To date, Dr. Lee has authored 13 book chapters and 117 SCI papers, garnering over 5,470 citations and an H-index of 44.

Profile👤

Google Scholar

ORCID

Scopus

Strengths for the Awards✨

  • Outstanding Research Output 📚

    • Published 117 SCI papers, reflecting a strong research presence.
    • Contributed 13 book chapters, further demonstrating academic influence.
  • High Impact and Citation Metrics 📈

    • Google Scholar Citations: 5470
    • H-index: 44, showing significant contributions to the field.
    • Publications in prestigious journals like ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, Nano Energy, J. Mater. Chem. A, and Materials Today Energy.
  • Diverse and Impactful Research Areas 🌍

    • Expertise in nanomaterials, solar energy, water splitting, and supercapacitors.
    • Work contributes to renewable energy solutions and sustainability.
    • Strong command over electrochemical techniques, crucial for energy storage research.
  • Collaboration and International Recognition 🤝

    • Co-authored papers with international research teams.
    • Worked with notable researchers from National Taiwan University, University of California, and RSC-affiliated institutions.

🎓 Education

  • Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering – National Taiwan University (2012)

💼 Experience

  • Associate Professor – Department of Applied Physics and Chemistry, University of Taipei, Taiwan (Present)
  • Research Collaborator – Various international research institutions focusing on nanomaterials and energy storage technologies.

🔬 Research Interests On Materials

Dr. Lee’s research revolves around the development of advanced materials for energy applications. His key areas of interest include:

  • Nanomaterials/Nanostructures – Synthesis and applications in energy storage and conversion.
  • Solar Energy & Solar Fuels – Enhancing the efficiency of solar energy harvesting and utilization.
  • Water Splitting Technology – Exploring innovative electrocatalysts for hydrogen production.
  • Supercapacitors – Designing high-performance electrodes for energy storage solutions.
  • Electrochemical Techniques – Studying charge transfer mechanisms and optimizing material properties for enhanced efficiency.

🏆 Awards & Recognitions

  • Recognized as a leading researcher in energy materials with a high citation index (H-index: 44).
  • Numerous awards for excellence in research and innovation in applied physics and chemistry.
  • Invited keynote speaker at multiple international conferences on nanotechnology and renewable energy.

📚 Selected Publications

Dr. Lee has published extensively in top-tier journals. Below are some of his notable works:

  1. Use of organic materials in dye-sensitized solar cells

    • Authors: CP Lee, CT Li, KC Ho
    • Year: 2017
    • Citations: 336
  2. Recent progress in organic sensitizers for dye-sensitized solar cells

    • Authors: CP Lee, RYY Lin, LY Lin, CT Li, TC Chu, SS Sun, JT Lin, KC Ho
    • Year: 2015
    • Citations: 273
  3. Organic dyes containing carbazole as donor and π-linker: optical, electrochemical, and photovoltaic properties

    • Authors: A Venkateswararao, KRJ Thomas, CP Lee, CT Li, KC Ho
    • Year: 2014
    • Citations: 202
  4. A paper-based electrode using a graphene dot/PEDOT: PSS composite for flexible solar cells

    • Authors: CP Lee, KY Lai, CA Lin, CT Li, KC Ho, CI Wu, SP Lau, JH He
    • Year: 2017
    • Citations: 159
  5. Conducting polymer-based counter electrode for a quantum-dot-sensitized solar cell (QDSSC) with a polysulfide electrolyte

    • Authors: MH Yeh, CP Lee, CY Chou, LY Lin, HY Wei, CW Chu, R Vittal, KC Ho
    • Year: 2011
    • Citations: 142
  6. Iodine-free high efficient quasi solid-state dye-sensitized solar cell containing ionic liquid and polyaniline-loaded carbon black

    • Authors: CP Lee, PY Chen, R Vittal, KC Ho
    • Year: 2010
    • Citations: 136
  7. Unsymmetrical squaraines incorporating the thiophene unit for panchromatic dye-sensitized solar cells

    • Authors: JY Li, CY Chen, CP Lee, SC Chen, TH Lin, HH Tsai, KC Ho, CG Wu
    • Year: 2010
    • Citations: 109
  8. 2,7-Diaminofluorene-based organic dyes for dye-sensitized solar cells: effect of auxiliary donor on optical and electrochemical properties

    • Authors: A Baheti, P Singh, CP Lee, KRJ Thomas, KC Ho
    • Year: 2011
    • Citations: 107
  9. Beaded stream-like CoSe₂ nanoneedle array for efficient hydrogen evolution electrocatalysis

    • Authors: CP Lee, WF Chen, T Billo, YG Lin, FY Fu, S Samireddi, CH Lee, …
    • Year: 2016
    • Citations: 97
  10. Fluorene-based sensitizers with a phenothiazine donor: effect of mode of donor tethering on the performance of dye-sensitized solar cells

  • Authors: A Baheti, KR Justin Thomas, CT Li, CP Lee, KC Ho
  • Year: 2015
  • Citations: 95

 

🔍 Conclusion

Dr. Chuan-Pei Lee is a distinguished researcher and academic in the field of applied physics and chemistry, with a deep expertise in nanomaterials, solar energy, and electrochemical energy storage. His groundbreaking research has significantly advanced energy-efficient technologies, leading to innovations in supercapacitors, solar cells, and water splitting techniques. His extensive publication record, high citation impact, and contributions to the scientific community underscore his status as a leading expert in his field. As an influential scientist, Dr. Lee continues to inspire and contribute to the advancement of sustainable energy solutions.