Nini Wen | Catalysis | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Nini Wen | Catalysis | Best Researcher Award

Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, China

👨‍🎓Profiles

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Nini Wen began her academic journey with a strong foundation in chemical engineering and materials science, culminating in the award of her Ph.D. in 2023. Shortly thereafter, she joined Zhejiang Sci-Tech University as a lecturer, where she continues to advance research at the intersection of environmental catalysis and materials chemistry.

💼 Professional Endeavors

Since her appointment, Dr. Wen has dedicated her academic career to the study and development of Selective Catalytic Reduction-Hydrocarbon (SCR-HC) catalysts, particularly focusing on novel catalytic systems like metal oxides, pillared interlayered clays (PILC), layered double hydroxides (LDHs), and atomic clusters. Her methodical approach integrates catalyst design with advanced characterization techniques to uncover fundamental catalytic properties and reaction mechanisms. She has completed one foundational research project and currently leads two additional national-level foundation projects, underscoring her growing research independence and leadership.

🧪 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Wen’s cutting-edge research lies in environmental pollution control and catalytic materials, particularly LDH-based catalysts for SCR-HC reactions. LDHs, known as emerging 2D layered materials, have seldom been utilized in this field. Her innovative work includes designing binary and ternary LDH catalysts, which leverage the synergistic effects of multi-metal components to enhance catalytic activity. She has thoroughly explored the impact of synergy on both the intrinsic physicochemical properties and catalytic mechanisms. Furthermore, her studies address real-world challenges by investigating how poisoning species such as H₂O, SO₂, and alkali metals influence catalyst performance and structural stability, making her contributions highly relevant for industrial applications.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Dr. Wen has made a significant mark in the catalysis community with over 20 peer-reviewed publications in high-impact journals including the Chemical Engineering Journal, Fuel, Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering, and Molecular Catalysis. Her work continues to inspire new approaches in designing resilient and efficient environmental catalysts, positioning her as a promising young scholar in the field of applied catalysis.

📈 Academic Citations

Although early in her independent career, Dr. Wen’s publications are gaining recognition in the academic world, with citations steadily increasing. Her focus on mechanistic insight and application-driven research makes her work valuable for both academic studies and industrial implementations in pollution mitigation technologies.

🛠️ Technical Skills

Dr. Wen possesses a broad suite of experimental and analytical techniques essential to modern catalysis research. These include X-ray diffraction (XRD), BET surface area analysis, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), temperature-programmed desorption/reduction (TPD/TPR), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), among others. These tools support her rigorous examination of structure-performance relationships in catalytic systems.

👩‍🏫 Teaching and Mentorship

As a lecturer, Dr. Wen is actively involved in undergraduate and graduate instruction. She integrates her research findings into the classroom to foster scientific curiosity and train students in environmental engineering and materials chemistry, laying the groundwork for future researchers.

🤝 Professional Memberships

Dr. Wen is a member of the Chemical Industry and Engineering Society of China, through which she engages in professional development and collaborative opportunities, staying current with trends in catalysis and environmental remediation technologies.

🌱 Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Wen’s pioneering work in LDH-based SCR-HC catalysis and pollution control positions her at the forefront of sustainable environmental technologies. Her future plans include exploring atomically dispersed catalysts, enhancing low-temperature catalytic activity, and developing next-generation catalyst systems with improved tolerance to industrial poisons. Her work is expected to play a vital role in the global effort to reduce industrial emissions and transition toward greener technologies.

📖Notable Publications

Preparation and de-NOₓ performance of C₃H₆-SCR over Cu-SAPO-44 catalyst
Authors: Zhou, H.; Zhang, H.; Wen, N.; Wang, X.; Xu, L.; Li, W.; Su, Y.
Journal: Chemical Industry and Engineering Progress
Year: 2023

Research on resistance of CuxNiyFez-LDHs derived catalysts to poisoning components and insight into the complex role of SO₂ on C₃H₆-SCR performance
Authors: Wen, N.; Zhou, H.; Ning, S.; Hu, M.; Deng, W.; Zhao, B.; Su, Y.
Journal: Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering
Year: 2023

Research progress on supported Cu-based zeolite catalysts for the selective catalytic reduction of NOₓ with hydrocarbons
Authors: Ning, S.; Su, Y.; Yang, H.; Wen, N.
Journal: Chemical Industry and Engineering Progress
Year: 2023

Selective catalytic reduction of nitric oxide with propylene over one-step synthesized Cu-SAPO-44 catalysts
Authors: Zhang, H.; Zhou, H.; Wen, N.-N.; Wang, X.-R.; Xu, L.; Su, Y.-X.
Journal: Journal of Fuel Chemistry and Technology
Year: 2022

Study on CH₄-SCR performance by Ga-Fe catalysts supported on Ti-pillared interlayered clays (Ti-PILC)
Authors: Xu, G.-Q.; Su, Y.-X.; Wen, N.-N.; Zhang, H.; Liu, Q.; Deng, W.-Y.; Zhou, H.
Journal: Journal of Molecular Catalysis
Year: 2022

Synergy of CuNiFe-LDH based catalysts for enhancing low-temperature SCR-C₃H₆ performance: Surface properties and reaction mechanism
Authors: Wen, N.; Su, Y.; Deng, W.; Zhou, H.; Hu, M.; Zhao, B.
Journal: Chemical Engineering Journal
Year: 2022

 

Wei Zhao | Electrochemistry | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Wei Zhao | Electrochemistry | Best Researcher Award

Shenzhen University, China

👨‍🎓Profiles

Early Academic Pursuits 🎓

Dr. Wei Zhao's academic journey began with a strong foundation in physical sciences. He completed his B.Sc. in Applied Physics at the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) in 2006. He then continued his studies at USTC, earning an M.Sc. in Physical Chemistry in 2009, where he worked under the guidance of Prof. Junfa Zhu at the National Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory. His pursuit of further knowledge led him to Germany, where he earned a Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry at the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg in 2013. His doctoral research, supervised by Prof. Hans-Peter Steinrueck, was focused on advanced topics in physical chemistry, setting the stage for his future research endeavors.

Professional Endeavors 💼

Dr. Zhao's professional career is marked by his significant contributions to academic research and teaching. In 2014, he began a postdoctoral fellowship at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, where he worked under Prof. Nian Lin. This experience helped refine his research skills in the area of physical chemistry and materials science. By 2015, Dr. Zhao moved to the University of Washington as a Research Associate in the Chemistry Department, collaborating with Prof. Charles T. Campbell. His work there led to numerous discoveries in surface chemistry and nanomaterials. In 2018, Dr. Zhao transitioned to Shenzhen University, first as an Assistant Professor and later as an Associate Professor. At the Institute for Advanced Study, he is now a Principal Investigator (PI), leading his research group in exploring innovative solutions in physical chemistry and nanomaterials.

Contributions and Research Focus 🔬

Dr. Zhao’s research focuses on the study of surface reactions, nanomaterials, and catalysis, with an emphasis on their potential applications in energy conversion and storage. His research uses a combination of theoretical and experimental techniques to investigate the fundamental processes that govern material behaviors at the nanoscale. His work aims to develop novel materials that can enhance the efficiency of various chemical processes, such as hydrogen production and carbon dioxide reduction. His innovative approaches in surface chemistry and nanomaterials design have contributed to advancing the field of sustainable energy technologies.

Impact and Influence 🌍

Dr. Zhao’s work has had a profound impact on both the scientific community and industry. Through his research, he has contributed to the development of new materials and technologies that hold promise for addressing global challenges such as energy sustainability and environmental protection. His studies have been widely cited in leading scientific journals, indicating the relevance and importance of his work. Dr. Zhao is recognized not only for his research contributions but also for his role in shaping the future of chemical and material sciences.

Academic Cites 📚

Dr. Zhao’s research output has been well-received by the academic community, with his work frequently cited in high-impact publications. His innovative findings in the fields of surface chemistry and nanomaterials have earned him recognition from scholars worldwide. As of 2024, his work has been cited numerous times, further cementing his position as a leading researcher in his field.

Technical Skills ⚙️

Dr. Zhao is highly skilled in a variety of experimental and computational techniques. His expertise includes surface science, spectroscopy, electron microscopy, and synchrotron radiation techniques. These skills allow him to conduct in-depth analyses of materials at the atomic and molecular level, providing valuable insights into their properties and behaviors. His technical proficiency is essential to the success of his research projects, which often involve complex experimental setups and cutting-edge technologies.

Teaching Experience 👩‍🏫

As an Associate Professor and Principal Investigator, Dr. Zhao is actively involved in teaching and mentoring students at Shenzhen University. He is known for his dedication to educating the next generation of scientists and researchers. Dr. Zhao offers courses on physical chemistry, nanomaterials, and surface science, and he supervises both undergraduate and graduate students. His mentorship extends beyond the classroom, as he actively guides students in their research projects, helping them develop the skills necessary to succeed in academia and industry.

Legacy and Future Contributions 🔮

Looking forward, Dr. Zhao aims to continue his pioneering work in the field of physical chemistry and nanomaterials. His research will likely lead to further advancements in energy storage and conversion technologies, with a focus on sustainability and efficiency. He envisions his work contributing to the development of green technologies that can address pressing global challenges. Dr. Zhao’s dedication to scientific inquiry and innovation positions him as a key figure in the future of material science and energy research.

📖Notable Publications