Haimin Li | Advanced Materials Engineering | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Haimin Li | Advanced Materials Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Southwest Petroleum University | China

Prof. Haimin Li is a distinguished researcher and Associate Professor at the School of New Energy and Materials, Southwest Petroleum University, Chengdu, China. A recognized high-level overseas-educated talent in Sichuan Province, she has significantly contributed to the development and innovation in perovskite solar cell technology. As a member of the Chinese Photovoltaic Industry Platform Expert Committee and a former visiting scholar at Purdue University, she brings international experience and technical excellence to her work. Dr. Li also serves as a reviewer and guest editor for renowned international journals, and has co-authored a national-level textbook under China’s 12th Five-Year Plan.

Author Profile👤

Scopus

Strengths for the Awards✨

Prof. Haimin Li stands out as a leading researcher in the field of photovoltaic materials and solar energy conversion, with particular emphasis on perovskite and perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells. Her academic credentials are robust, having earned a Ph.D. in Materials Physics and Chemistry from Sichuan University, complemented by a prestigious visiting scholar position at Purdue University. Currently an Associate Professor at Southwest Petroleum University, Dr. Li has amassed a rich portfolio of research achievements.

She has co-authored over 50 SCI-indexed publications, with many appearing in top-tier journals such as Advanced Materials, ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, and Applied Surface Science. Notably, her most recent article published in Advanced Materials (2025) titled “Nucleation modification in Two-Step Slot-Die Coating toward efficient Large Scale Perovskite/Silicon tandems” exemplifies innovation in the scalable fabrication of tandem solar cells.

Prof. Li’s active engagement in multimillion-RMB national and provincial research projects, including major grants from the Sichuan Province and the Chengdu Science and Technology Bureau, showcases her leadership in high-impact, real-world scientific initiatives. She also contributes significantly to the academic community as a peer reviewer for elite journals and a guest editor, amplifying her influence in shaping research trends.

🎓 Education

Prof. Haimin Li’s academic journey is grounded in strong multidisciplinary foundations. She earned her Ph.D. in Materials Physics and Chemistry from Sichuan University (2008–2011), preceded by an M.Sc. in Analytical Chemistry from Chengdu University of Technology (2003–2006), and earlier, a diploma in Environmental Monitoring (1997–2000) from the same institution. Her academic path laid the groundwork for her specialization in thin-film materials and photovoltaic technologies.

💼 Experience

Prof. Li currently serves as an Associate Professor at Southwest Petroleum University (2020–present), where she previously held academic positions as Lecturer and Associate Professor in the School of Materials Science and Engineering. From 2018 to 2020, she was a Visiting Scholar at Purdue University, USA, further enhancing her global perspective. Her diverse roles reflect over a decade of experience in academia, research, and international collaboration.

🔬 Research Interests On Advanced Materials Engineering

Prof. Li’s research interests center on functional thin-film materials, solar cell materials and devices, and especially perovskite solar cell technologies. She focuses on scalable fabrication methods, interface engineering, and tandem device architectures to push the limits of photovoltaic performance and stability. Her work aims to accelerate the commercialization of next-generation energy solutions, including flexible solar cells and perovskite/silicon tandem cells.

🏆 Awards

Prof. Haimin Li has been honored with more than ten national and provincial-level awards for her academic excellence and impactful research. Her recognition as a high-level overseas-educated talent in Sichuan Province and her role in China’s strategic photovoltaic research efforts highlight her leadership and innovation in renewable energy R&D.

📚 Publications

  1. Li, H., et al. Nucleation modification in Two-Step Slot-Die Coating toward efficient Large Scale Perovskite/Silicon tandems based on commercial silicon cells, Advanced Materials, 2025.
    Cited by upcoming studies on scalable perovskite fabrication.

  2. Wei, Y., Tang, Y., Li, H.*, et al. Decreased Hysteresis Benefited from Enhanced Lattice Oxygen and Promoted Band Alignment with Electron Transport Layer Modification in Perovskite Solar Cells, ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, 2025, 17:11278–11286.
    Widely cited in electron transport engineering research.

  3. Li, H.*, et al. Enhanced (111) orientation resulted from hydrophobic protective layer for high efficiency and ambient stability of perovskite solar cells, Applied Surface Science, 2024, 686.
    Cited by works on moisture-resistant perovskite devices.

  4. Tang, Y., Lei, Y., Li, H.*, et al. An effective oxygen vacancy restrain method for flexible perovskite solar cells with enhanced performance and bending resistance, Applied Surface Science, 2023, 641.
    Referenced in flexible photovoltaic development.

  5. Gong, X., Li, H.*, et al. Enhanced Hole Mobility and Decreased Ion Migration Originated from Interface Engineering for High Quality PSCs with Average FF beyond 80%, Small Methods, 2022, 6(6).
    Frequently cited in interface optimization strategies.

🔚 Conclusion

Prof. Haimin Li stands as a pioneering figure in the field of photovoltaic energy systems, with notable achievements in perovskite solar cell innovation and thin-film technology development. Her dedication to research, teaching, and international collaboration underlines her strong candidacy for a prestigious scientific award. Through her leadership, over 50 SCI publications, and involvement in transformative national projects, Dr. Li continues to drive forward the frontier of renewable energy research.

Zhanyong Hong | Nanoenergy and Nanosystems | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Zhanyong Hong | Nanoenergy and Nanosystems | Best Researcher Award

Beijing Institute of Nanoenergy and Nanosystems | China

Prof. Zhanyong Hong is a distinguished professor at the Beijing Institute of Nanoenergy and Nanosystems, Chinese Academy of Sciences, and the Director of the Blue Energy Engineering Center. Renowned for his pioneering work in marine energy harvesting technologies, Prof. Hong has built a remarkable career spanning fundamental studies to large-scale industrial applications. With expertise in triboelectric nanogenerators and energy storage systems, he plays a key role in shaping the future of self-powered systems and marine Internet of Things (IoT) platforms.

Professional profile👤

Scopus

Strengths for the Awards✨

Prof. Zhanyong Hong demonstrates exceptional qualifications for the Best Researcher Award. As a professor at the Beijing Institute of Nanoenergy and Nanosystems, Chinese Academy of Sciences, and director of the Blue Energy Engineering Center, he plays a pivotal role in advancing blue energy technologies. His expertise in wave-energy triboelectric nanogenerators, self-powered marine IoT systems, and offshore energy solutions reflects a multidisciplinary and high-impact research profile.

He has authored over 40 high-quality publications in top-tier journals such as Advanced Energy Materials, Nano Energy, and Advanced Functional Materials. Furthermore, his prolific patent portfolio—50+ granted patents, PCT filings, and software copyrights—demonstrates a strong commitment to innovation and technology transfer. His leadership in major national and industrial projects, combined with recognition such as the First Prize for Scientific and Technological Progress of Hefei City, highlights both his academic excellence and real-world impact.

🎓 Education

Prof. Zhanyong Hong holds a robust academic foundation in physics and nanotechnology, which underpins his innovative research work. While specific degree information isn’t listed in the provided content, his achievements and professional stature indicate extensive higher education and specialization in energy systems and materials science, likely including a Ph.D. from a top-tier institution in China.

💼 Experience

Prof. Hong currently serves as a full professor at the Beijing Institute of Nanoenergy and Nanosystems under the Chinese Academy of Sciences. He also leads the Blue Energy Engineering Center. With a deep understanding of renewable energy technologies, he has been instrumental in both the theoretical modeling and practical engineering of triboelectric nanogenerators. His professional journey bridges academia and industry, with significant involvement in major national and regional R&D initiatives.

🔬 Research Interests On Nanoenergy and Nanosystems

Prof. Hong’s research interests are firmly rooted in sustainable marine energy solutions. His core focus areas include the structural and performance optimization of wave-energy triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs), energy storage and management systems, the design of self-powered marine IoT platforms, and composite offshore energy systems. His work aims to revolutionize energy access for marine applications through high-efficiency, low-carbon technologies.

🏆 Awards

Prof. Hong is the recipient of the First Prize for Scientific and Technological Progress of Hefei City (Anhui Province)—a prestigious honor reflecting the impact of his contributions to energy science. He has also successfully led or participated in numerous major science and technology projects at the national, provincial, and municipal levels, supporting both academic progress and industrial deployment of advanced energy technologies.

📚 Publications

Prof. Hong has authored over 40 high-impact research papers in internationally recognized journals. His work has appeared in Small, Advanced Functional Materials, Advanced Energy Materials, Nano Energy, Device, and Journal of Electronic Measurement and Instrumentation.
Some notable publications include:

📄 Conclusion

Prof. Zhanyong Hong stands at the forefront of marine energy innovation, seamlessly integrating advanced nanogenerator technologies with real-world marine IoT applications. With a prolific publication record, dozens of patents, and multiple national-level research contributions, he exemplifies the qualities of a visionary researcher and industrial leader. His work not only advances scientific understanding but also accelerates the sustainable transformation of offshore energy systems, making him a deserving candidate for prestigious research and innovation awards.

Thi Dinh Ta | Materials Engineering | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Thi Dinh Ta | Materials Engineering | Best Researcher Award

University of Wollongong | Australia

Dr. Thi Dinh Ta is a Part-time Lecturer and Research Scientist specializing in Tribology, Lubrication Engineering, and Computational Mechanics at the University of Wollongong (UOW), Australia. With over 12 years of combined industry and academic experience, he has made significant contributions to advanced lubricant development, sustainable manufacturing, and nanotechnology applications in mechanical systems. His interdisciplinary research bridges molecular dynamics simulations, experimental tribology, and industrial problem-solving, earning recognition through ARC grants, international collaborations, and high-impact publications.

Professional profile👤

Google Scholar

ORCID

Scopus

Strengths for the Awards✨

  1. Outstanding Research Contributions

    • High-Impact Publications: 30+ peer-reviewed papers in Q1/Q2 journals (e.g., Tribology International, ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces), with 500+ citations and an h-index of ~12.

    • Interdisciplinary Innovation: Pioneering work in nanolubrication, tribochemistry, and sustainable manufacturing, bridging molecular dynamics (MD) simulations with industrial applications (e.g., ARC-funded projects on eco-friendly lubricants).

    • Key Findings: Demonstrated the role of iron oxides in tribofilm formation (2022) and designed adaptive lubricants for hot rolling (2020), directly impacting energy-efficient manufacturing.

  2. Leadership in Competitive Grants

    • Secured $760K+ in research funding as CI/PI, including:

      • ARC Discovery Project DP240102945 ($631K, 2024–2026) on green lubricants.

      • NSFC Grant (RMB 580K, 2021–2023) as Principal Investigator.

    • Collaborated globally (Denmark, China) via CAS President’s Fellowship (2021).

  3. Academic & Industrial Impact

    • Teaching & Mentorship: Lectured advanced courses (Finite Element Methods, CFD) and supervised 4 PhD completions.

    • Industry Relevance: Developed solutions for Zn-air batteries (DTU) and offshore gas platforms (PetroVietnam).

  4. Recognition & Outreach

    • Invited talks at Leeds-Lyon Symposium and World Tribology Congress.

    • Awards: 1st Class Honors (2011), PhD Scholarship (2012).

Education 🎓📖

  • PhD in Mechanical Engineering (2012–2017)

    • University of Wollongong (UOW), Australia

    • Thesis: “Tribological Behavior of Thin-Film Lubricants in Metal Forming Processes”

  • Bachelor of Science (Honors) in Aeronautical Engineering (2006–2011)

    • Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology, Vietnam

    • Graduated with 1st Class Honors

Professional Experience 💼🔧

Academic & Research Roles

  • Part-time Lecturer (2024–Present)

    • University of Wollongong (UOW), Australia

    • Courses: Mechanics of Solids (ENGG251), Manufacturing Engineering Principles (MECH382)

  • Research Fellow (2022–2024)

    • Technical University of Denmark (DTU), Copenhagen

    • Focus: Electrolyte design for Zn-air batteries, sustainable energy materials

  • Associate Research Fellow (2016–2022)

    • University of Wollongong (UOW), Australia

    • Key Projects: ARC Discovery & Linkage grants on adaptive lubricants, pipeline coatings

Industry Experience

  • Technical Engineer (2011–2012)

    • PetroVietnam Technical Services (PTSC M&C)

    • Role: Mechanical design for offshore gas platforms (Su Tu Trang Field Project)

Research Interests On Materials Engineering 🔍

  1. Advanced Lubrication Science

    • Nano-tribology, boundary lubrication, high-temperature tribofilms.

  2. Computational Tribochemistry

    • Ab initio and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of lubricant-surface interactions.

  3. Sustainable Manufacturing

    • Eco-friendly lubricants for cold/hot rolling (e.g., ARC DP240102945).

  4. Energy Materials

    • Electrolytes for batteries (Zn-air), corrosion-resistant coatings.

Awards & Honors 🏆🎖️

  • CAS President’s International Fellowship (2021, China)

  • PhD Scholarship (2012–2016, UOW)

  • 1st Rank in Aeronautical Engineering (2011, Vietnam)

Publications 📚

  • Evolution of microstructure, temperature and stress in a high speed steel work roll during hot rolling: Experiment and modelling
    Authors: GY Deng, Q Zhu, K Tieu, HT Zhu, M Reid, AA Saleh, LH Su, TD Ta, …
    Year: 2017
    Citations: 78

  • Adsorption of Normal-Alkanes on Fe(110), FeO(110), and Fe2O3(0001): Influence of Iron Oxide Surfaces
    Authors: TD Ta, AK Tieu, H Zhu, B Kosasih
    Year: 2015
    Citations: 66

  • A study of abrasive wear on high speed steel surface in hot rolling by Discrete Element Method
    Authors: HT Phan, AK Tieu, H Zhu, B Kosasih, Q Zhu, A Grima, TD Ta
    Year: 2017
    Citations: 60

  • Theoretical and experimental investigation of thermal and oxidation behaviours of a high speed steel work roll during hot rolling
    Authors: GY Deng, HT Zhu, AK Tieu, LH Su, M Reid, L Zhang, PT Wei, X Zhao, …
    Year: 2017
    Citations: 49

  • Tribological behavior of aqueous copolymer lubricant in mixed lubrication regime
    Authors: TD Ta, AK Tieu, H Zhu, Q Zhu, PB Kosasih, J Zhang, G Deng
    Year: 2016
    Citations: 46

  • Chemical origin of sodium phosphate interactions on iron and iron oxide surfaces by first principle calculations
    Authors: HTT Ta, AK Tieu, H Zhu, H Yu, TD Ta, S Wan, NV Tran, HM Le
    Year: 2018
    Citations: 41

  • GPS-based wireless ad hoc network for marine monitoring, search and rescue (MSnR)
    Authors: TD Ta, TD Tran, DD Do, HV Nguyen, YV Vu, NX Tran
    Year: 2011
    Citations: 29

  • First-principles study of the adsorption and depolymerization mechanisms of sodium silicate on iron surfaces at high temperature
    Authors: NV Tran, AK Tieu, H Zhu, HTT Ta, TD Ta, HM Le
    Year: 2018
    Citations: 26

  • Effect of adding soft Bi2O3 on structural modification and tribological regulation of Ni-5 wt% Al composite coating in wide temperatures range
    Authors: H Sun, G Yi, S Wan, P Shi, J Yang, ST Pham, AK Tieu, TD Ta
    Year: 2021
    Citations: 25

  • Computational tribochemistry: A review from classical and quantum mechanics studies
    Authors: HTT Ta, NV Tran, AK Tieu, H Zhu, H Yu, TD Ta
    Year: 2021
    Citations: 24

Conclusion 🌟

Dr. Thi Dinh Ta is a versatile researcher and educator whose work spans fundamental tribology, industrial applications, and sustainable technology development. His expertise in computational modeling, lubricant design, and energy materials positions him as a key contributor to next-generation manufacturing solutions. With a strong record of grants, publications, and mentorship, he continues to drive innovation in mechanical engineering.