Ayesha Mushtaq | Catalysis | Material Chemistry Award

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Ms. Ayesha Mushtaq | Catalysis | Material Chemistry Award

University of Gujrat, Pakistan

👨‍🎓Profiles

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Ms. Ayesha Mushtaq completed her Master of Philosophy in Physics at the University of Gujrat, Pakistan, achieving an impressive CGPA of 3.72/4.0. Her thesis focused on the Investigation of MoS2 Based Nanomaterials for Efficient Photocatalytic Performance, highlighting her early dedication to advanced materials science. Prior to this, she earned her BS Honors in Physics from the University of Central Punjab. Her solid academic foundation laid the groundwork for her research in nanomaterials and their multifaceted applications.

💼 Professional Endeavors

Ms. Mushtaq has demonstrated extensive experience in synthesizing and optimizing nanomaterials, particularly focusing on MoS2, Ta-MoS2, and MoS2/MnO2/WO3 composites. Her work encompasses practical applications in photocatalysis, specifically targeting environmental remediation through degradation of dyes like Methylene Blue and pharmaceutical contaminants such as Metformin. Beyond photocatalysis, she has explored nanomaterials’ roles in energy storage, antimicrobial properties, and shelf-life extension, revealing a broad and impactful research portfolio.

📚 Contributions and Research Focus

Her research contributions extend to authoring and co-authoring scientific papers and delivering presentations in academic settings, showcasing her effective communication skills in disseminating scientific knowledge. Notably, she has authored a book titled “Influence of Nobel Metal Nanoparticles in Sustainable Energy Technologies” (Springer, 2025), emphasizing her expertise and contribution to the field of sustainable energy and nanotechnology. Her primary research interests include materials science, photocatalytic activity, energy storage, antimicrobial applications, and shelf-life enhancement using nanomaterials.

🌟 Impact and Influence

Ms. Mushtaq’s work in synthesizing novel nanomaterials and applying them to environmental and energy challenges places her at the forefront of sustainable nanotechnology research. Her scientific findings contribute not only to academic advancement but also have practical implications for environmental cleanup and energy technologies. By combining experimental research with scientific communication, she significantly influences both her academic peers and the wider scientific community.

📈 Academic Citations

While specific citation metrics are not detailed here, her published research papers and book authorship demonstrate recognition and relevance in the scientific community, particularly in nanomaterials and photocatalysis research fields.

🛠️ Technical Skills

She possesses proficiency in a range of software and instrumentation critical to materials research, including OriginLab, Xpert Highscore Plus, Image J, Endnote, MS Office, and COMSOL Multiphysics. She is skilled in operating analytical tools such as the UV-Visible Spectrometer and Photoluminescence Spectrometer for UV-Vis and PL analysis, enabling her to perform detailed characterization of nanomaterials.

👩‍🏫 Teaching Experience

Alongside her research, Ms. Mushtaq has engaged in academic research supervision, teaching, and consultation, managing theses and interdisciplinary projects. Her strong communication skills in English and Urdu facilitate effective knowledge transfer and mentorship within academic environments.

🌱 Legacy and Future Contributions

Ms. Ayesha Mushtaq is poised to continue advancing the field of nanomaterials with a focus on sustainable energy and environmental applications. Her upcoming book and ongoing research reflect a commitment to driving innovative solutions through nanotechnology, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, and mentoring future scientists. Her legacy is set to inspire developments in photocatalytic materials, energy storage, and antimicrobial technologies, impacting both science and society.

📖Notable Publications

Photocatalytic detoxification of Lemon Yellow food additive by Novel AC@ZnO/CuO/WO3 quaternary composites via Citrus Sinensis and Solid-State-Reaction method
Authors: Hassan Imam Rizvi, Ayesha Mushtaq, Tahir Iqbal, Sumera Afsheen, Zain Ashfaq, Nabil Al-Zaqri, Ismail Warad
Journal: Journal of Alloys and Compounds
Year: 2025

Influence of Noble Metal Nanoparticles in Sustainable Energy Technologies
Authors: Tahir Iqbal, Sumera Afsheen, Ayesha Mushtaq
Book Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland
Year: 2025
ISBN: 9783031809828, 9783031809835

Facile Strategies to Fabricate MoS2/Bi2O3 Nanocomposites; A Nano Engineered Material for Photoassisted Degradation of Ciprofloxacin and Their Antibacterial Performance
Authors: Muhammad Tauseef Qureshi, Ayesha Mushtaq, Umer Farooq, Abdul Basit, Tahir Iqbal, Ayesha Younas, Mahmoud Al Elaimi, Hira Affan, Mohamed S. Othman, Ghazala Yunus, et al.
Journal: Journal of Inorganic and Organometallic Polymers and Materials
Year: 2024

Cobalt doped MoS2: A photoactivated nanomaterial for removal of methylene blue and phenol
Authors: Tahir Iqbal, Abdul Basit, Abdallah M. Elgorban, Hind A. AL-Shwaiman, Muhammad Farooq, Muhammad Yousaf, Sumera Afsheen, Ayesha Mushtaq, Rana Mustansar Munir
Journal: Journal of Physics and Chemistry of Solids
Year: 2024

Enhancing apple shelf life: A comparative analysis of photocatalytic activity in pure and manganese-doped ZnO nanoparticles
Authors: Tahir Iqbal, Maria Afzal, Bandar Ali Al-Asbahi, Sumera Afsheen, Iqra Maryam, Ayesha Mushtaq, Sabah Kausar, Aqsa Ashraf
Journal: Materials Science in Semiconductor Processing
Year: 2024

Muthuraj Arunpandian | Catalysis | Excellence in Research Award

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Dr. Muthuraj Arunpandian | Catalysis | Excellence in Research Award

Yeungnam University, India

👨‍🎓Profiles

👨‍🔬 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Muthuraj Arunpandian began his academic journey in Tamil Nadu, India, earning his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Madurai Kamaraj University. He further pursued doctoral studies at Kalasalingam Academy of Research and Education, Krishnankoil, where he specialized in nanomaterials and catalysis. His academic training laid the foundation for his focused research in photocatalysis and electrocatalysis, aiming at environmental and energy-related solutions.

🌐 Professional Endeavors

Since 2023, Dr. Arunpandian has been serving as an International Research Professor at the School of Chemical Engineering, Yeungnam University, South Korea. In this role, he leads cutting-edge research in the field of catalysis, collaborating internationally to address challenges in sustainable energy and environmental remediation. His work bridges material science and chemical engineering, emphasizing interdisciplinary solutions.

🔬 Research Contributions and Focus

Dr. Arunpandian’s research is primarily focused on two interconnected areas: photocatalysis and electrocatalysis.

  • In photocatalysis, his group develops visible-light-driven semiconductor nanostructures for environmental cleanup and solar hydrogen production. Their innovations in doping strategies, heterojunction design, and surface modifications have dramatically enhanced charge carrier separation, light absorption, and overall catalytic efficiency.

  • In electrocatalysis, he pioneers low-cost, high-efficiency electrocatalysts for water splitting. His work on transition metal-based materials and single-atom catalysts has produced systems with low overpotentials, high current densities, and outstanding durability, offering scalable paths toward clean hydrogen production.

📈 Impact and Influence

Dr. Arunpandian has published over 75 research and review articles in reputed national and international journals, garnering more than 1,200 citations to date. In addition to these publications, he has contributed 2 book chapters, underlining his scholarly productivity and domain authority. His research is widely cited in areas related to green chemistry, renewable energy, and environmental remediation, reflecting its global significance.

🧪 Technical Skills and Innovations

His core technical competencies include:

  • Nanomaterial synthesis (e.g., doped semiconductors, metal-based nanostructures)

  • Photocatalytic degradation systems for pollutant removal

  • HER/OER performance optimization through material design

  • Surface/interface engineering, heterojunction fabrication, and bandgap tuning
    These skills allow him to engineer materials that are both high-performing and scalable for real-world energy and environmental applications.

🎓 Teaching and Mentorship

As an International Research Professor, Dr. Arunpandian actively contributes to academic mentoring and international research training, guiding graduate students and postdoctoral researchers in the synthesis and characterization of nanomaterials. His cross-cultural mentorship fosters innovation and scientific communication at a global scale.

🌱 Legacy and Future Directions

Dr. Arunpandian’s research contributes directly to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in clean energy and environmental sustainability. His future endeavors will likely focus on integrating AI-based catalyst design, scalable synthesis methods, and industry partnerships for real-world deployment. His vision is to accelerate the transition to clean hydrogen economies and pollutant-free ecosystems, leaving a lasting scientific and societal impact.

📖Notable Publications

A rational design of novel Z-scheme N-rich g-C₃N₅ supported Ag₂WO₄/BiVO₄ ternary heterojunction for remarkably enhanced visible-light-driven photocatalytic activity of acebutolol antibiotic: Performance, mechanism insight and fragments pathway analysis
Authors: Muthuraj Arunpandian, Tae Hwan Oh, Karuppaiah Selvakumar
Journal: Journal of Alloys and Compounds
Year: 2025

Exceptional Visible-Light-Driven Photodegradation Performance Over N-Rich g-C₃N₅ Decorated Flower-like SrMoO₄ Nanohybrids: Analysis of Mechanism, Efficacy and Degradation Pathway
Authors: Muralidharan S., Arunpandian M., Nagarajan E. R., Oh Tae Hwan, Selvakumar K.
Journal: Journal of Inorganic and Organometallic Polymers and Materials
Year: 2025

Fabrication of dopamine/TiO₂ nanocomposite hydrogel using fenugreek gum for efficient photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants under visible light irradiation
Authors: Nagaraja Kasula, Arunpandian Muthuraj, Oh Tae Hwan
Journal: Journal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry
Year: 2025

Green synthesis of Zinc Sulfide doped Ag-Zn₃(PO₄)₂ nanocomposite using bael gum: Enhanced visible-light driven photocatalytic degradation of ciprofloxacin and trypan blue with potential antimicrobial and assessment
Authors: Nagaraja Kasula, Boya Mallika, Arunpandian Muthuraj, Oh Tae Hwan
Journal: Inorganic Chemistry Communications
Year: 2025

Nitrogen-Doped Hollow Carbon Spheres-Decorated Co₂SnO₄/WS₂ Heterostructures with Improved Visible-Light Photocatalytic Degradation of Organic Dye
Authors: Muthuraj Arunpandian, Tae Hwan Oh
Journal: Molecules
Year: 2025

A facile green synthesis of manganese oxide nanoparticles using gum karaya polymer as a bioreductant for efficient photocatalytic degradation of organic dyes and antibacterial activity
Authors: Nagaraja Kasula, Muthuraj Arunpandian, Oh Tae Hwan
Journal: International Journal of Biological Macromolecules
Year: 2024

 

Natthawan Prasongthum | Catalysis | Best Researcher Award

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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