Shuai Zhao | 2D Materials and Beyond | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Shuai Zhao | 2D Materials and Beyond | Best Researcher Award

Soochow University | China

Dr. Shuai Zhao, is a distinguished researcher specializing in organic functional molecular low-dimensional materials and optoelectronics, focusing on the design, programmable self-assembly, and cascade energy conversion mechanisms of organic cocrystals and heterostructures. His research has achieved significant breakthroughs in molecular systems, controllable synthesis, and mechanism elucidation, enabling precise fabrication of multicomponent block heterostructures and advanced optical materials. Dr. Shuai Zhao authored 8 peer-reviewed publications, in high-impact journals such as J. Am. Chem. Soc., Angew. Chem. Int. Ed., Adv. Funct. Mater., Nano Lett., and Small, contributing to scalable synthesis of organic core/shell architectures, dual- and multi-wavelength optical waveguides, and continuously tunable organic cocrystal alloys for photonic integration and display applications. His work is cited 26 times across 21 documents, with an h-index of 2, reflecting his growing impact in the field. He holds a granted Chinese invention patent and has secured competitive research funding, including the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Youth Program) and the Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province (Youth Program). Dr. Shuai Zhao’s pioneering work on stepwise epitaxial growth, programmable in-situ co-assembly, and dynamic control of optical outputs has advanced understanding of structure–property relationships in low-dimensional organic materials. Recognized through postdoctoral talent awards and provincial excellence programs, he actively contributes to the research community via editorial service, peer review, and development of novel strategies for molecular design, photonic device integration, and multifunctional organic optical materials, establishing him as a leading figure in organic optoelectronic research.

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Featured Publications

  • Zhao, S., Zhang, J.-X., Wang, L., Xu, C.-F., Ma, Y., Wang, X.-D., & Liao, L.-S. (2025). Stepwise epitaxial growth of core-shell organic crystals for advanced dual-emission optical applications. Journal of the American Chemical Society, 47, 15510–15518. https://doi.org/10.1021/jacs.2025xxxx

  • Zhao, S., Zhang, J.-X., Xu, C.-F., Ma, Y., Luo, J.-H., Lin, H., Shi, Y., Wang, X.-D., & Liao, L.-S. (2024). Programmable in-situ co-assembly of organic multi-block nanowires for cascade optical waveguides. Angewandte Chemie International Edition, 63, e202412712. https://doi.org/10.1002/anie.202412712

  • Jiang, J.-H., Zhao, S., Sun, Y., & Wang, X.-D.* (2025). From binary to higher-order organic cocrystals: Design principles and performance optimization. Angewandte Chemie International Edition, 64, e202507102. https://doi.org/10.1002/anie.202507102

  • Deng, X.-Y., Zhao, S., Zhang, J.-X., Tu, J.-N., Lv, Z.-J., Zhang, X., Lu, J.-Y., Hu, Y., Zhao, C., Shi, Y.-L., & Wang, X.-D. (2025). Molecular-template vertical epitaxial growth of two-dimensional stacked organic cocrystal. Advanced Materials, in minor review.

  • Zhang, J.-X., Zhao, S., Lu, Z., & Wang, X.-D.* (2025). Flourishing organic active optical waveguides with diversity and creativity. Advanced Functional Materials, e06412. https://doi.org/10.1002/adfm.202506412

Yidan Liu | Nanomaterials | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Yidan Liu | Nanomaterials | Best Researcher Award

Zhejian Sci-Tech University | College of Textile Science and Engineering (International Institute of Silk) | China

Yidan Liu is a Lecturer at the Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, specializing in Materials Science and Engineering. He earned his Doctor of Engineering in Materials Science and Engineering from Shanghai University in 2023, after completing his Master’s in Engineering from Zhejiang Sci-Tech University in 2018. He has conducted research as an exchange student at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University in 2017. Liu’s work focuses on the photo deposition synthesis of nanomaterials for electrocatalysis applications, with a particular emphasis on hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and carbon dioxide reduction reaction (CO2RR).

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Strengths for the Awards

  • Innovative Research: Liu has developed groundbreaking strategies for the synthesis of nanomaterials using photodeposition techniques, which have wide applications in electrocatalysis (e.g., hydrogen evolution reaction and carbon dioxide reduction).
  • High-Impact Publications: Liu’s work has been published in high-impact journals such as ACS Nano and Materials Horizons, showcasing his contributions to material science, particularly in the development of bimetallic core-shell nanocrystals and their electrocatalytic properties.
  • Multinational Collaboration: He has worked in collaboration with top research institutions like Sharif University of Technology, Fudan University, and The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, demonstrating a strong international research network.
  • Strong Technological Expertise: Liu has mastered several advanced techniques such as TEM, SEM, XPS, and electrochemical workstations, which support his innovative research. His patent portfolio also reflects his ability to translate research into practical applications.

Education 📚

Yidan Liu holds a Doctor of Engineering in Materials Science and Engineering from Shanghai University (2019–2023). He also completed his Master’s in Engineering from Zhejiang Sci-Tech University (2015–2018). During his academic journey, he participated as an exchange student at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University in 2017. His research interests span materials chemistry, nanomaterials, and electrocatalysis.

Experience

Yidan Liu currently serves as a Lecturer at Zhejiang Sci-Tech University since November 2023. Prior to this, he pursued his doctoral studies at Shanghai University, where his research focused on the photodeposition synthesis of nanomaterials. Liu has gained experience working with several prestigious institutions, including collaborations with Sharif University of Technology and Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics. He has also contributed to numerous peer-reviewed publications in well-regarded scientific journals.

Research Interests 🔬

Yidan Liu’s research primarily revolves around the synthesis and application of nanomaterials in electrocatalysis. His key focus areas include the design and development of metal nanocrystals, specifically through photodeposition methods, for applications in hydrogen evolution and CO2 reduction reactions. His research also involves the fabrication of bimetallic core-shell nanostructures and the exploration of their electrocatalytic performance.

Awards 🏆

Liu has been recognized for his academic excellence with several honors, including the National Inspirational Scholarship, Outstanding Class Cadre, Merit Student, and Outstanding Graduate awards. These accolades reflect his dedication to research and his contribution to advancing materials science.

Publications 📑

Yidan Liu has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications in high-impact journals, contributing significantly to the fields of materials science and nanotechnology. Notable publications include:

  1. Liu Y., Ji Y., et al. “A surfactant-free and general strategy for the synthesis of bimetallic core-shell nanocrystals on rGO through the targeted photodeposition.” ACS Nano, 2023, 17, 15, 15085−15096. DOI link
  2. Liu, Y., Yodsin N., et al. “Photochemical engineering unsaturated Pt islands on supported Pd nanocrystals for a robust pH-universal hydrogen evolution reaction.” Materials Horizons, 2024, 11, 8, 1964−1974.
  3. Liu Y., Naseri A., et al. “Shape-controlled photochemical synthesis of noble metal nanocrystals based on reduced graphene oxide.” ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, 2022, 14, 14, 16527−16537.
  4. Liu, Y., Ren, X., et al. “The lattice mismatch-driven photochemical self-assembly of supported heterostructures for stable and enhanced electrocatalytic carbon dioxide reduction reaction.” Molecules, 2024, 29, (23), 5560.
  5. Liu Y., Fu K., et al. “Supercritical CO2 extraction for the determination of tetrachloroethylene residues in dry-cleaned apparel.” Analytical Methods, 2018, 10, 19, 2242−2250.

Conclusion

Yidan Liu is a highly dedicated researcher and educator in the field of materials science, with a focus on nanomaterial synthesis and electrocatalysis. His work continues to push the boundaries of materials chemistry, specifically in the development of advanced strategies for electrocatalytic reactions. Liu’s contributions to the field have been widely recognized, and he remains committed to furthering research in nanomaterials and sustainable energy solutions.