Msenhemba Mchihi | Physical Chemistry | Research Excellence Award

Dr. Msenhemba Mchihi | Physical Chemistry | Research Excellence Award

Yaba College of Technology | Nigeria

Dr. Msenhemba Moses Mchihi is a physical chemist whose research focuses on corrosion inhibition, green chemistry, nanomaterials, electrochemistry, adsorption studies, and computational chemistry. His work centers on developing eco-friendly corrosion inhibitors derived from plant extracts, green-synthesized metal oxide nanoparticles, and nanocomposites for protecting mild steel and aluminum in acidic and alkaline environments. Through extensive electrochemical, gravimetric, spectroscopic, microscopic, gas chromatography, and density functional theory (DFT) analyses, he has contributed significantly to understanding the mechanisms, thermodynamics, and kinetics of corrosion inhibition using sustainable materials. His research also extends to adsorption studies involving heavy-metal removal from aqueous solutions using low-cost agricultural wastes such as coconut shell activated carbon and rice husk, highlighting his commitment to environmental remediation. Dr. Mchihi has authored numerous publications in reputable chemistry journals, including studies on CuO-based nanocomposites, plant-mediated zinc oxide nanoparticles, green inhibitors such as Ficus sur, Justicia schimperi, Annonamuricata, Bauhinia tomentosa, and mixtures of Codiaeum variegatum and Ficus benjamina. He has also contributed a chemistry textbook on mole concept and chemical calculations. His scholarly excellence has earned him distinctions such as the Best Staff Award of the Chemical Science Department at Yaba College of Technology and recognition from the University of Ibadan Postgraduate College. In addition to research, he has presented at multiple national and international scientific conferences and serves in administrative roles, including Examination Officer and Seminar Coordinator at Yaba College of Technology.

Profiles : Scopus | ORCID | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

1. Mchihi, M. M., Olatunde, A. M., & Odozi, N. W. (2025). Electrochemical and gravimetric studies of the corrosion inhibitory properties of green synthesized copper oxide nanoparticles mediated by Ficus sur for mild steel in HCl. Jordan Journal of Chemistry, 20(2), 81–93.

2. Mchihi, M. M., Odozi, N. W., & Odimuko, A. B. (2025). Deciphering properties of Dryopteris marginalis as green corrosion inhibitor for mild steel in HCl: Electrochemical, gas chromatography and DFT studies. Sustainable Chemistry One World, 7, 100103.

3. Mchihi, M. M., Olatunde, A. M., & Odozi, N. W. (2025). CuO-based nanocomposite: Synthesis, characterization, and evaluation of the corrosion inhibition effectiveness for mild steel in HCl. Journal of Electrochemical Science and Engineering, 15(4), 2715.

4. Mchihi, M. M., Odozi, N. W., Nurudeen, A. O., Emesiani, M. C., & Seriki, B. O. (2024). Assessment of Helianthus tuberosus leaves extract as eco-friendly corrosion inhibitor for aluminum in sodium hydroxide: Insights from electrochemical, gravimetry, and computational consideration. Moroccan Journal of Chemistry, 12(4), 1462–1483.

5. Odozi, N. W., Emesiani, M. C., Charles, C. D., Seriki, B. O., & Mchihi, M. M. (2024). Electrochemical studies of the corrosion inhibitory potential of Annona muricata leaves extract on aluminum in hydrochloric acid medium. FUDMA Journal of Sciences, 8(3), 395–401.

Yi Zhang | Physical Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Yi zhang | Physical chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Nanjing University, china

👨‍🎓Profiles

Early Academic Pursuits

Professor Yi Zhang's academic journey began with a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics from the prestigious Peking University (2002–2006). Demonstrating early promise, he pursued a Ph.D. in Condensed Matter Physics at the Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences (2006–2011), under the supervision of Prof. Qi-Kun Xue. His formative academic years were marked by a deep immersion in solid-state physics, particularly focusing on advanced material growth techniques and surface science.

Professional Endeavors

After earning his doctorate, Prof. Zhang embarked on a globally collaborative postdoctoral fellowship (2011–2015), jointly hosted by the Advanced Light Source (ALS) at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and the Stanford Institute for Materials and Energy Sciences (SIMES), under the mentorship of renowned physicist Prof. Zhi-Xun Shen. In 2015, he returned to China as a full Professor at the School of Physics, Nanjing University, where he began to lead his own independent research group.

Contributions and Research Focus

Prof. Zhang's research is at the forefront of experimental condensed matter physics. His work combines molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) and angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES) to explore the electronic properties of two-dimensional (2D) materials, topological insulators, and magnetic materials. Notable achievements include the MBE growth and ARPES characterization of topological Dirac semimetals (Na₃Bi), topological crystalline insulators (SnTe (111)), and 2D transition metal dichalcogenides (MoSe₂, WSe₂, NbSe₂). His pioneering studies on the band structure transitions in 2D materials and topological systems have significantly advanced our understanding of quantum materials at the atomic scale.

Impact and Influence

Professor Zhang is widely recognized for his influential scientific output. He was named a Clarivate Highly Cited Researcher in 2023, a testament to the global impact of his publications across multiple disciplines. In 2011, his research was ranked among the Top 100 Most Cited Chinese Papers Published in International Journals, highlighting his early influence in the field. His role as Principal Scientist in China's National Key R&D Program further cements his leadership in cutting-edge materials science.

Academic Cites and Honors

His prolific output has earned numerous prestigious honors:

  • 2023 Clarivate Highly Cited Researcher (Cross-Field)

  • 2015 National Program for Thousand Young Talents of China

  • 2020 & 2017 Jiangsu Province High-Level Talent Programs

  • 2011 Top 100 Most Cited Chinese Papers

  • Chinese Academy of Sciences & Institute of Physics Student Excellence Awards (2010)

These accolades reflect both the depth and breadth of his academic influence.

Technical Skills

Prof. Zhang is an expert in molecular beam epitaxy (MBE), mastering the growth of complex thin-film materials with atomic precision. His skill in angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES) enables him to probe electronic band structures and surface states with remarkable clarity. Additionally, his early work included scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) studies, demonstrating his versatility across multiple surface science techniques.

Teaching and Mentorship

As a professor at Nanjing University, Prof. Zhang is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of physicists. He combines rigorous training in experimental methods with a forward-thinking perspective on quantum materials, offering students and postdocs a rich, interdisciplinary research environment. Many of his mentees go on to pursue successful academic and research careers.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Prof. Yi Zhang stands at the intersection of innovation and impact. His research group continues to push the boundaries of quantum materials science, with a strong emphasis on emerging 2D magnetic and topological systems. As materials physics enters an era of quantum information and next-gen electronics, Prof. Zhang’s ongoing and future work promises to shape fundamental understanding and inspire transformative technologies.

Notable Publications

  • Title: Discovery of a Three-Dimensional Topological Dirac Semimetal, Na₃Bi
    Authors: Z.K. Liu, B. Zhou, Y. Zhang, Z.J. Wang, H.M. Weng, D. Prabhakaran, S.-K. Mo, et al.
    Journal: Science
    Year: 2014


  • Title: Giant Bandgap Renormalization and Excitonic Effects in a Monolayer Transition Metal Dichalcogenide Semiconductor
    Authors: M.M. Ugeda, A.J. Bradley, S.F. Shi, H. Felipe, Y. Zhang, D.Y. Qiu, W. Ruan, et al.
    Journal: Nature Materials
    Year: 2014​

  • Title: Crossover of the Three-Dimensional Topological Insulator Bi₂Se₃ to the Two-Dimensional Limit
    Authors: Y. Zhang, K. He, C.-Z. Chang, C.-L. Song, L.-L. Wang, X. Chen, J.-F. Jia, et al.
    Journal: Nature Physics
    Year: 2010


  • Title: Direct Observation of the Transition from Indirect to Direct Bandgap in Atomically Thin Epitaxial MoSe₂
    Authors: Y. Zhang, T.-R. Chang, B. Zhou, Y.-T. Cui, H. Yan, Z. Liu, F. Schmitt, et al.
    Journal: Nature Nanotechnology
    Year: 2014

  • Title: Topological Quantum Compiling with Reinforcement Learning
    Authors: Yuan-Hang Zhang, Pei-Lin Zheng, Yi Zhang*, Dong-Ling Deng*
    Journal: Physical Review Letters
    Year: 2020​