Dan Qiao | Chemistry and Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

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.

Dhiraj Kumar Rana | Materials | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Dhiraj Kumar Rana | Materials | Best Researcher Award

Postdoctoral Fellow | Indian Institute of Technology Delhi | India

Dr. Dhiraj Kumar Rana is a distinguished researcher in Materials Science and Polymer Engineering, currently serving as a National Post-Doctoral Fellow at the Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi. His research primarily focuses on multiphase polymeric and elastomeric materials, functional smart materials, and their applications in energy storage, wearable electronics, and soft robotics. With a strong academic foundation and extensive research contributions, Dr. Rana has made significant advancements in flexible charge storage materials and elastomeric nanocomposites.

Profile👤

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ORCID

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Strengths for the Awards✨

  • Extensive Research Experience – With a career spanning over two decades in physical chemistry and photochemistry, Professor Yang has made significant contributions to the field.
  • Innovative Research in Phototherapy – His work on photochemical probes, nanotechnology for drug-controlled release, and phototherapy (both photodynamic and photothermal therapy) is impactful in medical and pharmaceutical sciences.
  • High Research Output – He has published 46 SCI-indexed research articles, with recent publications in top-tier journals like Biomaterials and Analytical Chemistry.
  • Funded Research Projects – Successfully secured grants, including the National Natural Science Foundation (21473101).
  • Intellectual Property Contributions – Holds four patents, demonstrating his focus on innovation and real-world applications.

Education 🎓

Dr. Rana obtained his B.Sc. in Physics (Honours) from North Orissa University, Baripada, in 2008, followed by an M.Sc. in Physics from NIT Rourkela in 2010. He further specialized in Advanced Materials Science and Technology with an M.Tech. from NIT Durgapur in 2013. His Ph.D., awarded by NIT Durgapur in 2019, focused on Experimental Condensed Matter Physics, emphasizing electrical and magnetic properties of polymer multiferroic nanocomposites.

Experience 🌍

Dr. Rana has held several research positions, including Junior Research Fellow at BIT Patna, Research Associate at NIT Durgapur, and Institute Post-Doctoral Fellow at IISER Mohali. Since 2022, he has been a National Post-Doctoral Fellow at IIT Delhi, contributing significantly to the development of novel polymeric materials for flexible electronics. His teaching experience includes courses in Engineering Physics and Advanced Physics at NIT Durgapur and Jharkhand Raksha Shakti University, Ranchi.

Research Interests On Materials🔬

Dr. Rana’s research encompasses a broad range of topics within Materials Science and Polymer Engineering. His expertise includes multiphase polymeric and elastomeric materials, dielectric and magnetic elastomers, flexible charge storage, nanomaterial synthesis (barium titanate, ferrite nanoparticles, graphene oxide, etc.), and applications in soft robotics and wearable electronics. He is proficient in advanced characterization techniques such as XRD, SEM, TEM, AFM, and various electrical, dielectric, and thermal analysis methods.

Awards 🏆

Dr. Rana has been recognized for his contributions to materials science through prestigious fellowships, including the SERB-National Post-Doctoral Fellowship. His research achievements have also earned him accolades in the field of advanced functional materials.

Publications 📚

  • Title: Electrical and room temperature multiferroic properties of polyvinylidene fluoride nanocomposites doped with nickel ferrite nanoparticles
    Authors: DK Rana, SK Singh, SK Kundu, S Roy, S Angappane, S Basu
    Publication Year: 2019
    Citations: 67

  • Title: Electrical and magnetic properties of polyvinyl alcohol–cobalt ferrite nanocomposite films
    Authors: DK Rana, SK Singh, SK Kundu, RJ Choudhary, S Basu
    Publication Year: 2018
    Citations: 34

  • Title: Influence of microstructural alterations of liquid metal and its interfacial interactions with rubber on multifunctional properties of soft composite materials
    Authors: PS Banerjee, DK Rana, SS Banerjee
    Publication Year: 2022
    Citations: 26

  • Title: Relaxor ferroelectric behavior of “A” site deficient Bismuth doped Barium Titanate ceramic
    Authors: T Badapanda, V Senthil, DK Rana, S Panigrahi, S Anwar
    Publication Year: 2012
    Citations: 25

  • Title: An easy synthesis of carbon-supported silver–cobalt bimetallic nanoparticles to study the electrocatalytic performance in alkaline borohydride fuel cell
    Authors: S Dey, S Pramanik, P Chakraborty, DK Rana, S Basu
    Publication Year: 2022
    Citations: 18

  • Title: Development of organic-inorganic flexible PVDF-LaFeO3 nanocomposites for the enhancement of electrical, ferroelectric and magnetic properties
    Authors: DK Rana, V Mehta, SK Kundu, S Basu
    Publication Year: 2020
    Citations: 18

  • Title: Enhanced multiferroic, magnetodielectric and electrical properties of Sm doped Lanthanum ferrite nanoparticles
    Authors: SK Kundu, DK Rana, L Karmakar, D Das, S Basu
    Publication Year: 2019
    Citations: 15

  • Title: Enhancement of electrical and magnetodielectric properties of BiFeO3 incorporated PVDF flexible nanocomposite films
    Authors: DK Rana, SK Kundu, RJ Choudhary, S Basu
    Publication Year: 2019
    Citations: 14

  • Title: Surfactant-free synthesis of carbon-supported silver (Ag/C) nanobars as an efficient electrocatalyst for alcohol tolerance and oxidation of sodium borohydride in alkaline medium
    Authors: S Dey, P Chakraborty, DK Rana, S Pramanik, S Basu
    Publication Year: 2021
    Citations: 13

  • Title: Influence of manganese on multiferroic and electrical properties of lanthanum ferrite nanoparticles
    Authors: SK Kundu, DK Rana, A Banerjee, D Das, S Basu
    Publication Year: 2019
    Citations: 7

Conclusion 📊

Dr. Dhiraj Kumar Rana is an accomplished scientist whose research has significantly contributed to the advancement of functional and smart materials. His expertise in polymeric nanocomposites and energy storage applications continues to drive innovation in flexible electronics and soft robotics. With an impressive publication record and ongoing research at IIT Delhi, Dr. Rana remains at the forefront of cutting-edge materials science research.