Wenkai Huang | Environmental Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Wenkai Huang | Environmental Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

University of Barcelona | Spain

Dr. Wenkai Huang is a dynamic early-career researcher in materials science and environmental chemistry, specializing in the design, synthesis, and application of advanced nanomaterials for sustainable energy and environmental remediation. His research focuses on carbon nanomaterials, transition-metal nanoparticles, and single-atom catalysts, with applications spanning hydrogen energy, catalytic conversion, and wastewater treatment. Wenkai has made significant contributions to the development of high-performance catalysts for controlled hydrogen generation, including innovative “on-off” switch catalytic systems for hydrazine, formic acid, ammonia borane, and related hydrogen-storage materials. His work has been published in leading journals such as International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, Fuel, ACS Applied Nano Materials, Carbon Energy, and Green Chemical Engineering, demonstrating both scientific rigor and originality. He has also advanced environmental catalysis through the synthesis of Co₃O₄ nanocubes and lignin-derived carbon materials for the degradation of emerging contaminants in wastewater, contributing to more efficient pollutant removal technologies. In addition to his journal publications, Wenkai is co-inventor on patents related to graphene quantum dots and porous carbon nanospheres, reflecting his strength in translating research into practical innovations. His academic journey from top-performing undergraduate at Lanzhou University of Technology, to postgraduate excellence at China Three Gorges University, to his current research at the University of Barcelona demonstrates consistent achievement supported by multiple competitive scholarships, including the China Scholarship Council award. Combined with earlier engineering experience in advanced aluminum materials, Wenkai brings strong interdisciplinary expertise to the advancement of clean energy catalysis and environmental nanotechnology.

Profiles : Scopus | ORCID

Featured Publications

Huang, W., Llopart-Roca, P., Nieto-Sandoval, J., Bayarri, B., & Sans, C. (2025). Enhanced peroxymonosulfate activation by oxalic acid–activated lignin-derived carbon to degrade sulfamethoxazole: Performance and mechanism. Green Chemical Engineering.

Xu, F., Wang, Y., Wang, C., Huang, W., & Liu, X. (2023). Dehydrogenation of hydrous hydrazine over carbon nanosphere-supported PtNi nanoparticles for on-demand H₂ release. Fuel, 332, 126116.

Huang, W., Xu, F., Li, D., Astruc, D., & Liu, X. (2023). “On–off” switch for H₂ and O₂ generation from HCOOH and H₂O₂. Carbon Energy, 5(3), e269.

Huang, W., Xu, F., Tian, S., Wang, C., & Liu, X. (2022). Bimetallic PtNi nanoclusters supported on carbon nanospheres as catalysts for H₂ production from dimethylamineborane hydrolysis. ACS Applied Nano Materials.

Huang, W., Jin, X., Li, Q., et al. (2023). Co₃O₄ nanocubes for degradation of oxytetracycline in wastewater via peroxymonosulfate activation. ACS Applied Nano Materials, 6(13), 12497–12506.

Hyun-Jae Shin | Green Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hyun-Jae Shin | Green Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Associate Professor | Chosun University | South Korea

Dr. Hyun-Jae Shin, an accomplished Associate Professor of Biochemical Engineering at Chosun University, stands as a leading figure in the field of biotechnology, biochemical engineering, and sustainable biomaterials research. As the President of the Korean Society of Mushroom Science, Dr. Shin has established himself as a pioneer in integrating fungal biotechnology, enzyme engineering, and natural product chemistry to create innovative and eco-friendly solutions for global sustainability challenges. He earned his Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from KAIST, South Korea, and completed his postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Westminster, UK. Over his distinguished academic and research career, Dr. Shin has successfully completed 50 major research projects and continues to lead three ongoing initiatives focusing on bio-based materials and enzymatic biotransformation. With an impressive record of over 96 publications in high-impact SCI and SCIE journals, 13 published books, and 31 registered patents, his work has attracted more than 5,000 citations, reflecting its global influence. Dr. Shin’s research primarily revolves around the eco-friendly bioconversion of biomass, such as mushroom mycelium, plant polyphenols, and microbial enzymes, for the creation of sustainable materials like biodegradable fibers, bio-composites, and eco-leather. His groundbreaking innovations have redefined the role of green chemistry and fungal biotechnology in advancing the circular bioeconomy and reducing industrial carbon footprints. Through molecular breeding, enzymatic transformation, and process engineering, he has developed scalable methods that transform agricultural by-products into high-value materials, promoting waste minimization and renewable resource utilization. As Editor-in-Chief of the KSBB Journal and former Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Mushroom, Dr. Shin continues to shape academic discourse in biochemical engineering. His collaborations with institutions such as Kyoto University (Japan) and the Shandong Academy of Sciences (China) further strengthen his global research network. Dr. Shin’s interdisciplinary expertise and leadership have made a lasting impact on sustainable biotechnology, positioning him as a visionary in the pursuit of green innovation and circular manufacturing for a sustainable future.

Profiles : Scopus | ORCID | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Im, H.-S., Ryu, M.-S., Kim, B.-J., Eo, J.-K., Park, E., Tagawa, S., & Shin, H.-J. (2025). Eco-friendly masks with a blend of mushroom fiber and cotton. Biotechnology Design. bio-composites

Jeong, Y.-H., Im, H.-S., Park, C., Seo, J., Joo, Y., & Shin, H.-J. (2025, October). Large-scale batch (1 m²) production and mechanical assessment of mushroom mycelium mats. Korean Journal of Chemical Engineering.

Im, H.-S., Tagawa, S., Jeong, J.-S., & Shin, H.-J. (2025, March 5). Production of decolorized mushroom pulp for nonwoven cotton composite fibers. Fibers, 13(3), 30.

Shin, H.-J., Ro, H.-S., Kawauchi, M., & Honda, Y. (2025, January 10). Review on mushroom mycelium-based products and their production process: From upstream to downstream. Bioresources and Bioprocessing, 12(1), 8367.

Choi, M.-H., Yang, S.-H., Lee, Y.-J., Sohn, J.-H., Lee, K.-S., & Shin, H.-J. (2023). Anti-obesity effect of daidzein derived from Pachyrhizus erosus (L.) Urb. extract via PPAR pathway in MDI-induced 3T3-L1 cell line. Cosmetics, 10(6), 164.

Iheke Michael Nwachukwu | Green Chemistry | Green Chemistry Award

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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.