Qinhong Wei | Catalysis | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Analytical Chemistry

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Qinhong Wei | Catalysis | Best Researcher Award

Zhejiang Ocean University, China

👨‍🎓Profiles

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Qinhong Wei began his academic journey with a Bachelor of Chemical Engineering at Shenyang University of Chemical Technology, China. He then pursued a Master’s degree in Industrial Catalysis at the same institution, cultivating a foundational understanding of chemical processes and catalyst design. Driven by a keen interest in advanced materials and catalysis, he advanced to earn his Ph.D. in Nano New Functional Materials Science from the University of Toyama, Japan. During this period, Dr. Wei developed expertise in the synthesis and application of nano-scale materials, setting the stage for his future specialization in heterogeneous catalysis.

🧪 Professional Endeavors

Following his doctoral studies, Dr. Wei joined the Chinese Academy of Sciences’ Institute of Coal Chemistry as a Postdoctoral Researcher, where he worked on catalytic transformations of carbon-based feedstocks. He was later appointed as Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Chemical Engineering at Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan, China. In this leadership role, Dr. Wei not only drives research initiatives but also oversees the academic and developmental direction of the department.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Wei’s research revolves around the design of catalytic materials, reaction pathway engineering, and catalytic conversion of low-carbon molecules. His work integrates heterogeneous catalysis, especially in C1 chemistry, and extensively employs in-situ characterization techniques to probe catalyst behavior under real conditions. He has made significant contributions in areas such as:

  • Hydrogenation of syngas and CO₂ to produce liquid fuels and value-added chemicals (e.g., olefins, aromatics, and oxygenates)

  • Propane dehydrogenation (PDH) to yield propylene, a critical feedstock in the polymer industry

  • Methane conversion for enhanced utilization of natural gas

  • Catalyst design for sustainable energy solutions aligned with green chemistry principles

📊 Research Projects and Honors

Dr. Wei has led over 10 research projects, securing competitive funding from prestigious bodies including the National Natural Science Foundation of China, China Postdoctoral Science Foundation, and Zhejiang Provincial Natural Science Foundation. His excellence in scientific innovation has earned him numerous accolades, such as the Leading Talent (Young Excellent Talent) distinction in Zhejiang Province and two Zhoushan Natural Science Excellent Paper Awards, reinforcing his reputation as a forward-thinking leader in chemical engineering.

🌍 Impact and Influence

With over 30 publications in top-tier international journals, such as Nature Communications, Applied Catalysis B: Environmental, Chemical Engineering Journal, and Fuel, Dr. Wei’s research significantly advances the field of low-carbon catalytic conversion. His work provides both theoretical insights and practical pathways for clean fuel synthesis, carbon dioxide utilization, and natural gas valorization, directly contributing to global sustainability goals and carbon neutrality efforts.

📚 Academic Citations and Collaborations

Dr. Wei’s growing citation record and publication impact demonstrate the high value of his research in the academic community. His collaboration with both domestic and international research institutions strengthens cross-border scientific exchange and facilitates the integration of cutting-edge catalytic techniques into industrial applications.

🧠 Technical Skills and Expertise

Dr. Wei is proficient in the synthesis and in-situ analysis of catalytic systems, with technical strengths spanning material characterization, reaction engineering, and mechanistic investigation of catalytic pathways. His ability to bridge the gap between material science and industrial catalysis allows him to design catalysts with high selectivity, stability, and energy efficiency.

👨‍🏫 Teaching and Mentorship

As Head of Department at Zhejiang Ocean University, Dr. Wei actively contributes to curriculum development, student mentoring, and research training. His commitment to academic excellence is reflected in his support for young researchers, guiding them through experimental work, thesis development, and participation in funded research projects.

🌱 Legacy and Future Contributions

Looking ahead, Dr. Wei aims to expand his contributions in the fields of green catalysis, CO₂ reduction, and circular carbon economy technologies. His research vision emphasizes integrated energy systems, advanced materials for clean fuels, and mechanistic studies that push the frontiers of catalytic science. With a strong foundation of academic rigor, industrial relevance, and mentorship, Dr. Wei is poised to make enduring contributions to chemical engineering and sustainable development.

📖Notable Publications

Pre-phase transition of a Cu₂−xS template enables polymorph selective synthesis of MS (M = Zn, Cd, Mn) nanocrystals via cation exchange reactions
Authors: Yan Zhang, Shaobo He, Qingxia Zhang, Hongtao Zhang, Jinchen Zhou, Xing Yang, Qinhong Wei, Lihui Chen
Journal: Nanoscale
Year: 2024

Electronic structure modulation of metallic Co via N-doped carbon shell and Cu-doping for enhanced semi-hydrogenation of phenylacetylene to styrene
Authors: Feixiang Chang, Yize Wang, Haoting Yan, Jiashi Wang, Renkun Zhang, Xianmin Zheng, Qinhong Wei, Luhui Wang, Jing Xu
Journal: Separation and Purification Technology
Year: 2024

Atomically dispersed Feδ⁺ anchored on nitrogen-rich carbon for enhancing benzyl alcohol oxidation through Mott-Schottky effect
Authors: Qinhong Wei, Jiashi Wang, Wenzhong Shen
Journal: Applied Catalysis B: Environmental
Year: 2021

Metal 3D printing technology for functional integration of catalytic system
Authors: Qinhong Wei, Hangjie Li, Guoguo Liu, Yingluo He, Yang Wang, Yen Ee Tan, Ding Wang, Xiaobo Peng, Guohui Yang, Noritatsu Tsubaki
Journal: Nature Communications
Year: 2020

Constructing Co@N-doped graphene shell catalyst via Mott-Schottky effect for selective hydrogenation of 5-hydroxylmethylfurfural
Authors: Jiashi Wang, Qinhong Wei, Qingxiang Ma, Zhongya Guo, Fangfang Qin, Zinfer R. Ismagilov, Wenzhong Shen
Journal: Applied Catalysis B: Environmental
Year: 2020

Coal tar- and residual oil-derived porous carbon as metal-free catalyst for nitroarene reduction to aminoarene
Authors: Qinhong Wei, Fangfang Qin, Qingxiang Ma, Wenzhong Shen
Journal: Carbon
Year: 2019

Metal-free honeycomb-like porous carbon as catalyst for direct oxidation of benzene to phenol
Authors: Qinhong Wei, Huailin Fan, Fangfang Qin, Qingxiang Ma, Wenzhong Shen
Journal: Carbon
Year: 2018

Muthuraj Arunpandian | Catalysis | Excellence in Research Award

Published on by Analytical Chemistry

Dr. Muthuraj Arunpandian | Catalysis | Excellence in Research Award

Yeungnam University, India

👨‍🎓Profiles

👨‍🔬 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Muthuraj Arunpandian began his academic journey in Tamil Nadu, India, earning his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Madurai Kamaraj University. He further pursued doctoral studies at Kalasalingam Academy of Research and Education, Krishnankoil, where he specialized in nanomaterials and catalysis. His academic training laid the foundation for his focused research in photocatalysis and electrocatalysis, aiming at environmental and energy-related solutions.

🌐 Professional Endeavors

Since 2023, Dr. Arunpandian has been serving as an International Research Professor at the School of Chemical Engineering, Yeungnam University, South Korea. In this role, he leads cutting-edge research in the field of catalysis, collaborating internationally to address challenges in sustainable energy and environmental remediation. His work bridges material science and chemical engineering, emphasizing interdisciplinary solutions.

🔬 Research Contributions and Focus

Dr. Arunpandian’s research is primarily focused on two interconnected areas: photocatalysis and electrocatalysis.

  • In photocatalysis, his group develops visible-light-driven semiconductor nanostructures for environmental cleanup and solar hydrogen production. Their innovations in doping strategies, heterojunction design, and surface modifications have dramatically enhanced charge carrier separation, light absorption, and overall catalytic efficiency.

  • In electrocatalysis, he pioneers low-cost, high-efficiency electrocatalysts for water splitting. His work on transition metal-based materials and single-atom catalysts has produced systems with low overpotentials, high current densities, and outstanding durability, offering scalable paths toward clean hydrogen production.

📈 Impact and Influence

Dr. Arunpandian has published over 75 research and review articles in reputed national and international journals, garnering more than 1,200 citations to date. In addition to these publications, he has contributed 2 book chapters, underlining his scholarly productivity and domain authority. His research is widely cited in areas related to green chemistry, renewable energy, and environmental remediation, reflecting its global significance.

🧪 Technical Skills and Innovations

His core technical competencies include:

  • Nanomaterial synthesis (e.g., doped semiconductors, metal-based nanostructures)

  • Photocatalytic degradation systems for pollutant removal

  • HER/OER performance optimization through material design

  • Surface/interface engineering, heterojunction fabrication, and bandgap tuning
    These skills allow him to engineer materials that are both high-performing and scalable for real-world energy and environmental applications.

🎓 Teaching and Mentorship

As an International Research Professor, Dr. Arunpandian actively contributes to academic mentoring and international research training, guiding graduate students and postdoctoral researchers in the synthesis and characterization of nanomaterials. His cross-cultural mentorship fosters innovation and scientific communication at a global scale.

🌱 Legacy and Future Directions

Dr. Arunpandian’s research contributes directly to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in clean energy and environmental sustainability. His future endeavors will likely focus on integrating AI-based catalyst design, scalable synthesis methods, and industry partnerships for real-world deployment. His vision is to accelerate the transition to clean hydrogen economies and pollutant-free ecosystems, leaving a lasting scientific and societal impact.

📖Notable Publications

A rational design of novel Z-scheme N-rich g-C₃N₅ supported Ag₂WO₄/BiVO₄ ternary heterojunction for remarkably enhanced visible-light-driven photocatalytic activity of acebutolol antibiotic: Performance, mechanism insight and fragments pathway analysis
Authors: Muthuraj Arunpandian, Tae Hwan Oh, Karuppaiah Selvakumar
Journal: Journal of Alloys and Compounds
Year: 2025

Exceptional Visible-Light-Driven Photodegradation Performance Over N-Rich g-C₃N₅ Decorated Flower-like SrMoO₄ Nanohybrids: Analysis of Mechanism, Efficacy and Degradation Pathway
Authors: Muralidharan S., Arunpandian M., Nagarajan E. R., Oh Tae Hwan, Selvakumar K.
Journal: Journal of Inorganic and Organometallic Polymers and Materials
Year: 2025

Fabrication of dopamine/TiO₂ nanocomposite hydrogel using fenugreek gum for efficient photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants under visible light irradiation
Authors: Nagaraja Kasula, Arunpandian Muthuraj, Oh Tae Hwan
Journal: Journal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry
Year: 2025

Green synthesis of Zinc Sulfide doped Ag-Zn₃(PO₄)₂ nanocomposite using bael gum: Enhanced visible-light driven photocatalytic degradation of ciprofloxacin and trypan blue with potential antimicrobial and assessment
Authors: Nagaraja Kasula, Boya Mallika, Arunpandian Muthuraj, Oh Tae Hwan
Journal: Inorganic Chemistry Communications
Year: 2025

Nitrogen-Doped Hollow Carbon Spheres-Decorated Co₂SnO₄/WS₂ Heterostructures with Improved Visible-Light Photocatalytic Degradation of Organic Dye
Authors: Muthuraj Arunpandian, Tae Hwan Oh
Journal: Molecules
Year: 2025

A facile green synthesis of manganese oxide nanoparticles using gum karaya polymer as a bioreductant for efficient photocatalytic degradation of organic dyes and antibacterial activity
Authors: Nagaraja Kasula, Muthuraj Arunpandian, Oh Tae Hwan
Journal: International Journal of Biological Macromolecules
Year: 2024