Dan Qiao | Chemistry and Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Dan Qiao | Chemistry and Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

Lanzhou Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences | China

Prof. Dan Qiao is an accomplished scientist whose research has significantly advanced the field of tribo chemistry and lubrication engineering. He is widely recognized for his groundbreaking work in liquid super lubrication, nano-additives, and specialized lubricating oils that have transformed both academic understanding and industrial applications. His career reflects an impressive balance of research, innovation, leadership, and mentorship. As a doctoral supervisor and senior researcher at the Lanzhou Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Prof. Dan Qiao has made remarkable contributions to the study of interfacial reactions, tribological mechanisms, and the design of next-generation lubricants. His efforts continue to strengthen the bridge between fundamental science and applied technologies in aerospace, energy, and advanced manufacturing.

Professional Profile

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Education

Prof. Dan Qiao completed his higher studies in materials science at the Lanzhou Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences. During this period, he built a strong foundation in the fields of materials design, friction chemistry, and lubrication engineering. His academic training not only sharpened his expertise in materials research but also inspired his passion for solving industrial challenges through scientific innovation. This educational background allowed him to specialize in tribology and lubrication, disciplines that would later define his professional identity and establish him as a global authority in his field.

Experience

Prof. Dan Qiao began his career at the Lanzhou Institute of Chemical Physics, where he has steadily risen through multiple research and leadership positions. His journey from an early-stage researcher to a full professor and doctoral supervisor reflects both his dedication and his outstanding contributions to the advancement of tribological science. Over the years, he has successfully led more than ten significant scientific projects supported by national and provincial funding agencies. His expertise has also driven the development of specialized lubricants and tribological technologies that have been applied to aerospace and other high-tech industries. Beyond research, he has actively engaged in academic societies, contributed to scientific conferences, and provided mentorship to young scientists, thereby strengthening the research community both nationally and internationally.

Research Interest

Prof. Dan Qiao’s research interests lie at the intersection of materials science, tribology, and chemical engineering. His work focuses on tribo chemistry, liquid super lubrication, frictional catalysis, and the development of advanced lubricants incorporating nano-additives. He is particularly interested in the molecular-level mechanisms that govern interfacial interactions, tribofilm formation, and the dynamic behavior of lubricants under extreme conditions. By combining theory, experimental methods, and practical engineering applications, Prof. Dan Qiao’s research aims to create lubricating materials with superior efficiency, biodegradability, and adaptability. His studies contribute not only to the development of environmentally friendly lubricants but also to the long-term reliability of machines and equipment in demanding industries such as aerospace, energy, and precision manufacturing.

Awards

Prof. Dan Qiao has received numerous recognitions that highlight his outstanding contributions to science and technology. He has been honored as a Young Scientist of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and was selected among the most promising talents of his generation in Gansu Province. His achievements have also earned him membership in the prestigious Youth Innovation Promotion Association of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, along with inclusion among the Longyan Young Talents. In addition, he has been recognized as an Excellent Graduate Tutor, reflecting his dual role as both a leading researcher and an inspiring academic mentor. These awards underscore his reputation as a scientist who combines creativity with dedication, ensuring both scientific progress and the training of future leaders in materials research.

Publications

Prof. Dan Qiao has authored more than fifty peer-reviewed papers in leading international journals, with many of his works being widely cited by other researchers in the fields of tribology, chemistry, and materials engineering. His publications demonstrate both academic depth and practical significance. Some selected works include:

Tittle: Preparation and tribological performance of core-shell structured rare-earth nanocomposites as lubricating additives
Journal: Scientia Sinica Technologica
Published on: 2025

Tittle: Robust Macroscale Superlubricity Enabled by the Protic Ionic Liquid Polyol Aqueous Solution: From Interface Adsorption to Tribofilm Formation
Journal: ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces
Published on: 2025

Tittle: Elucidating the Friction Catalytic Lubrication Mechanism of Ag Nanoparticles Loaded on MOFs
Journal: Advanced Materials Interfaces
Published on: 2025

Tittle: Perspective of Tribological Mechanisms for α-Alkene Molecules with Different Chain Lengths from Interface Behavior
Journal: Langmuir
Published on: 2024

Tittle: Study on the tribological properties of hexagonal boron nitride flakes composite hydrophilic/hydrophobic ionic liquids films by self-assembly
Journal: Applied Surface Science
Published on: 2024

Conclusion

Prof. Dan Qiao’s scientific journey represents the perfect blend of intellectual curiosity, innovative research, and real-world application. His pioneering contributions in tribology and lubrication science have expanded the frontiers of knowledge while delivering tangible solutions to industries that demand high-performance materials. With extensive publications, numerous patents, and impactful projects, his research continues to inspire advancements in surface engineering and energy-efficient lubrication technologies. Beyond his personal achievements, Prof. Dan Qiao is a mentor, leader, and collaborator who actively contributes to the global scientific community. His accomplishments make him a highly deserving nominee for the Best Researcher Award.

Shujun Li | Chemistry and Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Shujun Li | Chemistry and Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

Ph.D. in Materials at University of Science & Engineering | China

Dr. Shujun Li is a highly accomplished materials scientist currently serving as a researcher at Sichuan University of Science & Engineering. With a Ph.D. in Engineering from Lanzhou University of Technology (2023), Dr. Li has established himself in the fields of nanotechnology, metallic material engineering, and environmental remediation. His dedication to science is reflected in his contributions to cutting-edge research projects, patented technologies, and the mentorship of future scientists. Through practical innovations and scholarly excellence, he continues to advance the integration of nanomaterials into real-world applications, particularly in addressing industrial and ecological challenges.

Professional Profile

Scopus

Education

Dr. Shujun Li earned his Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering in 2023 from Lanzhou University of Technology, a premier institution known for technological research. His academic journey was driven by a passion for materials science, with a specialized focus on nano-functional materials, new energy applications, and metal quality control systems. During his doctoral studies, he laid the groundwork for several high-impact innovations and engaged in multidisciplinary research that bridged chemical engineering, metallurgy, and environmental science an academic foundation that continues to influence his current research endeavors.

Experience

Over the years, Dr. Shujun Li has accumulated significant experience in both academic and industry-focused research. He has led four enterprise-level industrial projects and a university-funded scientific initiative, all of which were geared toward the development and optimization of advanced materials. He also contributed to a high-profile National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) project, reflecting his credibility and national recognition. His hands-on work includes collaboration with engineering teams, supervising student researchers, and translating laboratory discoveries into commercially viable solutions demonstrating his unique ability to connect theory with practical impact.

Research Interest

Dr. Shujun Li research interests are at the intersection of material innovation and environmental responsibility. He specializes in the preparation and application of nanomaterials and metallic materials, particularly their use in pollution control, heavy metal removal, and sustainable construction. His recent work on nano-composites for radioactive wastewater treatment, industrial slag identification, and ultra-high-strength automotive steel reflects a strategic focus on solving high-stakes industrial and ecological problems. His passion for functional materials aligns closely with global needs for sustainability, innovation, and cleaner technologies.

Awards

Dr. Shujun Li has received three prestigious awards in recognition of his scientific and technical excellence. Among them, he was notably honored as the “Sichuan Outstanding Instructor”, a title awarded for his exceptional mentorship that enabled students to achieve national honors in physics competitions. His ability to combine academic leadership with research innovation has positioned him as both a top-tier scientist and a transformative educator. These accolades affirm his status as an influential figure within his field, acknowledged for both scholarly impact and academic contribution.

Publications

Dr. Shujun Li has made significant strides in the fields of nanomaterials and metallurgical science, authoring 12 peer reviewed articles in high-impact SCI-indexed journals, with 6 of these as first author.

  1. Adsorption performance of nano-composites for radioactive wastewater treatment
    Journal: Hazardous Materials
    Published on: May 2023
    Citation: 22

  2. Slag phase analysis via XRD coupled spectroscopy
    Journal: Materials Chemistry and Physics
    Published on: September 2022
    Citation: 15

  3. Mechanical behavior of ultra-high-strength automotive steel
    Journal: Materials Science and Engineering 
    Published on: March 2021
    Citation: 18

  4. Nano-ZnO modified biochar for cadmium removal in water treatment
    Journal: Chemosphere
    Published on: December 2020
    Citation: 20

  5. Graphene-oxide enhanced aluminum alloy composites
    Journal: Alloys and Compounds
    Published on: July 2020
    Citation: 13

  6. Thermal stability of nickel-titanium shape memory alloys
    Journal: Materials Letters
    Published on: February 2019
    Citation: 10

Conclusion

Dr. Shujun Li is a prominent researcher whose work resonates with the core values of scientific innovation, interdisciplinary impact, and community advancement. His expertise in nano-functional and metallic materials has not only resulted in real-world industrial applications and environmental benefits but has also strengthened China’s position in advanced material science. As a committed educator and a pioneering scientist, Dr. Li is an exemplary candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His journey continues to inspire academic excellence and forge new pathways in forensic, environmental, and materials science.

Zhixiong Cai | Materials | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zhixiong Cai | Materials | Best Researcher Award

Minnan Normal University | China

Zhixiong Cai is an Associate Professor and Master’s Supervisor at the College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, and Environmental Science at Minnan Normal University, located in Zhangzhou, Fujian Province, China. With expertise in luminescent materials and electrocatalysis, he has gained a reputation for his impactful research and academic contributions. His work primarily focuses on advancing materials science, particularly in the context of energy conversion and storage.

Professional profile👤

ORCID

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Strengths for the Awards✨

  • Solid Educational Background: He holds a Ph.D. in Chemistry from Xiamen University and has participated in a joint training program, which suggests a deep academic foundation.

  • Research Expertise: His research interests in luminescent materials and electrocatalysis are highly relevant and cutting-edge in chemistry and environmental science.

  • International Exposure: Zhixiong Cai was a visiting scholar at the University of California, Riverside (UCR), providing him with global exposure and collaborative opportunities.

  • Impressive Publication Record: He has published several high-impact papers, including in prestigious journals like Angewandte Chemie and Nano Energy, demonstrating his contribution to significant advancements in his field.

  • Awards and Recognition: Receiving the Youth May Fourth Medal and other competition honors reflects his excellence and recognition from academic and professional communities.

Education:

Dr. Cai earned his Ph.D. in Chemistry from Xiamen University in June 2018, having completed his Master’s in Chemistry through a joint program between Fuzhou University and Xiamen University in 2014. He also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from Fuzhou University. During his career, he spent time as a Visiting Scholar at the University of California, Riverside in 2017, further expanding his research horizons and collaborations internationally.

Experience:

Dr. Cai’s academic career began in September 2018 as a Lecturer at Minnan Normal University. By July 2019, he was promoted to Associate Professor at the same institution. His research interests have led him to participate in various national and international projects, contributing to the development of advanced chemical materials and applications.

Research Interests On Materials

Dr. Cai’s research primarily focuses on luminescent materials and electrocatalysis. His work aims to enhance energy conversion efficiencies and develop sustainable materials for a variety of applications, including renewable energy technologies. He is particularly interested in the development of high-performance catalysts and materials for environmental and energy-related solutions.

Publications:

  • Porous cobalt oxide nanoplates enriched with oxygen vacancies for oxygen evolution reaction

    • Authors: W Xu, F Lyu, Y Bai, A Gao, J Feng, Z Cai, Y Yin

    • Year: 2018

    • Cited by: 504

  • Advances in enzyme-free electrochemical sensors for hydrogen peroxide, glucose, and uric acid

    • Authors: X Chen, G Wu, Z Cai, M Oyama, X Chen

    • Year: 2014

    • Cited by: 414

  • AuPd bimetallic nanoparticles decorated on graphene nanosheets: their green synthesis, growth mechanism and high catalytic ability in 4-nitrophenol reduction

    • Authors: X Chen, Z Cai, X Chen, M Oyama

    • Year: 2014

    • Cited by: 207

  • An ultrasensitive and reversible fluorescence sensor of humidity using perovskite CH₃NH₃PbBr₃

    • Authors: W Xu, F Li, Z Cai, Y Wang, F Luo, X Chen

    • Year: 2016

    • Cited by: 174

  • Green synthesis of graphene–PtPd alloy nanoparticles with high electrocatalytic performance for ethanol oxidation

    • Authors: X Chen, Z Cai, X Chen, M Oyama

    • Year: 2014

    • Cited by: 151

  • Ultrafine palladium nanoparticles grown on graphene nanosheets for enhanced electrochemical sensing of hydrogen peroxide

    • Authors: X Chen, Z Cai, Z Huang, M Oyama, Y Jiang, X Chen

    • Year: 2013

    • Cited by: 130

  • A sensitive bisphenol A voltammetric sensor relying on AuPd nanoparticles/graphene composites modified glassy carbon electrode

    • Authors: B Su, H Shao, N Li, X Chen, Z Cai, X Chen

    • Year: 2017

    • Cited by: 120

  • PtPd nanodendrites supported on graphene nanosheets: a peroxidase-like catalyst for colorimetric detection of H₂O₂

    • Authors: X Chen, B Su, Z Cai, X Chen, M Oyama

    • Year: 2014

    • Cited by: 108

  • Electrodeposition‐Assisted Synthesis of Ni₂P Nanosheets on 3D Graphene/Ni Foam Electrode and Its Performance for Electrocatalytic Hydrogen Production

    • Authors: Z Cai, X Song, Y Wang, X Chen

    • Year: 2015

    • Cited by: 88

  • Synthesis of bimetallic PtPd nanocubes on graphene with N, N-dimethylformamide and their direct use for methanol electrocatalytic oxidation

    • Authors: X Chen, Z Cai, X Chen, M Oyama

    • Year: 2014

    • Cited by: 85

Conclusion:

Dr. Zhixiong Cai is an accomplished researcher and educator, with a deep commitment to advancing the fields of luminescent materials and electrocatalysis. His academic achievements, robust publication record, and numerous accolades underscore his dedication to driving forward scientific discovery and innovation. As an active member of the academic community, his work continues to have a significant impact on material sciences and energy applications.

Swastika Banerjee | Materials | Best Researcher Award

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Assist. Prof. Dr. Swastika Banerjee | Materials | Best Researcher Award

Assistant Professor | Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee | India

Dr. Swastika Banerjee is a distinguished computational chemist and materials scientist, currently serving as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry at IIT Roorkee, India. With a strong research background in theoretical chemistry and materials informatics, she has made significant contributions to energy storage, electrochemistry, and computational materials design. Her work integrates advanced simulation techniques to develop novel materials for sustainable energy solutions.

Profile

Google Scholar

ORCID

Scopus

Strengths for the Awards✨

✅ Diverse Research Experience – With multiple postdoctoral positions at UC San Diego, University of Luxembourg, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, and Shenzhen University, Banerjee has gained international exposure and collaborated with world-class researchers.

✅ Impactful Publications – Her research is published in high-impact journals such as Nature Communications, Journal of the American Chemical Society (JACS), Advanced Functional Materials, and ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, demonstrating strong research impact. Many of these papers are as a corresponding author, indicating leadership in her field.

✅ Strong Contributions to Energy Storage and Materials Science – Her computational work on lithium-ion batteries, sodium-ion batteries, and solid electrolytes contributes significantly to advancing next-generation energy storage solutions, which are crucial for sustainable energy applications.

✅ Research Grants & Fellowships – She has secured competitive research grants such as the EMR-II/ASPIRE Grant (2024), Faculty Initiation Grant (IIT Roorkee, 2022), Core Research Grant (SERB, DST, India, 2022), and was offered the Ramanujan Fellowship and Alexander von Humboldt Fellowship.

✅ Patents & Innovations – A patent on “Chlorine-based sodium solid electrolyte” highlights her ability to translate research into practical applications, an essential factor for the award.

✅ Recognized Expertise – She serves as a reviewer for high-impact journals (Angewandte Chemie, Chemistry of Materials, Joule, Nature Communications), showcasing her standing in the scientific community.

Education 🎓

Dr. Banerjee obtained her Ph.D. from the Jawaharlal Nehru Center for Advanced Scientific Research, Bangalore (2011-2017). Prior to that, she earned an M.Sc. in Chemistry from IIT Kharagpur (2009-2011), securing the 3rd rank in her batch, and a B.Sc. in Chemistry (Hons) from The University of Burdwan (2006-2009), where she achieved the 1st rank in her university.

Experience 💼

  • Assistant Professor, IIT Roorkee (2022-Present)
  • Postdoctoral Associate, University of Luxembourg (Aug 2021 – Mar 2022)
  • Postdoctoral Associate, University of California San Diego, USA (Mar 2019 – Jul 2021)
  • Postdoctoral Researcher & Affiliate, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory & Shenzhen University, China (Jul 2017 – Feb 2019)
  • Research Associate, Jawaharlal Nehru Center for Advanced Scientific Research, India (Jan 2017 – Jun 2017)
  • Visiting Scientist, Institute of Semiconductors, Chinese Academy of Science, China (Nov 2016 – Dec 2016)

Research Interests On Materials🔍

Dr. Banerjee’s research focuses on computational materials science, exploring:

  • Non-local many-body dispersion interactions in materials
  • Electrochemistry and interfacial phenomena
  • Battery materials and energy storage solutions
  • Non-adiabaticity in chemical reactions
  • Thermoelectric properties of nanostructures
  • First-principles electronic structure theory
  • Algorithmic development for large-scale simulations
  • Materials informatics and data infrastructure

Research Contributions 🎯

Dr. Banerjee has advanced computational methods such as Density Functional Theory (DFT), Boltzmann Transport Equation modeling, and Non-Adiabatic Molecular Dynamics to study energy storage materials, excited state dynamics, and charge transport in semiconductors. Her theoretical insights have led to new frameworks for lithium superionic conductors and efficient electrode materials for next-generation batteries.

Awards & Recognitions 🏆

  • EMR-II/ASPIRE Grant, CSIR, India (2024)
  • Faculty Initiation Grant, IIT Roorkee (2022)
  • Core Research Grant, SERB, DST, India (2022)
  • Best Poster Awards at Chemical Frontiers (2015), Theoretical Chemistry Symposium (2014), Winter School on Frontiers in Materials (2014), and STCC-FC (2013)
  • Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Award for securing 1st rank in The University of Burdwan (2010)
  • Alexander von Humboldt Fellowship for Postdoctoral Research (declined, 2021)
  • Ramanujan Fellowship (declined, 2021)
  • National Key R&D Program of China & National Natural Science Foundation of China Grants (2017)
  • Merit Scholarship, IIT Kharagpur (2010-2011)

Publications 📚

  1. Rechargeable alkali-ion battery materials: theory and computation

    • Authors: A Van der Ven, Z Deng, S Banerjee, SP Ong
    • Year: 2020
    • Citations: 255

  2. A stable cathode-solid electrolyte composite for high-voltage, long-cycle-life solid-state sodium-ion batteries

    • Authors: EA Wu, S Banerjee, H Tang, PM Richardson, JM Doux, J Qi, Z Zhu, …
    • Year: 2021
    • Citations: 196

  3. Tunable Lithium-Ion Transport in Mixed-Halide Argyrodites Li6–xPS5–xClBrx: An Unusual Compositional Space

    • Authors: SV Patel, S Banerjee, H Liu, P Wang, PH Chien, X Feng, J Liu, SP Ong, …
    • Year: 2021
    • Citations: 136

  4. Possible application of 2D-boron sheets as anode material in lithium ion battery: A DFT and AIMD study

    • Authors: S Banerjee, G Periyasamy, SK Pati
    • Year: 2014
    • Citations: 99

  5. Bridging the gap between simulated and experimental ionic conductivities in lithium superionic conductors

    • Authors: J Qi, S Banerjee, Y Zuo, C Chen, Z Zhu, MLH Chandrappa, X Li, SP Ong
    • Year: 2021
    • Citations: 84

  6. Origin of the Order–Disorder Transition and the Associated Anomalous Change of Thermopower in AgBiS2 Nanocrystals: A Combined Experimental and Theoretical Study

    • Authors: SN Guin, S Banerjee, D Sanyal, SK Pati, K Biswas
    • Year: 2016
    • Citations: 52

  7. Anodic performance of black phosphorus in magnesium-ion batteries: the significance of Mg–P bond-synergy

    • Authors: S Banerjee, SK Pati
    • Year: 2016
    • Citations: 49

  8. Thermodynamics and kinetics of the cathode–electrolyte interface in all-solid-state Li–S batteries

    • Authors: ML Holekevi Chandrappa, J Qi, C Chen, S Banerjee, SP Ong
    • Year: 2022
    • Citations: 46

  9. Motif-based design of an oxysulfide class of lithium superionic conductors: Toward improved stability and record-high Li-ion conductivity

    • Authors: S Banerjee, X Zhang, LW Wang
    • Year: 2019
    • Citations: 31

  10. Synthetic control of structure and conduction properties in Na–Y–Zr–Cl solid electrolytes

  • Authors: E Sebti, J Qi, PM Richardson, P Ridley, EA Wu, S Banerjee, R Giovine, …
  • Year: 2022
  • Citations: 30

Conclusion 🔖

Dr. Swastika Banerjee is a leading scientist in the field of computational chemistry and materials science. With a deep understanding of first-principles simulations and data-driven materials design, she continues to push the boundaries of sustainable energy research. Through her academic and research contributions, she is shaping the future of next-generation energy storage and electronic materials development.