Oumarou Savadogo | Electrochemistry | Research Excellence Award

Published on by Analytical Chemistry

Prof. Dr. Oumarou Savadogo | Electrochemistry | Research Excellence Award

Polytechnique Montreal | Canada

Professor Oumarou Savadogo is a distinguished researcher whose pioneering contributions span materials science, electrochemistry, and sustainable energy technologies. With advanced training in physics, materials engineering, and metallurgical engineering, he has dedicated his career to developing innovative materials and processes that advance clean and renewable energy systems. His expertise encompasses energy materials, solar photovoltaic and thermal technologies, electrochemical energy storage including batteries, fuel cells, and supercapacitors hydrogen production and utilization, biomaterials, corrosion science, and physico-chemical characterization of complex materials. As Chairholder of the UNESCO Chair in Sustainable Engineering: Applied Solar Technologies and Head of the Laboratory of New Materials for Energy and Electrochemistry, Professor Savadogo leads multidisciplinary programs focused on the design and optimization of advanced electrochemical materials. His research includes breakthroughs in oxygen cathode development for PEM fuel cells, new formalisms for understanding electrocatalytic reactions, and advanced simulation methods for adsorption–desorption processes. His work also extends to thin-film semiconductors for solar cells, corrosion-resistant coatings, nanostructured electrodes, conducting membranes, and biomaterial surface engineering demonstrating remarkable breadth and impact. Professor Savadogo’s scientific productivity is exceptional, with more than 180 peer-reviewed journal articles, influential book chapters, a 2024 book on nanostructured lithium-ion battery materials, and two foundational patents spanning biomedical implants and hydrogen fuel cell electrocatalysts. Recent publications highlight his leadership in emerging research areas, including techno-economic analyses of hydrogen production systems, bio-derived electrode materials for batteries, catalytic pathways for CO₂ reduction, molten carbonate fuel cells, and composite coatings with enhanced corrosion resistance. Beyond his research, Professor Savadogo serves the global scientific community through longstanding roles on advisory and editorial boards in electrochemical energy science and hydrogen technologies. His work continues to shape the future of sustainable energy materials, combining scientific rigor, innovation, and societal relevance. His contributions stand as a model of excellence in advancing technologies central to a low-carbon and sustainable global energy future.

Profiles : Scopus | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

1. Zemane, W.-W. A., & Savadogo, O. (2025). Electrochemical performances of Li-ion batteries based on LiFePO₄ cathodes supported by bio-sourced activated carbon from millet cob (MC) and water hyacinth (WH). Batteries, 11(10), 361.

2. Mihin, T., Savadogo, O., & Tartakovsky, B. (2025). Impact of non-noble bimetallic oxides on bioelectrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide to volatile fatty acids. Process Biochemistry, 159, 51–63.

3. Shanian, S., & Savadogo, O. (2024). A critical review of the techno-economic analysis of hydrogen production from water electrolysers using multi-criteria decision making (MCDM). Journal of New Materials for Electrochemical Systems, 27(2), 107–134.

4. Thiam, B., & Savadogo, O. (2024). Effects of silico-tungstic acid on the pseudocapacitive properties of manganese oxide for electrochemical capacitor applications. DeCarbon, Article 100066.

5. Shanian, S., & Savadogo, O. (2024). Techno-economic analysis of electrolytic hydrogen production by alkaline and PEM electrolysers using MCDM methods. Discover Energy, 4(1), 23. )

Neng Yu | Electrochemistry | Sustainable Chemistry Award

Published on by Analytical Chemistry

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Neng Yu | Electrochemistry | Sustainable Chemistry Award

East China University of Technology, China

Profiles

Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Neng Yu began her academic journey with a strong foundation in Applied Chemistry, which cultivated her multidisciplinary perspective early on. She advanced through postgraduate studies in the same field before pursuing a doctoral degree in Optical Engineering. Her Ph.D. research was carried out at a leading national laboratory for optoelectronics in China, where she was mentored by distinguished faculty. These formative academic experiences shaped her expertise in electrochemistry, materials science, and nanotechnology—critical areas that would define her future research trajectory.

Professional Endeavors

Currently serving as an Associate Professor at East China University of Technology, Dr. Yu is also engaged internationally as a visiting scholar at a prominent Finnish institution. Her cross-border academic collaborations reflect a global outlook on applied physics and advanced materials. Within her home institution, she has spearheaded research in energy storage, battery materials, and flexible electronics, all while contributing actively to institutional research leadership and mentoring initiatives.

Research Focus and Contributions

Dr. Yu’s research centers on electrochemical energy storage systems, with a strong emphasis on aqueous zinc-ion batteries, lithium-ion batteries, and supercapacitors. She has made important contributions to the development of protective layers for zinc metal anodes that facilitate fast ion transfer and reduce dendrite formation. Additionally, she has developed binder-free electrode structures using CoSe₂ for lithium-ion batteries that offer improved electrical and ionic conductivity. Her work in designing flexible and high-performance supercapacitors—including waterproof, fiber-shaped, and stretchable devices—demonstrates her commitment to pioneering next-generation wearable energy technologies.

Funding and Research Leadership

Dr. Yu has consistently secured competitive funding as a principal investigator from national foundations, provincial science and technology departments, and open research platforms. Her research projects span areas such as new energy technologies, polymer nano-fabrication, and advanced energy materials. Her leadership in directing and completing these multidisciplinary projects showcases her ability to translate vision into impactful outcomes.

Impact and Influence

Dr. Yu’s contributions are widely recognized through over 30 scientific publications in high-impact journals such as Advanced Energy Materials and the Journal of Materials Chemistry. With 18 of these as first or corresponding author, she has demonstrated research leadership in both conception and execution. She also holds three authorized Chinese patents, signaling her focus on translating scientific research into practical and scalable innovations. Her work has significantly influenced progress in the fields of battery science and flexible energy systems.

Academic Citations and Recognition

Although specific citation metrics are not detailed, Dr. Yu’s consistent publication in leading international journals, combined with her funded research record, positions her as a respected figure within the scientific community. Her scholarly work continues to be referenced in research related to electrochemistry, nanomaterials, and advanced energy devices.

Technical Proficiency

Dr. Yu possesses a deep command of both synthesis and characterization techniques. She is proficient in material preparation methods such as hydrothermal synthesis, chemical vapor deposition, electrochemical deposition, anodic oxidation, and atomic layer deposition. Her analytical capabilities include techniques like XRD, SEM, TEM, XPS, AFM, and UV-Vis spectroscopy. She is also adept in the use of advanced electrochemical instrumentation including Autolab, PARSTAT 4000, CHI workstations, and LAND battery testing systems.

Scientific Communication and Computing

Dr. Yu is well-versed in scientific writing, peer review, and oral communication in English, which she employs effectively in both publishing and collaboration. Her computer literacy extends to software used for document preparation, data visualization, and image processing, such as Microsoft Office, 3D MAX, and Photoshop—tools that enhance the clarity and professional presentation of her research output.

Teaching and Mentorship

Beyond research, Dr. Yu has dedicated significant effort to teaching and mentoring. She has guided several student teams through innovation and entrepreneurship programs, both at national and provincial levels. Through these initiatives, she fosters research aptitude, creativity, and critical thinking in young scholars, reflecting her strong commitment to educational development and student success.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Yu continues to push boundaries in sustainable and flexible energy storage technologies. Her ongoing projects are aligned with global demands for environmentally friendly and portable energy solutions. As her career evolves, she is positioned to shape the future of energy materials through scientific innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and academic mentorship. Her legacy will be characterized by practical solutions grounded in strong scientific principles and a dedication to empowering the next generation of researchers.

Notable Publications

In situ electrochemical activation enabling high-performance cathodes for aqueous zinc-ion batteries
Authors: Qingpu Zeng, Shitong Zhou, Neng Yu*, Jiachen Huo, Changfang Sun, Kai Guo*
Journal: Journal of Materials Chemistry A
Year: 2025

Engineering aqueous electrolytes with a trifunctional additive for robust zinc anodes across a wide temperature range
Authors: Neng Yu, Shiya Lin, Shitong Zhou, Ye Li, Jiating Li, Qingpu Zeng, Lu Chen, Lei Wang, Kai Guo*, Xianfu Wang*, Yiju Li*
Journal: Energy Storage Materials
Year: 2025

Dual-function additive for simultaneously boosting the stability and energy density of aqueous zinc ion hybrid capacitors
Authors: Kai Guo, Jiating Li, Shiya Lin, Lu Chen, Neng Yu*, Yiju Li*
Journal: Chinese Chemical Letters
Year: 2025

Metallic Vanadium Activated by In-Situ Dissolution-Deposition Process for Superior Aqueous Zinc Ion Battery Cathode
Authors: Kai Guo, Ye Li, Changchen Yang, Yijing Xiang, Shanqi Pan, Qingpu Zeng, Zhuyao Li, Neng Yu*, Xianfu Wang*
Journal: Chemical Communications
Year: 2025

Highly Reversible Zinc Anode Enabled by Trifunctional Diethylenetriaminepentaacetic Acid Additive
Authors: Shiya Lin, Wang Zhao, Yisha Guo, Neng Yu*, Kai Guo*, Xianfu Wang*
Journal: ACS Energy Letters
Year: 2024

Jing Liu | Electrochemistry | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Analytical Chemistry

Dr. Jing Liu | Electrochemistry | Best Researcher Award

Ningxia University, China

👨‍🎓Profiles

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Jing Liu began her academic journey with a deep interest in agricultural and food sciences, which led her to pursue a Ph.D. in Agricultural Engineering from Shandong University of Technology. Her academic rigor and potential in the interdisciplinary field of bioelectronics and food quality sensing became evident early on. In 2022, she expanded her international exposure as a visiting scholar at Seoul National University, where she deepened her expertise in biomimetic and nanomaterial-based sensors. Her early research laid a solid foundation in understanding flavor chemistry, particularly starting with umami molecules, which evolved into more complex biomimetic systems inspired by human sensory perception.

🏛️ Professional Endeavors

Since May 2024, Dr. Liu has been serving as an Associate Professor at Ningxia University, China. Her swift transition into this academic leadership role reflects her outstanding performance and potential as a young researcher. She has actively led cutting-edge research projects, including a National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) Youth Project, while also taking on multiple academic service roles. Her positions on editorial boards and in professional societies demonstrate a growing influence and recognition within the fields of food biosensing and digital food technologies.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Liu’s core research revolves around the development of bioelectronic sensing platforms for evaluating food flavor quality, bridging agricultural engineering with nanotechnology and sensory biology. Her work innovatively combines nanomaterials like MXenes, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), and hydrogels to create biomimetic sensors. She focuses on (i) designing antifouling hydrogel matrices, (ii) building nanocomposite interfaces that mimic human taste receptors, (iii) detecting volatile and non-volatile compounds across solid-liquid-gas interfaces, and (iv) unraveling the mechanisms of signal transduction in biosensor systems. Her vision is to develop real-time, highly specific biosensors that can mimic human senses—paving the way for smart packaging and AI-integrated digital food systems.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Despite being in the early stages of her professorial career, Dr. Liu has already made meaningful contributions to food technology and sensor development. She has published 10 scientific papers, with 9 appearing in Q1 SCI journals as first or co-first author—underscoring the high quality and relevance of her research. Her work has laid the groundwork for practical applications in food freshness detection, flavor profiling, and intelligent packaging systems. Her coaching efforts led student teams to achieve Gold and Best Business Value awards in the prestigious 2024 China International College Students’ Innovation Competition, highlighting her mentorship abilities and entrepreneurial foresight.

📚 Academic Citations

Although still early in her academic journey, Dr. Liu’s scholarly work is gaining traction within the research community, particularly in the fields of food biosensing, flavor science, and nanomaterial applications. Her high journal quality publication ratio (Q1 SCI) reflects the rigor and novelty of her research, suggesting a promising future in terms of citations and academic influence.

🧪 Technical Skills

Dr. Liu is proficient in a range of interdisciplinary tools and technologies, including the synthesis and characterization of nanomaterials (MXenes, MOFs), hydrogel engineering, sensor fabrication, bioelectronic signal analysis, and real-time flavor detection systems. Her expertise in interfacing nanomaterials with biological mechanisms makes her uniquely positioned to innovate at the intersection of materials science and sensory biology.

👩‍🏫 Teaching Experience

At Ningxia University, Dr. Liu has begun shaping the next generation of researchers and professionals in food science and sensor technology. Her teaching integrates practical research experience with theoretical understanding, and she actively mentors students in research and innovation projects. Her role as a coach in major national competitions showcases her ability to guide students beyond the classroom and into competitive, high-impact environments.

🤝 Editorial & Professional Roles

Dr. Liu serves as a Youth Editorial Board Member for Journal of Future Foods and Food Research and Development, and holds a similar position in Food and Medicine Homology. Her professional affiliations include being a council member of the Chinese Association of Traditional Chinese Medicine Informatics and Deputy Secretary-General of its Subcommittee on Digital Detection of Food and Drug Quality and Safety. These roles highlight her recognition as an emerging leader in the integration of food science, informatics, and sensor technologies.

🌟 Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Liu is building a legacy as a trailblazer in digital flavor sensing and bioinspired sensor development. Her research holds transformative potential for real-world applications, such as intelligent food packaging, freshness verification systems, and smart kitchen technologies. With her innovative mindset, strong academic foundation, and growing leadership, she is poised to shape the future of food quality assurance in the era of smart agriculture and the Internet of Things (IoT). Her continued work will likely intersect with AI, digital health, and consumer food technology—making her a vital contributor to global food innovation.

📖Notable Publications

Au₂PtNPs/hydrogel based multichannel bionic sensor for rapid evaluation of food flavor
Journal: Food Chemistry
Year: 2025

Recent progress on bionic umami sensors for analysis of food flavor: A review
Journal: (Journal name not provided)
Year: 2025

Electrochemical aptamer sensor based on bimetallic CuZr-MOF and AuNPs for ultrasensitive detection of organophosphorus pesticides in vegetables
Journal: Journal of Food Composition and Analysis
Year: 2025

Umami peptide synergy unveiled: A comprehensive study from molecular simulation to practical validation of sensing strategy
Journal: Biosensors and Bioelectronics
Year: 2025

Bridge-type aptamer-Au@Pt-MXene-based sensing platform for detection of multiple organophosphorus pesticides
Journal: Microchemical Journal
Year: 2025