Myrtil Kahn | Coordination Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Analytical Chemistry

Dr. Myrtil Kahn | Coordination Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

CNRS | France

Profiles

Scopus
Orcid

Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Myrtil L. Kahn began her academic journey with a PhD in molecular compounds, under the supervision of a renowned expert in the field of coordination chemistry. Her doctoral work laid a strong foundation in molecular chemistry, which she later expanded into interdisciplinary domains. Her postdoctoral research included advanced work on ferrite nanoparticles and intermetallic particles, which positioned her at the intersection of nanoscience, materials chemistry, and applied physics.

Professional Endeavors

Following her postdoctoral experience, Dr. Kahn joined CNRS and quickly rose through the ranks to become a Senior Scientist and Research Director. She currently leads the “Nano-chemistry, Organization, and Sensors” team at the Laboratory of Coordination Chemistry (LCC) and also co-directs a multidisciplinary research initiative in collaboration with another leading national laboratory. This joint effort culminated in the establishment of a CNRS-affiliated joint research laboratory, reflecting her leadership in managing strategic partnerships with key industrial and governmental stakeholders, including aerospace and space agencies.

Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Kahn’s research centers on nanoscience and its application to broad societal challenges such as energy, environment, space, aeronautics, and health. She has significantly contributed to the design and synthesis of hybrid nano-objects and multifunctional coatings. Her work focuses on controlling the structural and functional properties of nanoparticles particularly semiconductor and magnetic oxides and integrating them into real-world devices. Utilizing a safe-by-design philosophy, she innovates at the interface of molecular chemistry, surface science, and nanotechnology. Her research also emphasizes understanding surface-ligand interactions through advanced techniques like NMR spectroscopy, which is crucial for ensuring colloidal stability and optimizing material behavior in biological and industrial environments.

Impact and Influence

Dr. Kahn has established herself as a leader in applied nanosciences, successfully bridging fundamental chemistry with device integration. Her research has attracted substantial funding through over thirty competitive contracts, nearly half of which involve industrial collaborations. These projects have led to multiple patents with international extensions, showcasing her commitment to innovation and knowledge transfer. Beyond scientific output, her leadership in organizing large-scale conferences and her role in interdisciplinary teams underscore her influence across both academic and industrial landscapes.

Academic Citations

Her research excellence is reflected in her strong citation metrics. With thousands of citations and an impressive h-index, her work enjoys sustained recognition in the global scientific community. She has authored more than a hundred publications in peer-reviewed international journals, contributed to several book chapters, and is actively involved in reviewing and editorial responsibilities within leading scientific events and journals.

Technical Skills

Dr. Kahn possesses deep technical expertise in organometallic synthesis, nanoparticle surface chemistry, colloidal stability, and functional coatings. She has extensive experience in spectroscopic analysis, particularly NMR, for the investigation of ligand dynamics and surface coordination. Her proficiency extends to hybrid material fabrication, integration of nanoparticles into sensors and devices, and the development of safe-by-design methodologies. This multidisciplinary toolkit enables her to work effectively at the interface of chemistry, physics, and biology.

Teaching Experience

While her primary role is research-intensive, Dr. Kahn actively contributes to mentoring young researchers and postdoctoral fellows. She fosters scientific development through collaborative research, co-authorship, and direct supervision. Her mentorship style is marked by encouraging innovation and interdisciplinary approaches, preparing early-career scientists for careers in both academia and industry.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Kahn’s legacy is one of impactful science, interdisciplinary collaboration, and societal relevance. Her commitment to applied nanoscience has led to the development of novel materials and processes with potential applications in biotechnology, aerospace, and environmental technology. As co-director of a cutting-edge joint research lab, she continues to expand her collaborative reach, ensuring that her contributions influence the next generation of researchers. Her ongoing projects in multifunctional nanocomposites and hybrid processes promise continued breakthroughs in high-performance materials.

Notable Publications

Competition between ordered morphologies of functionalized silver nanoparticles elucidated by a joint experimental and multiscale theoretical study

Authors: David Loffreda; Nathalie Tarrat; Corinne Lacaze‑Dufaure; Franck Rabilloud; Katia Fajerwerg; Myrtil L. Kahn; Vincent Collière; Christine Lepetit; Pierre Fau
Journal: Nano Today
Year: 2025

Understanding Ion‑Exchange Processes in the Synthesis of ZnSₓ@ZnO₁₋ₓ Heterostructures from Controlled Sulfidation of ZnO Nanocrystals

Authors: Ekaterina Bellan; Martin Jakoobi; Vincent Collière; Yannick Coppel; Julien Trébosc; Olivier Lafon; Pierre Lecante; Paul Fleurat‑Lessard; Céline Dupont; Jean‑Cyrille Hierso; Pierre Fau; Katia Fajerwerg; Lauriane Pautrot‑d’Alençon; Thierry Le Mercier; Myrtil L. Kahn
Journal: Chemistry of Materials
Year: 2024

Spontaneous Emulsification of Organometallic Complexes Applied to the Synthesis of Nanocapsules Active for H₂ Release from Ammonia‑Borane

Authors: Olivier Gazil; Ludivine Rault; Déborah Iglicki; Vincent Collière; Gizem Karacaoglan; Didier Poinsot; Moad Bouzid; Jean‑Cyrille Hierso; Myrtil L. Kahn; Nick Virgilio; Fabienne Gauffre
Journal: Langmuir (The ACS Journal of Surfaces and Colloids)
Year: 2024

Synthesis of TiO₂/SBA‑15 Nanocomposites by Hydrolysis of Organometallic Ti Precursors for Photocatalytic NO Abatement

Authors: Ons El Atti; Julie Hot; Katia Fajerwerg; Christian Lorber; Bénédicte Lebeau; Andrey Ryzhikov; Myrtil L. Kahn; Vincent Collière; Yannick Coppel; Nicolas Ratel‑Ramond; Philippe Ménini; Pierre Fau
Journal: Inorganics
Year: 2024

Conclusion

Dr. Myrtil L. Kahn stands as a prominent figure in nanoscience and coordination chemistry. Her pioneering research, strong industrial collaborations, and leadership in both national and international scientific communities demonstrate her eligibility for high-level scientific honors. Through her interdisciplinary vision and dedication to real-world impact, she continues to shape the future of materials science and remains an exemplary model for academic and industrial synergy.

 

Iheke Michael Nwachukwu | Green Chemistry | Green Chemistry Award

Published on by Analytical Chemistry

Dr. Iheke Michael Nwachukwu | Green Chemistry | Green Chemistry Award

National Open University of Nigeria | Nigeria

Profiles

Scopus
Orcid
Google scholar

Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Iheke Michael Nwachukwu began his academic journey in physics, laying a strong foundation for his later specialization in solar energy physics. His consistent pursuit of knowledge through undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral studies reflects a deep-seated passion for scientific advancement. His academic progression demonstrates a commitment to energy-based research disciplines, with a focus on practical applications in sustainable technologies.

Professional Endeavors

Dr. Nwachukwu currently serves as a university lecturer and researcher at the National Open University of Nigeria. In addition to his teaching responsibilities, he has taken on administrative and academic service roles, including examination coordination and faculty representation. Prior to his current position, he contributed as a research scientist within the Nano Research Lab at the University of Nigeria, where he was actively involved in experimental design, synthesis of metal oxides, and electrochemical evaluations of energy materials. Earlier in his career, he also worked as a science instructor, demonstrating a long-standing commitment to education and student mentorship.

Contributions and Research Focus

His research focus lies at the intersection of nanotechnology, green chemistry, and energy storage devices. Dr. Nwachukwu has dedicated much of his scholarly work to the development and characterization of nanostructured metal oxides, carbon nanocomposites, and lithium-ion battery materials. A significant portion of his work explores green synthesis methods, aiming to make energy storage technologies more environmentally sustainable. His contributions to understanding the electrochemical behavior of these materials and optimizing their performance for supercapacitors and batteries are central to his academic legacy.

Impact and Influence

Dr. Nwachukwu’s impact extends beyond laboratory research. He has co-authored several peer-reviewed journal publications, contributing to the body of knowledge on energy-efficient materials and green energy technologies. His article on green synthesized transition metal-based oxides in lithium-ion batteries has strengthened the case for integrating eco-friendly methods in energy material production. Additionally, his recognition as a poster presenter at notable nanotechnology conferences and editorial and reviewing roles in scientific journals reflects his influence in the scientific community.

Academic Citations

Dr. Nwachukwu’s publications, particularly in reputable journals like Applied Surface Science Advances, Current Opinion in Electrochemistry, and Journal of Energy Storage, are evidence of his academic credibility. His collaborative works have been cited within the scientific community, especially in studies focused on sustainable materials, electrochemical energy storage, and green chemistry applications.

Technical Skills 

A core strength of Dr. Nwachukwu is his hands-on expertise with a broad range of analytical and characterization tools. He is proficient in techniques such as SEM/EDX, XRD, UV-Vis spectroscopy, TEM, and AFM. His experience with electrochemical techniques such as cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) supports his capacity to evaluate material properties and device performance. These skills have contributed significantly to his successful interpretation of structure–performance relationships in battery systems.

Teaching Experience and Mentorship

Throughout his career, Dr. Nwachukwu has maintained a strong presence in teaching and academic mentoring. He has taught physics at both secondary and tertiary levels, coordinated laboratory practical sessions, and developed science curricula. His teaching style emphasizes conceptual understanding and critical thinking, which has led to improved student performance. Moreover, he has mentored students preparing for national science examinations and encouraged active participation in scientific inquiry.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Nwachukwu is well-positioned to continue making impactful contributions in the fields of green chemistry, renewable energy, and sustainable materials. His ongoing roles in peer review and journal editing further support his academic legacy. Looking ahead, he is expected to deepen his engagement with international collaborations, scale the commercial relevance of his battery research, and influence policy development around sustainable energy technologies in Africa and beyond.

Notable Publications

Non-relativistic Solutions of the Modified Hylleraas Potential in the Presence of External Magnetic and Aharonov-Bohm Flux Fields for Heteronuclear Diatomic Molecules
Authors: Etido Inyang, Christopher Ekechukwu, I. Nwachukwu, E. Thompson, E. William, K. Lawal
Journal: Physical Sciences and Technology
Year: 2025

Analytical Solution of the Class of Inversely Quadratic Yukawa Potential with Application to Quantum Mechanical Systems
Authors: E.P. Inyang, I.M. Nwachukwu, C.C. Ekechukwu, I.B. Ekong, E.S. William, K.M. Lawal, J. Simon, K.O. Momoh, O.A. Oyelami
Journal: Eurasian Physical Technical Journal
Year: 2024

The Potentials of LiMnPO₄ Cathode Material for Aqueous Li-ion Batteries: An Investigation into Solid State and Green Chemistry Approaches
Authors: Iheke Michael Nwachukwu, Assumpta Chinwe Nwanya, A.B.C. Ekwealor, Fabian I. Ezema
Journal: Applied Surface Science Advances
Year: 2024

Research Progress in Solid-State Synthesized LiMnPO₄ Cathode Material for Li-ion Battery Applications
Authors: Iheke Michael Nwachukwu, Assumpta Chinwe Nwanya, A.B.C. Ekwealor, Fabian I. Ezema
Journal: Applied Surface Science Advances
Year: 2023

Recent Progress in Green Synthesized Transition Metal-Based Oxides in LIBs as Energy Storage Devices
Authors: Iheke Michael Nwachukwu, Assumpta Chinwe Nwanya, Adil Alshoaibi, Chawki Awada, A.B.C. Ekwealor, Fabian I. Ezema
Journal: Current Opinion in Electrochemistry
Year: 2023

Conclusion

Dr. Iheke Michael Nwachukwu embodies the qualities of a forward-thinking scientist and dedicated educator. His research aligns with critical global challenges in clean energy and sustainable material synthesis. With a proven track record in both academic scholarship and practical innovation, he is well-prepared to lead future advancements in green energy storage technologies. His legacy is one of scientific rigor, environmental consciousness, and educational impact, making him a valuable contributor to the global scientific community.