Syed Kashif Ali | Analytical Chemistry | Analytical Chemistry Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Syed Kashif Ali | Analytical Chemistry | Analytical Chemistry Award

Jazan University | Saudi Arabia

Dr. Syed Kashif Ali, Associate Professor of Analytical Chemistry at Jazan University, KSA, is a distinguished researcher with over 15 years of experience in analytical, green, and pharmaceutical chemistry. His work focuses on nanomaterials synthesis, electrochemical analysis, environmental remediation, and the application of medicinal plants, combining fundamental research with practical solutions for societal challenges. He has successfully led multiple funded projects, including the development of transition metal-based nanocomposites for supercapacitors and batteries, novel green potentiometric sensors, and electrochemical detection of wastewater pollutants. His research encompasses the photocatalytic degradation of organic contaminants, CO2 photoreduction, water purification, and design of hybrid supercapacitors, integrating advanced analytical techniques such as chromatographic, spectroscopic, and electrochemical methods. Dr. Ali’s work bridges experimental and computational approaches, employing molecular modeling, machine learning, and structure-based design to advance environmental and pharmaceutical applications. He has an extensive publication record in high-impact journals, reflecting his contributions to both fundamental science and applied chemistry. Additionally, he has mentored numerous undergraduate and postgraduate students, fostering the next generation of analytical chemists. His research exemplifies innovation, sustainability, and excellence in analytical methodologies, making him a leading figure in advancing green chemistry, nanotechnology, and environmental monitoring.

Profiles : Scopus | ORCID 

Featured Publications

  1. Syed Kashif Ali, et al. (2025). Bifunctional schiff base copper complex catalyst for environmental remediation and antibacterial mechanism via docking studies. Journal of Molecular Structure.

  2. Syed Kashif Ali, et al. (2025). Eco-friendly synthesis of benzoxazole substituted chromene containing benzene sulfonamide derivatives: Antibacterial activity and molecular docking. Journal of Molecular Structure.

  3. Syed Kashif Ali, et al. (2025). Biosynthesis of zinc oxide nanostructures using leaf extract of Azadirachta indica: Characterizations and in silico and nematicidal potentials. Catalysts, 15(7), 693.

  4. Syed Kashif Ali, et al. (2025). Enhanced photo-Fenton degradation of ciprofloxacin using novel CuO/gC3N4/MXene ternary nanocomposite: Synthesis, characterization and mechanistic insights. Ceramics International.

  5. Syed Kashif Ali, et al. (2025). Unleashing the potential of bifunctional electrocatalyst: Designing efficient Ni@MnS/SGCN nanocomposite for clean energy conversion. Journal of Industrial and Chemical Sciences.

 

Pandurangan Vijayalakshmi | Polymer Chemistry | Women Researcher Award

Dr. Pandurangan Vijayalakshmi | Polymer Chemistry | Women Researcher Award

Department of Chemistry, Tamilnadu Open University | India

Dr. Vijayalakshmi P is an emerging researcher in environmental chemistry, nanomaterials, photocatalysis, and electrochemistry, with a strong publication record and interdisciplinary research experience. Her doctoral work focused on the design and synthesis of advanced semiconductor-based nanocomposites and their photocatalytic degradation efficiency toward hazardous organic pollutants, including antibiotics, pesticides, and dyes. She has developed a wide range of Z-scheme and heterojunction photocatalysts such as V₂O₅/g-C₃N₄/ZnO, Bi₂O₃/g-C₃N₄/ZnO, TiO₂/g-C₃N₄/CuFe₂O₄, and ZrO₂-based composites, demonstrating significant improvements in visible-light-driven degradation performance. Her research extends to energy storage materials, supercapacitors, electrochemical sensing, and CO₂ reduction, reflected in her contributions to high-impact journals including Ionics, ChemistrySelect, Electrochimica Acta, Langmuir, and Emergent Materials. She has also collaborated on studies involving nanostructures for sensing carbendazim, biocompatible nanoscaffolds, and spinels for antibacterial and dielectric applications. Skilled in multiple analytical and characterization techniques XRD, SEM, TEM, UV–Vis, PL, EIS. she integrates materials synthesis with mechanistic and kinetic studies to address real-world environmental challenges. Her international exposure includes a research internship at the National Taipei University of Technology. Recognized with the Visionary Research Scientist Award (2025), she continues to advance innovative solutions for environmental remediation and sustainable energy applications.

Profiles : Scopus | ORCID | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

  • Vijayalakshmi, P., Shanmugavelan, P., & Mareeswaran, P. M. (2024). Enhanced photocatalytic activity of V₂O₅/g-C₃N₄/ZnO nanocomposite for efficient degradation of amoxicillin, chlorpyrifos, and methylene blue. Ionics, 1–29.

  • Vijayalakshmi, P., Shanmugavelan, P., Anisree, S., & Mareeswaran, P. M. (2024). Enhanced visible-light Z-scheme photocatalytic degradation of amoxicillin, chlorpyrifos, and methylene blue by Bi₂O₃/g-C₃N₄/ZnO nanocomposite. Journal of Materials Research, 39(22), 3103–3125.

  • Vijayalakshmi, P., Shanmugavelan, P., Muthu Mareeswaran, P., Yuvakkumar, R., & Nehru, S. (2024). Visible-light photocatalytic activity of a novel TiO₂/g-C₃N₄/CuFe₂O₄ nanocomposite in degradation of amoxicillin, chlorpyrifos, and methylene blue. ChemistrySelect, 9(38), e202400943.

  • Vijayalakshmi, P., Shanmugavelan, P., Mareeswaran, P. M., & Kandasamy, K. (2024). Synthesis of novel ZrO₂/g-C₃N₄/CuFe₂O₄ nanocomposite and its efficient photocatalytic degradation of amoxicillin, chlorpyrifos, and methylene blue. Asian Journal of Chemistry, 36(3), 697–709.

  • Anisree, S., Shanmugavelan, P., Vijayalakshmi, P., Kishore, R., & Srivastava, N. (2024). Synthesis, characterization and anticancer screening of novel phenylbenzylidene thiosemicarbazone derivatives. Phosphorus, Sulfur, and Silicon and the Related Elements, 199(4), 267–276.

 

Wenkai Huang | Environmental Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Wenkai Huang | Environmental Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

University of Barcelona | Spain

Dr. Wenkai Huang is a dynamic early-career researcher in materials science and environmental chemistry, specializing in the design, synthesis, and application of advanced nanomaterials for sustainable energy and environmental remediation. His research focuses on carbon nanomaterials, transition-metal nanoparticles, and single-atom catalysts, with applications spanning hydrogen energy, catalytic conversion, and wastewater treatment. Wenkai has made significant contributions to the development of high-performance catalysts for controlled hydrogen generation, including innovative “on-off” switch catalytic systems for hydrazine, formic acid, ammonia borane, and related hydrogen-storage materials. His work has been published in leading journals such as International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, Fuel, ACS Applied Nano Materials, Carbon Energy, and Green Chemical Engineering, demonstrating both scientific rigor and originality. He has also advanced environmental catalysis through the synthesis of Co₃O₄ nanocubes and lignin-derived carbon materials for the degradation of emerging contaminants in wastewater, contributing to more efficient pollutant removal technologies. In addition to his journal publications, Wenkai is co-inventor on patents related to graphene quantum dots and porous carbon nanospheres, reflecting his strength in translating research into practical innovations. His academic journey from top-performing undergraduate at Lanzhou University of Technology, to postgraduate excellence at China Three Gorges University, to his current research at the University of Barcelona demonstrates consistent achievement supported by multiple competitive scholarships, including the China Scholarship Council award. Combined with earlier engineering experience in advanced aluminum materials, Wenkai brings strong interdisciplinary expertise to the advancement of clean energy catalysis and environmental nanotechnology.

Profiles : Scopus | ORCID

Featured Publications

Huang, W., Llopart-Roca, P., Nieto-Sandoval, J., Bayarri, B., & Sans, C. (2025). Enhanced peroxymonosulfate activation by oxalic acid–activated lignin-derived carbon to degrade sulfamethoxazole: Performance and mechanism. Green Chemical Engineering.

Xu, F., Wang, Y., Wang, C., Huang, W., & Liu, X. (2023). Dehydrogenation of hydrous hydrazine over carbon nanosphere-supported PtNi nanoparticles for on-demand H₂ release. Fuel, 332, 126116.

Huang, W., Xu, F., Li, D., Astruc, D., & Liu, X. (2023). “On–off” switch for H₂ and O₂ generation from HCOOH and H₂O₂. Carbon Energy, 5(3), e269.

Huang, W., Xu, F., Tian, S., Wang, C., & Liu, X. (2022). Bimetallic PtNi nanoclusters supported on carbon nanospheres as catalysts for H₂ production from dimethylamineborane hydrolysis. ACS Applied Nano Materials.

Huang, W., Jin, X., Li, Q., et al. (2023). Co₃O₄ nanocubes for degradation of oxytetracycline in wastewater via peroxymonosulfate activation. ACS Applied Nano Materials, 6(13), 12497–12506.

Mandla Bhuda | Environmental Chemistry | Research Excellence Award

Dr. Mandla Bhuda | Environmental Chemistry | Research Excellence Award

University of South Africa | South Africa

Dr. Mandla Freddy Bhuda is an emerging leader in environmental and public health research, with a strong focus on air pollution exposure and its impacts on vulnerable populations in South Africa. His work is rooted in rigorous scientific inquiry, informed by extensive professional experience as an environmental health practitioner, occupational hygienist and municipal health services manager. Dr. Bhuda’s research provides critical evidence on the burden of indoor and outdoor air pollution in low-income communities, particularly its effects on preschool children. His peer-reviewed publications explore the relationships between pollution sources, particulate matter (PM2.5) composition, household fuel use, and adverse health outcomes such as asthma and atopic eczema. By combining epidemiological approaches with environmental monitoring, chemical analysis and atmospheric modelling, he has advanced understanding of pollution source attribution and health risk quantification in under-researched South African townships. His recent studies in Mabopane and Soshanguve offer novel insights into trace-element analysis and the geographic origins of polluted air masses findings with significant implications for local policy and targeted interventions. Dr. Bhuda has secured competitive funding from the National Research Foundation, Ninety-One Projects and the University of Pretoria for studies on air quality and child health, demonstrating research leadership and sustained academic impact. His work not only enriches scientific literature but also supports evidence-based public health planning, environmental governance and community protection initiatives. Through his contributions as a Senior Lecturer in Public Health, he continues to mentor emerging scholars while producing research that enhances understanding of environmental health risks and advances strategies to reduce pollution-related disease burdens in South Africa.

Profiles : Scopus | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Bhuda, M., Wichmann, J., & Shirinde, J. (2024). Association between outdoor and indoor air pollution sources and atopic eczema among preschool children in South Africa. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 21(3).

Bhuda, M., Wichmann, J., & Shirinde, J. (2024). Household fuel use and severe asthma symptoms among preschool children in Gauteng province, South Africa: A cross-sectional study. BMJ Public Health, 2(2), e000938.

Bhuda, M., Molnár, P., Boman, J., Shirinde, J., & Wichmann, J. (2025). Health risks of atmospheric fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and its trace elements in Mabopane, South Africa. Environmental Quality Management, 35(2), e70189.

Bhuda, M., Molnár, P., Boman, J., Shirinde, J., & Wichmann, J. (2025). PM2.5 chemical composition and geographic origin of air masses in Mabopane, South Africa. X-Ray Spectrometry.