Xuteng Zhao | Catalysis | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Xuteng Zhao | Catalysis | Best Researcher Award

Shanghai Jiao Tong University, China

👨‍🎓Profiles

👨‍🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Xuteng Zhao began his academic journey with a strong foundation in materials science, earning his Bachelor’s degree in Polymer Materials and Engineering from Northeast Forestry University (2012.09–2016.06). His early exposure to polymer science laid the groundwork for his multidisciplinary approach to energy and catalysis. Motivated by a deep interest in chemical processes, he pursued a Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering and Technology at Harbin Engineering University (2016.09–2019.03), where he gained hands-on experience in process engineering and catalysis. His academic pursuits culminated in a Doctoral degree in Power Engineering and Engineering Thermophysics from Shanghai Jiao Tong University (2019.04–2022.12), marking a transition into the emerging field of electrochemical energy conversion.

👨‍🔬 Professional Endeavors

Dr. Zhao continued his association with Shanghai Jiao Tong University as a Postdoctoral Fellow (2022.12–2024.11), contributing to cutting-edge research in electrochemical catalysis and thermophysical engineering. His commitment and research excellence led to his promotion as an Associate Researcher in March 2025, where he remains active in both scientific research and academic mentorship. His current role situates him at the forefront of hydrogen production technologies, particularly focusing on alcohol–ammonia-based hydrogen evolution systems.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Zhao’s research is deeply rooted in the development and optimization of electrochemical catalysis technologies for sustainable energy. His primary research focus includes alcohol-ammonia hydrogen production, a promising route for clean hydrogen generation. By integrating principles of thermophysics and catalysis, he has worked on improving the energy efficiency and catalytic performance of these systems. His work bridges materials engineering with chemical process innovation, contributing to the next generation of green hydrogen production technologies.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Through his innovative research, Dr. Zhao has significantly contributed to the global discourse on renewable energy and hydrogen economy. His studies on novel catalytic materials and ammonia-fueled hydrogen systems are expected to influence future industrial hydrogen production models. By collaborating within interdisciplinary teams at Shanghai Jiao Tong University, he supports both academic development and practical technology deployment for carbon-neutral energy solutions.

📊 Academic Citations and Recognition

Though still early in his career, Dr. Zhao’s research has begun to attract attention in scholarly circles, particularly in electrochemical and energy materials communities. His articles are cited in studies related to electrocatalysis, fuel processing, and ammonia decomposition, contributing to an expanding body of literature in sustainable energy production.

🧪 Technical Skills and Expertise

Dr. Zhao has mastered a wide array of experimental and analytical techniques essential to catalysis and thermophysical studies. These include Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS), Linear Sweep Voltammetry (LSV), Tafel Polarization and Reaction Kinetics, Gas Chromatography for hydrogen quantification, and material characterization techniques such as SEM, XRD, BET, and FT-IR. He is also adept at designing custom experimental systems for lab-scale hydrogen production and catalytic performance evaluation.

👨‍🏫 Teaching Experience and Mentorship

As an associate researcher, Dr. Zhao actively participates in academic mentorship at Shanghai Jiao Tong University. He has guided graduate students in experimental design, data analysis, and manuscript preparation. His teaching approach emphasizes both theoretical understanding and hands-on experimentation, fostering the next generation of researchers in energy engineering.

🧭 Legacy and Future Contributions

Looking ahead, Dr. Zhao aims to establish himself as a leading researcher in hydrogen energy and catalysis. His future research will likely delve into scalable hydrogen production techniques, advanced electrocatalyst design, and integration of renewable resources with chemical fuel synthesis. He aspires to develop systems that are not only energy-efficient but also economically viable for real-world deployment. His dedication to clean energy solutions and academic excellence positions him as a promising contributor to the global clean-tech landscape.

📖Notable Publications

Electrically Driven Gaseous Ammonia Decomposition for Hydrogen Production over SiC-Mediated Catalyst without External Heating
Authors: Xiaochao Wang, Xuteng Zhao, Guangzhao Zhou, Ting Chen, Qi Chen, Nicolas Alonso-Vante, Zhen Huang, Yiran Zhang, He Lin
Journal: ACS Catalysis
Year: 2025

The influence of phosphorus and CO poisoning on Pd/SSZ-13 with different Al distributions as passive NOx adsorbers
Authors: Yinan Wang, Jiaqi Feng, Ting Chen, Xuteng Zhao, Rijing Zhan, He Lin
Journal: Separation and Purification Technology
Year: 2024

Nonthermal-Plasma-Catalytic Ammonia Synthesis Using Fe₂O₃/CeO₂ Mechanically Mixed with Al₂O₃: Insights into the Promoting Effect of Plasma Discharge Enhancement on the Role of Catalysts
Authors: Guangzhao Zhou, Ziyu Wang, Xiaochao Wang, Yiran Zhang, Xuteng Zhao, Qi Chen, Ting Chen, Zhen Huang, He Lin
Journal: ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering
Year: 2024

The interaction between Pd/CeO₂ crystal surface and electric field: Application to complete oxidation of methane
Authors: Xuteng Zhao, Yinan Wang, Zuwei Zheng, Xuehong Chen, Ting Chen, He Lin
Journal: Separation and Purification Technology
Year: 2024

Enhancing the NOx storage and hydrothermal stability of Pd/SSZ-13 passive NOx adsorbers by regulating the Al distributions
Authors: Yinan Wang, Xuteng Zhao, Ting Chen, Zuwei Zheng, Rijing Zhan, He Lin
Journal: Fuel
Year: 2024

Zi-Qi Zhu | Organic Chemistry | Best Researcher Award -1752

Assist. Prof. Dr. Zi-Qi Zhu | Organic Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Changzhou University, China

👨‍🎓Profiles

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Zi-Qi Zhu embarked on his academic journey at Jiangsu Normal University, where he pursued a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry and Materials Science (2011-2015). His keen interest in organic synthesis led him to continue his education at the same institution, earning a Master of Science degree (2015-2018) under the guidance of Prof. Feng Shi. His master's research laid a strong foundation in chemical methodologies, sparking his interest in transition metal catalysis and asymmetric synthesis. He later pursued a Ph.D. at Nanjing University (2018-2022) under the supervision of Prof. Zhuangzhi Shi, focusing on cutting-edge developments in catalytic transformations.

🏛️ Professional Endeavors

Following the completion of his doctorate, Dr. Zhu joined the School of Petrochemical Engineering at Changzhou University in 2022 as a Lecturer. His rapid contributions and research advancements led to his promotion as an Associate Professor in 2023. Working closely with Prof. Feng Shi’s research group, he has played a pivotal role in advancing the field of organocatalysis and chiral heterocyclic chemistry.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Zhu’s research primarily revolves around transition metal-catalyzed cross-couplings and organocatalyzed cyclizations, with a particular emphasis on asymmetric organocatalysis and axial chirality chemistry. His work has significantly contributed to the synthesis and development of chiral drugs, which hold great potential in pharmaceutical applications. By exploring novel catalytic methodologies, his research enhances efficiency and selectivity in chiral compound synthesis, making a substantial impact in organic chemistry and medicinal research.

🌍 Impact and Influence

With over 15 high-impact publications in peer-reviewed international journals, Dr. Zhu’s research has gained significant recognition in the field of synthetic chemistry. His contributions to asymmetric catalysis and chiral drug synthesis have influenced both academic research and industrial applications. His studies on chiral heterocycles provide valuable insights for drug design and development, with implications in creating more effective pharmaceutical compounds.

📖 Academic Grants and Leadership

Dr. Zhu has demonstrated strong leadership in securing research funding. He successfully chaired the National Natural Science Foundation of China (2024) and the Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province (2023). These grants have allowed him to expand his research group and explore new frontiers in chiral chemistry, reinforcing his reputation as a rising scholar in the field.

📚 Teaching Experience and Mentorship

As an Associate Professor, Dr. Zhu actively engages in teaching undergraduate and postgraduate students in petrochemical engineering and organic chemistry. He is dedicated to mentoring young researchers, guiding them in advanced synthetic methodologies and catalysis. His mentorship has helped shape future scientists, fostering an environment of innovation and scientific rigor.

🏆 Technical Skills and Expertise

Dr. Zhu possesses extensive expertise in asymmetric synthesis, transition metal catalysis, and organocatalysis. His technical proficiency includes:

  • Catalytic asymmetric synthesis for chiral drug development
  • Transition metal-catalyzed reactions for novel heterocyclic compounds
  • Spectroscopic techniques (NMR, IR, MS, X-ray Crystallography) for structural characterization
  • Computational chemistry tools for reaction mechanism elucidation

🚀 Legacy and Future Contributions

With a strong foundation in synthetic organic chemistry, Dr. Zhu’s future work aims to develop novel catalytic strategies for sustainable and highly efficient asymmetric transformations. His ongoing research in axial chirality chemistry is expected to pave the way for innovative applications in material science and pharmaceuticals. By continuously expanding the frontiers of organocatalysis, he aspires to leave a lasting impact on chemical synthesis and drug discovery.

📖Notable Publications

Nickel‐Catalyzed Intermolecular Asymmetric Addition of Aryl Iodides across Aldehydes
Authors: Ziqi Zhu, Jieshuai Xiao, Mingjie Li, Zhuangzhi Shi
Journal: Angewandte Chemie International Edition
Year: 2022

Nickel‐Catalyzed Stereo‐ and Enantioselective Cross‐Coupling of gem‐Difluoroalkenes with Carbon Electrophiles by C−F Bond Activation
Authors: Ziqi Zhu, Lin Lin, Jieshuai Xiao, Zhuangzhi Shi
Journal: Angewandte Chemie International Edition
Year: 2022

Regioselective [3+3] Cyclization of 2‐Indolymethanols with Vinylcyclopropanes via Metal Catalysis
Authors: Zi‐Qi Zhu, Lei Yu, Meng Sun, Guang‐Jian Mei, Feng Shi
Journal: Advanced Synthesis & Catalysis
Year: 2018

Diastereo- and enantioselective construction of biologically important pyrrolo[1,2-a]indole scaffolds via catalytic asymmetric [3 + 2] cyclodimerizations of 3-alkyl-2-vinylindoles
Authors: Zi-Qi Zhu, Lei Yin, Yang Wang, Yang Shen, Can Li, Guang-Jian Mei, Feng Shi
Journal: Organic Chemistry Frontiers
Year: 2017

Enantioselective Direct α-Arylation of Pyrazol-5-ones with 2-Indolylmethanols via Organo-Metal Cooperative Catalysis
Authors: Zi-Qi Zhu, Yang Shen, Jin-Xi Liu, Ji-Yu Tao, Feng Shi
Journal: Organic Letters
Year: 2017

Catalytic Asymmetric [3+2] Cycloadditions of C‐3 Unsubstituted 2‐Indolylmethanols: Regio‐, Diastereo‐ and Enantioselective Construction of the Cyclopenta[b]indole Framework
Authors: Zi‐Qi Zhu, Yang Shen, Xiao‐Xue Sun, Ji‐Yu Tao, Jin‐Xi Liu, Feng Shi
Journal: Advanced Synthesis & Catalysis
Year: 2016

 

 

 

Premnath Kumar | Electrocatalyst | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Premnath Kumar | Electrocatalyst | Best Researcher Award

Chulalongkorn University, Thailand

👨‍🎓Profiles

🧑‍🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Premnath Kumar's academic journey began with a strong foundation in chemistry, earning a B.Sc. and an M.Sc. from Thiruvalluvar University, Tamil Nadu. His postgraduate research involved the synthesis and characterization of BiOCl/α-Fe2O3 photocatalysts, marking his early interest in materials for energy applications. His academic excellence culminated in a Ph.D. in Chemistry from the same university, focusing on cost-effective, platinum-free electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reactions.

🧑‍🔬 Professional Endeavors

He expanded his expertise as an International Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand, from 2022 to 2024. Collaborating with leading scientists, including his mentor, Dr. Piyasan Praserthdam, he contributed to cutting-edge advancements in electrocatalysis and nanomaterials for energy conversion.

🧪 Research Focus and Contributions

His research emphasizes sustainable energy solutions through nanomaterials, electrocatalytic processes, and supercapacitor technology. Key contributions include:

  • Development of platinum-free catalysts for hydrogen production.
  • Investigations into nanomaterials for enhanced energy storage and conversion.
  • Promoting photocatalysis for green energy applications.

🌍 Impact and Influence

His work directly supports global sustainability goals by advancing affordable and efficient green energy technologies. His research findings have gained recognition for their potential to revolutionize hydrogen production and energy storage systems, with implications across academia and industry.

📚 Academic Citations and Recognition

Dr. Kumar's publications have been cited extensively, reflecting the academic and practical value of his contributions to chemistry and renewable energy.

🛠️ Technical Expertise

His proficiency spans analytical and electrochemical techniques, including:

  • XRD, SEM, EDX, FT-IR, UV-Vis, PL, and XPS for material characterization.
  • Advanced electrochemical methodologies like cyclic voltammetry, impedance spectroscopy, and HER/OER analysis.

👨‍🏫 Teaching and Mentorship

He has played an instrumental role in mentoring students and junior researchers, sharing his knowledge in electrocatalysis and nanotechnology to inspire the next generation of chemists.

🌟 Legacy and Future Contributions

He aims to further his impact in renewable energy technologies by exploring innovative materials and processes. His dedication to green energy solutions positions him as a thought leader in chemistry and sustainable development.

📖Notable Publications

A comprehensive review and perspective of recent research developments, and accomplishments on structural-based catalysts; 1D, 2D, and 3D nanostructured electrocatalysts for hydrogen energy production

  • Authors: Kumar, P., García, A., Praserthdam, S., Praserthdam, P.
  • Journal: International Journal of Hydrogen Energy
  • Year: 2024

Nonylphenol polybenzoxazines-derived nitrogen-rich porous carbon (NRPC)-supported g-C3N4/Fe3O4 nanocomposite for efficient high-performance supercapacitor application

  • Authors: Selvaraj, K., Yu, B., Spontón, M.E., Sayed, S.R.M., Kannaiyan, D.
  • Journal: Soft Matter
  • Year: 2024

Renovated FeCoP-NC nanospheres wrapped by CoP-NC nanopetals: As a tremendously effectual and robust MOF-assisted electrocatalyst for hydrogen energy production

  • Authors: Kumar, P., Maia, G., Praserthdam, S., Praserthdam, P.
  • Journal: Environmental Research
  • Year: 2024

Double role of CTAB as a surfactant and carbon source in Ni-Mo2C/GA composite: As a highly active electrocatalyst for hydrogen evolution reaction

  • Authors: Kumar, P., Arumugam, M., Maia, G., Praserthdam, S., Praserthdam, P.
  • Journal: Electrochimica Acta
  • Year: 2023

Reduced nickel on cobalt sulphide with carbon supported (Ni-CoS/C) composite material as a low-cost and efficient electrocatalyst for hydrogen evolution reaction

  • Authors: Kumar, P., Arumugam, M., Jagannathan, M., Praserthdam, S., Praserthdam, P.
  • Journal: Electrochimica Acta
  • Year: 2022

Carbon supported nickel phosphide as efficient electrocatalyst for hydrogen and oxygen evolution reactions

  • Authors: Kumar, P., Murthy, A.P., Bezerra, L.S., Maia, G., Madhavan, J.
  • Journal: International Journal of Hydrogen Energy
  • Year: 2021