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

 

Natthawan Prasongthum | Catalysis | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Natthawan Prasongthum | Catalysis | Best Researcher Award

Khon Kaen University, Thailand

👨‍🎓Profiles

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Prof. Natthawan Prasongthum has a strong academic background in petrochemistry and chemistry. She graduated with First Class Honors in Chemistry (B.Sc.) from Ubonratchathani University, Thailand. She then completed her M.S. in Petrochemistry and Polymer Science (GPA 3.67) and earned a Ph.D. in Petrochemistry with a perfect GPA of 4.00 from Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok. Her early academic focus laid the groundwork for her later specialization in carbon materials and clean energy solutions.

💼 Professional Endeavors

Prof. Prasongthum is currently a Lecturer at the Faculty of Science, Khon Kaen University, where she teaches Battery Science and New Energy to undergraduate students. Prior to this, she was a dedicated Researcher at the Thailand Institute of Scientific and Technological Research (TISTR), where she focused on renewable energy, CO2 capture, carbon materials, and catalyst development. Her international experience includes serving as a Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Regina, Canada, where she contributed to cutting-edge research on Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) technology.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Prof. Prasongthum’s research is centered on advancing technologies in carbon capture and utilization (CCU), focusing on CO2 conversion and storage through innovative catalytic processes. She specializes in synthesizing heterogeneous catalysts, zeolites, and carbon-based materials for environmental and energy-related applications. Her work extends into the development of carbon materials for energy storage devices like supercapacitors and batteries, as well as sustainable fuel production methods.

🌍 Impact and Influence

With a mission to contribute to global clean energy transitions, Prof. Prasongthum is committed to addressing the challenges of climate change through carbon-neutral solutions. Her interdisciplinary expertise in material science, catalysis, and renewable energy technologies is helping shape more sustainable and circular energy systems, aligning with global net-zero carbon goals.

📚 Academic Contributions

Prof. Prasongthum has authored multiple research reports, scientific publications, and proposals related to CO2 utilization and energy storage materials. She has also been actively involved in mentoring undergraduate students, interns, and volunteers, helping to foster the next generation of researchers in the field of clean energy and advanced materials.

🧪 Technical Skills

Her technical skillset includes the design and synthesis of heterogeneous catalysts, development of carbon materials, CO2 capture and utilization technologies (CCUS), renewable energy systems, and energy storage materials. Additionally, she is proficient in data analysis, research proposal writing, and project management in R&D settings.

👩‍🏫 Teaching Experience

Currently, as a Lecturer at Khon Kaen University, Prof. Prasongthum teaches core subjects related to Battery Science and New Energy. She brings a wealth of research knowledge to the classroom, blending theoretical concepts with hands-on insights from her industry and academic research background.

🌟 Legacy and Future Contributions

Prof. Prasongthum’s future vision is to continue advancing sustainable technologies for carbon capture and energy storage. She aims to lead research projects that will pave the way for innovative CCUS technologies, novel carbon-based materials, and eco-friendly energy solutions, contributing to Thailand’s and the global community’s transition to a low-carbon economy.

📖Notable Publications

Hydrothermal synthesis of calcium methoxide nano-catalyst for palm oil based biolubricant production
Authors: L. Attanatho, A. Suemanotham, Y. Thanmongkhon, S. Kaewmala, N. Prasongthum
Journal: Molecular Catalysis
Year: 2025

High-Porosity Hydrochar From Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunches Via Single-Step Hydrolytic Agent-Assisted Hydrothermal Carbonization
Authors: W. Sisuthog, N. Prasongthum, P. Natewong, P. Reubroycharoen
Journal: Indonesian Journal of Science and Technology
Year: 2024

Fibrous Platelet Carbon Nanofibers-Silica Fiber Composite Supports for a Co-based Catalyst in the Steam Reforming of Acetic Acid
Authors: P. Natewong, N. Prasongthum, P. Reubroycharoen
Journal: Applied Catalysis A
Year: 2018

Investigation of Ni/SiO2 Fiber Catalysts Prepared by Different Methods on Hydrogen Production from Ethanol Steam Reforming
Authors: S. Mhadmhan, P. Natewong, N. Prasongthum, C. Samart, P. Reubroycharoen
Journal: Catalysts
Year: 2018

Solvent Regeneration of a CO2-Loaded BEA-AMP Bi-blend Amine Solvent with the aid of a Solid Brønsted Ce(SO4)2/ZrO2 Super-Acid Catalyst
Authors: N. Prasongthum, P. Natewong, P. Reubroycharoen, R. Idem
Journal: Energy Fuels
Year: 2018

Synthesis of Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs) over Ni/MgO Catalyst from CH4/CO2 and its Application for CO2 Absorption in BEA-AMP Bi-solvent Blend
Authors: P. Natewong, N. Prasongthum, P. Reubroycharoen, R. Idem
Journal: CleanEnergy
Year: 2019

Evaluating the CO2 Capture Performance using a BEA-AMP Bi-blend Amine Solvent with Novel High-Performing Absorber and Desorber Catalysts in a Bench-Scale CO2 Capture Pilot Plant
Authors: P. Natewong, N. Prasongthum, P. Reubroycharoen, R. Idem
Journal: Energy Fuels
Year: 2019

Zhongchuang Liu | Environmental Chemistry | Chemical Environmental Award

Dr. Zhongchuang Liu | Environmental Chemistry | Chemical Environmental Award

Chongqing Electric Power College, China

👨‍🎓Profiles

🎓 Academic Background

Dr. Zhongchuang Liu is a distinguished environmental scientist specializing in ecological restoration, environmental quality assessment, and biological resource utilization. He holds a Ph.D. in Environmental Science and Engineering and is currently based at the Department of Environmental Engineering Technology, College of Power Engineering, Chongqing Electric Power College, China. His research focuses on developing sustainable solutions for environmental remediation and resource management, contributing to cleaner ecosystems and improved environmental policies.

🌱 Research Areas and Expertise

Dr. Liu’s expertise encompasses several critical areas in environmental science. His work in ecological restoration involves the phytoremediation of heavy metal-contaminated soil and polluted water bodies, utilizing plants to naturally cleanse ecosystems. His research in environmental quality assessment includes regional water and soil monitoring, investigating soil microenvironment changes, and assessing the ecological impact and risks of environmental pollutants. Additionally, his studies in biological resource utilization focus on the preparation and application of plant biomass charcoal and the sustainable disposal of vegetable and fruit waste, promoting a circular economy and reducing environmental pollution.

🎤 Conference Leadership and Contributions

Dr. Liu plays a key role in the international scientific community by leading discussions on environmental remediation and waste management. As the Chair of the International Symposium on Environmental Remediation and Sustainable Development (ERSD 2023), he guided expert discussions on innovative strategies for environmental sustainability. He has also served on the committee for the 6th International Conference on Recycling and Waste Management (2023), contributing his expertise in sustainable waste treatment and recycling technologies. His leadership in these conferences has facilitated the exchange of knowledge and advancements in environmental protection.

📝 Editorial Roles in Scientific Journals

In addition to his research contributions, Dr. Liu holds significant editorial positions in scientific publishing, ensuring the dissemination of high-quality research in environmental science. He serves as an Editorial Board Member for Plos One, a Lead Guest Editor for Environmental Science and Pollution Research, a Primary Guest Editor for JoVE – Journal of Visualized Experiments, and a Section Editor for Special Issues in Letters in Organic Chemistry. Through his editorial work, he supports the publication of innovative research in ecological restoration, pollution control, and sustainable development, fostering scientific progress in these fields.

🌍 Impact and Future Contributions

Dr. Liu’s research has a profound impact on environmental sustainability, bridging scientific innovation with practical solutions for ecosystem restoration and resource management. His work has contributed to the development of effective phytoremediation techniques, improved ecological risk assessment methodologies, and promoted sustainable waste management strategies. Looking ahead, he aims to enhance the efficiency of phytoremediation technologies, develop advanced environmental monitoring systems, and promote sustainable practices in waste management to further contribute to global environmental conservation efforts.

📖Notable Publications

Co-hydrothermal carbonization of styrofoam and sawdust: fuel properties evaluation and effect of water recirculation on hydrochar properties

Authors: N. Sultana, Nasrin; M. Atikul Islam, Md; Z.C. Liu, Zhong Chuang; B.H. Hameed, Bassim H.; M.A. Islam, Md Azharul

Journal: Biomass Conversion and Biorefinery

Year: 2025

Role of metal and non-metal dopants in modulating g-C3N4 for photocatalytic applications

Authors: R. Muhammad, Rizwan; A. Zada, Amir; S. Azizi, Shohreh; Z.C. Liu, Zhong Chuang; M.H. Eisa, M. H.

Journal: International Journal of Hydrogen Energy

Year: 2025

Control strategies for microplastic pollution in groundwater

Authors: Z.C. Liu, Zhong Chuang; A.U.R. Bacha, Aziz Ur Rahim; L. Yang, Lei

Journal: Environmental Pollution

Year: 2023