Fotis Rigas | Chemical Engineering | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Dr. Fotis Rigas | Chemical Engineering | Best Researcher Award

School of Chemical Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, Greece

👨‍🎓Profiles

👨‍🎓 Early Academic Foundation

Prof. Dr. Fotis Rigas was born in Athens, Greece, where he pursued his early education before enrolling at the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA) to complete his MSc in Chemical Engineering. His academic curiosity and passion for science led him to further achieve a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from the same institution. To enhance his interdisciplinary knowledge, he also obtained a Master’s degree in Sanitary Engineering from the National School of Public Health (Greece).

🧪 Professional Trajectory and Industry Expertise

Dr. Rigas began his career as a Production and R&D Engineer at the Greek Powder Company, an ammunition and explosives manufacturer. He expanded his knowledge globally through specialized training in slurry explosives in the United States under the guidance of Prof. Melvin Cook of Utah University. Over the decades, he contributed as a consultant to several engineering and industrial firms in Greece, addressing challenges in pollution control, water chemistry, and gas enterprises. These roles solidified his expertise in chemical engineering applications within high-risk and regulated industries.

🎓 Academic Career and Teaching Excellence

Prof. Rigas held a long and distinguished academic tenure at the Department of Chemical Engineering, NTUA, rising through the ranks from Lecturer to Associate Professor. He also served as a Visiting Professor at esteemed institutions such as the Greek Fire Brigade Academy, the National School of Public Health (Greece and France), and the National Autonomous University of Mexico. His teaching portfolio is vast, covering subjects like Organic Chemical Technology, Science and Technology of Explosives, Environmental Science and Technology, Occupational Health and Safety, Polymer Science, Remediation of Contaminated Sites, and Quantitative Risk Analysis. His international experience in education enriched the learning experience for students across disciplines and continents.

🔬 Research Interests and Scientific Focus

Currently active as an independent author and researcher, Prof. Rigas continues to contribute to high-impact areas in environmental and chemical engineering. His research focuses on:

  1. Process safety and loss prevention – ensuring safer chemical processing systems.

  2. Fungal bioremediation – using fungi to clean contaminated environmental sites.

  3. Bacterial remediation of stone monuments – protecting cultural heritage using microbiological methods.

🌍 Multilingual and Multidisciplinary

Fluent in Greek (native), English, and French, Dr. Rigas has effectively communicated his research and teachings across borders, supporting international academic and industrial collaboration. His ability to work in diverse linguistic and cultural environments has strengthened his role as a global educator and innovator.

🏛️ Legacy and Continued Influence

Now retired from NTUA, Prof. Dr. Fotis Rigas remains active as an independent author, sharing his extensive knowledge through publications, collaborations, and mentoring. His career spans decades of academic leadership, scientific innovation, and industrial consultation. A pioneer in the fields of explosive safety, environmental remediation, and occupational health, his contributions continue to influence chemical engineering education and sustainable environmental practices worldwide.

📖Notable Publications

Adsorption of humic acid on acid-activated Greek bentonite
Authors: D Doulia, C Leodopoulos, K Gimouhopoulos, F Rigas
Journal: Journal of Colloid and Interface Science, Volume 340 (2), Pages 131–141
Citations: 250
Year: 2009

Hazards, safety and knowledge gaps on hydrogen transmission via natural gas grid: A critical review
Authors: Z Labidine Messaoudani, F Rigas, M.D.B. Hamid, C.R.C. Hassan
Journal: International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, Volume 41 (39), Pages 17511–17525
Citations: 214
Year: 2016

Validation of turbulence models in heavy gas dispersion over obstacles
Authors: S Sklavounos, F Rigas
Journal: Journal of Hazardous Materials, Volume 108 (1–2), Pages 9–20
Citations: 209
Year: 2004

Estimation of safety distances in the vicinity of fuel gas pipelines
Authors: S Sklavounos, F Rigas
Journal: Journal of Loss Prevention in the Process Industries, Volume 19 (1), Pages 24–31
Citations: 207
Year: 2006

Evaluation of hazards associated with hydrogen storage facilities
Authors: F Rigas, S Sklavounos
Journal: International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, Volume 30 (13–14), Pages 1501–1510
Citations: 175
Year: 2005

Binbin Li | Physical Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Posted on by Analytical Chemistry

Dr. Binbin Li | Physical Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Central South University, China

👨‍🎓Profiles

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Binbin Li embarked on his academic journey in mineral processing engineering, developing a strong foundation in the fundamentals of extractive metallurgy and flotation chemistry. His formative education cultivated a keen interest in the intricate mechanisms governing flotation interface chemistry. His academic excellence laid the groundwork for his future research into the molecular design of flotation pharmaceuticals and the environmentally conscious separation of complex ores.

👨‍🔬 Professional Endeavors

Dr. Li is currently affiliated with the School of Minerals Processing and Bioengineering at Central South University, a national leader in resource engineering. He operates within key national disciplines and provincial key laboratories, actively engaging in the practical and theoretical challenges of the mining industry. His work is directly aligned with China’s “Double Carbon” strategy, emphasizing green development and sustainable resource utilization.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Binbin Li’s research bridges flotation interface chemistry, high-efficiency reagent design, and the comprehensive utilization of strategic minerals like Cu-Ni-Mo ores, phosphate, and fluorite. He adopts an interdisciplinary approach, integrating bioengineering, materials science, and environmental engineering to advance cleaner and more effective mineral separation techniques. His projects tackle both fundamental surface interactions and applied process optimizations, demonstrating a rare blend of theoretical insight and industrial relevance.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Dr. Li’s scholarly output has been published in prestigious international journals such as the Journal of Cleaner Production, Energy & Fuels, Minerals Engineering, Process Safety and Environmental Protection, and Journal of Molecular Liquids. His research not only enhances the efficiency of mineral separation but also reduces the ecological footprint of mining operations—contributing significantly to global efforts in green and sustainable mining.

📈 Academic Citations

Dr. Li has accrued numerous citations from both domestic and international scholars, signaling his rising impact within the fields of nonferrous metals processing and flotation reagent chemistry. His works are frequently referenced for their novel mechanistic insights and practical applications in cleaner production and mineral beneficiation.

🛠️ Technical Skills

Dr. Li is proficient in advanced interface analysis techniques, molecular modeling, reagent synthesis, and bioflotation process design. His expertise extends to the use of spectroscopy, surface tension analysis, and computational chemistry to design reagents that interact optimally with mineral surfaces under varying pH and ionic conditions.

🧑‍🏫 Teaching Experience

In addition to his research, Dr. Li contributes to the academic community through teaching and mentorship at Central South University. He guides undergraduate and postgraduate students in projects focusing on mineral processing technologies and sustainable chemical engineering, fostering the next generation of innovative engineers and researchers.

📚 Publications and Patents

He has contributed to a wide range of publications indexed in SCI and Scopus, and is actively involved in patent development related to novel reagent formulations and flotation process innovations. While specific ISBNs or patent numbers are pending release, his intellectual contributions continue to fuel technological progress in resource engineering.

🌟 Legacy and Future Contributions

As a young yet impactful scholar, Dr. Binbin Li’s legacy is being built on innovation, sustainability, and practical engineering solutions. Moving forward, he aims to deepen the integration of molecular-level flotation mechanisms with scalable industrial technologies. His commitment to supporting China’s ecological goals through cleaner mining practices ensures that his research will remain both timely and transformative.

📖Notable Publications

IMU-Based quantitative assessment of stroke from gait
Journal: Scientific Reports
Year: 2025
Citations: 2

Enhancing Li-storage ability of FeC₂O₄ anode enabled by oxygen-vacancy-enriched amorphous carbon microspheres compositing via hydrogen bonding interactions
Journal: Electrochimica Acta
Year: 2025

Application of graphitic carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄) in solid polymer electrolytes: A mini review
Journal: (Journal name not specified)
Year: 2025

Yeshui Zhang | Chemical Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Posted on by Analytical Chemistry

Dr. Yeshui Zhang | Chemical Engineering | Best Researcher Award

University of Aberdeen, United Kingdom

👨‍🎓Profiles

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Yeshui Zhang began her academic journey with a BSc in Environmental Management from the University of Birmingham, where she established a strong foundation for her multidisciplinary approach to energy and environmental engineering. She then pursued an MSc in Environmental & Energy Engineering at the University of Sheffield, working under the guidance of Prof. Agba Salman. Her academic path culminated in a PhD in Chemical & Process Engineering at the University of Leeds (2014–2017), where her thesis focused on hydrogen and carbon nanotube materials derived from the pyrolysis-catalysis of waste, supervised by Prof. Paul Williams and Dr. Chunfei Wu.

💼 Professional Endeavors

Dr. Zhang currently serves as a Lecturer in Chemical Engineering at the University of Aberdeen, a position she has held since December 2021. She contributes to both research and teaching within the School of Engineering. Prior to this, she held several research-intensive roles at University College London (UCL), including a prestigious Faraday Institution Research Fellowship (2019–2021) on the NEXTRODE project, which aimed to enhance operando metrology in Li-ion battery electrode manufacturing. From 2018 to 2019, she worked as a Postdoctoral Research Associate, developing quartz crystal microbalance techniques for high-temperature applications—an initiative funded by the Qatar National Research Fund. Dr. Zhang also provided consultancy to Alchemy TT Corporation in the U.S., focusing on carbon nanomaterials from waste plastics, and previously served as Overseas Outreach Manager for Nangyang Weiter Chemical in China.

🔬 Research Focus and Contributions

Dr. Zhang’s research lies at the intersection of sustainable energy, waste valorization, and advanced materials. Her areas of expertise include energy storage materials, lithium-ion battery manufacturing, hydrogen production, plastic waste pyrolysis-catalysis, and the synthesis of carbon nanotubes. She is pioneering new approaches in in-situ acoustic diagnostics and high-temperature quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) systems, advancing real-time analysis in energy materials research. Her work is firmly rooted in circular economy principles, particularly with respect to converting plastic waste into valuable energy resources.

🌱 Impact and Influence

Dr. Zhang’s work is making a significant impact on green technology development and sustainability. She offers scalable, practical solutions for transforming plastic waste into high-value materials such as hydrogen and carbon nanostructures. Her role in the NEXTRODE project is helping to reshape Li-ion battery manufacturing through improved metrological precision and efficiency, contributing meaningfully to the global transition toward low-carbon energy systems.

📈 Academic Citations and Recognition

While specific citation metrics are not provided, Dr. Zhang’s continuous involvement in high-profile research projects—such as those funded by the Faraday Institution and the Qatar National Research Fund—reflects her growing academic stature and the broad relevance of her work in chemical engineering, energy technology, and materials science.

🛠️ Technical Skills

Dr. Zhang possesses a diverse and advanced technical skill set, including expertise in pyrolysis-catalysis systems, high-temperature QCM analysis, operando measurement technologies, battery metrology, and the synthesis of nanomaterials from recycled waste. She is also developing innovative acoustic monitoring systems for in-situ diagnostics in complex energy environments.

👩‍🏫 Teaching Experience

As a Lecturer at the University of Aberdeen, Dr. Zhang is actively involved in teaching and mentoring students in chemical and process engineering. She brings her cutting-edge research into the classroom, inspiring innovation and real-world application among her students. Her interdisciplinary background allows her to teach across a range of topics, including energy systems, environmental remediation, and advanced materials.

🌍 Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Zhang is positioned to become a leading figure in circular energy systems and sustainable battery technology development. Her future research will continue to integrate waste management with the creation of high-performance materials, particularly in the areas of green hydrogen and carbon-negative technologies. Through her academic and industrial partnerships, she is driving innovations that align with global sustainability goals and a cleaner, more efficient energy future.

📖Notable Publications

Catalysis and absorption behaviors of the shelled-hollow CaO-MgO microspheres on product distributions and desulfurization during waste tire fast pyrolysis
Authors: Qu, B.; Zhang, Y.; Wang, T.; Li, A.; Ji, G.
Journal: Fuel
Year: 2025

Effect of reduction temperatures of Ni-modified zeolites on the product distribution, catalyst deactivation, and reaction mechanism during polypropylene pyrolysis
Authors: Qu, B.; Wang, T.; Ji, X.; Zhang, Y.; Ji, G.
Journal: Fuel
Year: 2025

Pyrolysis-catalytic gasification of plastic waste for hydrogen-rich syngas production with hybrid-functional Ni-CaO–Ca₂SiO₄ catalyst
Authors: Qin, T.; Ji, G.; Qu, B.; Derksen, J.J.; Zhang, Y.
Journal: Carbon Capture Science and Technology
Year: 2025

Ni transformation and hydrochar properties during hydrothermal carbonization of cellulose
Authors: Zhao, P.; Yu, S.; Zhang, Y.; Zhang, Y.; Zhou, H.
Journal: Fuel
Year: 2025

Pyrolysis-catalysis of waste tire to enhance the aromatics selectivity via metal-modified ZSM-5 catalysts
Authors: Qu, B.; Zhang, Y.; Wang, T.; Li, A.; Ji, G.
Journal: Process Safety and Environmental Protection
Year: 2024

Zhongsheng Wang | Chemical Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Posted on by Analytical Chemistry

Mr. Zhongsheng Wang | Chemical Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Central South University, China

👨‍🎓Profiles

🔬 Academic and Professional Background

Mr. Zhongsheng Wang is a Doctoral Candidate at Central South University, specializing in lithium battery electrolyte research. His academic journey has been marked by significant contributions to battery technology and regulation. His work has led to publications in high-impact journals, reflecting his dedication to advancing the field of energy storage.

⚡ Research and Innovations

Mr. Wang focuses on lithium battery electrolytes, with a particular interest in low-temperature lithium battery technology. His research explores novel strategies to improve battery performance, efficiency, and durability in extreme conditions. He has contributed to understanding battery interfacial reactions, proposing the bond-level control theory for electrode-electrolyte interfaces.

🏆 Completed/Ongoing Research Projects

His research spans various aspects of battery technology, including battery regulation techniques. As part of the Central South University Graduate Innovation Program, he has led multiple projects aimed at improving lithium battery performance in low-temperature environments.

📊 Citation Index and Contributions

Mr. Wang’s research has been recognized in the scientific community, with his work accumulating 8 citations. He has successfully analyzed battery system evolution processes and developed multiple low-temperature lithium battery systems, contributing to advancements in battery theory.

📑 Patents and Publications

Mr. Wang has published several papers in prestigious journals, including Advanced Functional Materials, Energy Material Advances, EcoMat, Journal of Alloys and Compounds, and Chemical Science. His innovative research has also resulted in two patents, further demonstrating his impact in the field.

🤝 Collaborations

Mr. Wang has collaborated with researchers on multiple studies, leading to publications in renowned journals such as Advanced Functional Materials and Colloids and Interface Chemistry in Chemical Science. These collaborations have strengthened the research and development of next-generation lithium batteries.

🔍 Areas of Research

  • Lithium Battery Electrolytes

  • Low-Temperature Lithium Battery Technology

  • Electrode-Electrolyte Interface Reactions

  • Battery Regulation Techniques

🌟 Future Contributions

Mr. Wang’s research continues to push the boundaries of battery technology, particularly in developing novel electrolyte formulations that enhance lithium battery performance at low temperatures. His work is expected to have a lasting impact on energy storage solutions, paving the way for next-generation batteries with improved efficiency and reliability.

📖Notable Publications