Neng Yu | Electrochemistry | Sustainable Chemistry Award

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

Hongbo Guo | Thermodynamics | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Hongbo Guo | Thermodynamics | Best Researcher Award

Beijing Institute of Technology School of Aerospace Engineering, China

👨‍🎓Profiles

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Hongbo Guo began his academic journey in 2011 at Harbin Engineering University, where he majored in Energy and Power Engineering within the College of Power and Energy Engineering. Demonstrating a strong interest in simulation and thermodynamics, he published his first academic paper as an undergraduate: “Molecular dynamics simulation of heat transfer characteristics of argon gas-liquid interface” (2015). His early academic path was marked by a positive, energetic attitude and a deep curiosity for scientific knowledge—traits that have remained consistent throughout his career.

🛠️ Professional Endeavors

Following his graduation, from July 2015 to June 2016, Dr. Guo held a full-time research position at the Research Institute of Power Engineering Technology, where he was primarily responsible for developing computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modules in multi-physics coupling software. This role allowed him to bridge theoretical modeling with applied engineering, enhancing his programming skills and experience in software-based simulation of complex fluid dynamics problems.

📚 Advanced Education & Achievements

He returned to Harbin Engineering University in 2016 to pursue his Master’s degree in Power Engineering, and in 2017 began his doctoral studies in Power Engineering and Engineering Thermal Physics. During this period, he earned multiple honors including Merit Student, Excellent Student Cadre, and Excellent League Member, showcasing his leadership skills and academic diligence. His doctoral work was highly productive, resulting in several research papers and a software copyright related to gas-phase detonation calculation.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Guo’s research is focused on computational simulations, multiphase combustion, molecular dynamics, and laser ignition systems. His most notable works include:

  • “Interfacial layer simulation and effect on Cu-Ar nanofluids thermal conductivity using molecular dynamics method” (Journal of Molecular Liquids, 2018),

  • “Influence of Rotating Detonation Combustion Chamber Height on Flow Field” (Aeroengine, 2019), and

  • “Numerical Investigation of the Direct Initiation Mechanism of Double Point Laser Ignition” (27th ICDERS, 2019).
    These studies illustrate his deep expertise in fluid dynamics, nanofluids, and advanced combustion physics, with particular application to aerospace propulsion.

🌐 Impact and Influence

Dr. Guo’s work contributes directly to the development of next-generation propulsion systems, particularly through his simulations of rotating detonation engines and studies of thermal conductivity in nanofluids. By combining molecular-scale modeling with macroscopic flow simulations, he has advanced our understanding of how nano-enhanced fluids and ignition mechanisms behave in high-stress environments, providing a scientific basis for improved aerospace engine design.

🔍 Academic Citations & Recognition

His publications have appeared in internationally recognized journals and conferences, including the Journal of Molecular Liquids and ICDERS. Though still building his academic citation record, the technical depth and interdisciplinary scope of his research position him as a rising scholar in thermal physics and aerospace engineering.

💻 Technical Skills

Dr. Guo is highly skilled in scientific programming, particularly with Fortran, MATLAB, and C, and has hands-on experience in CFD software development. His work includes simulating multiphysics interactions, conducting molecular dynamics analyses, and implementing high-performance computing (HPC) techniques to model reacting flows and detonation phenomena. These skills make him a valuable asset in both academic research and industrial R&D environments.

👨‍🏫 Teaching and Mentorship

While primarily engaged in research, Dr. Guo has shown a consistent dedication to academic community life through roles as an Excellent Student Cadre and League Member, likely involving the mentorship of junior students and support in academic organizations. His patient and caring personality makes him well-suited for future roles in teaching or graduate supervision, particularly in computational fluid dynamics and energy systems.

🌟 Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Guo plans to focus his future research on numerical flow simulation of multiphase combustion and high-performance computing for reacting flows. These areas are critical for cleaner, more efficient energy conversion technologies and have direct applications in aerospace propulsion, energy systems, and advanced material processing. His commitment to pushing the boundaries of simulation accuracy and physical understanding marks him as a promising figure in the evolving landscape of energy and thermal science.

📖Notable Publications

Interfacial layer simulation and effect on Cu-Ar nanofluids thermal conductivity using molecular dynamics method
Authors: Hongbo Guo, Ningbo Zhao, et al.
Journal: Journal of Molecular Liquids
Year: 2018

Influence of Rotating Detonation Combustion Chamber Height on Flow Field
Authors: Xiongfei Zhao, Hongbo Guo, et al.
Journal: Aeroengine
Year: 2019

Numerical Investigation of the Direct Initiation Mechanism of Double Point Laser Ignition
Authors: Hongbo Guo, Ningbo Zhao, et al.
Journal: 27th International Colloquium on the Dynamics of Explosions and Reactive Systems (ICDERS)
Year: 2019