Xuteng Zhao | Catalysis | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Xuteng Zhao | Catalysis | Best Researcher Award

Shanghai Jiao Tong University, China

👨‍🎓Profiles

👨‍🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Xuteng Zhao began his academic journey with a strong foundation in materials science, earning his Bachelor’s degree in Polymer Materials and Engineering from Northeast Forestry University (2012.09–2016.06). His early exposure to polymer science laid the groundwork for his multidisciplinary approach to energy and catalysis. Motivated by a deep interest in chemical processes, he pursued a Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering and Technology at Harbin Engineering University (2016.09–2019.03), where he gained hands-on experience in process engineering and catalysis. His academic pursuits culminated in a Doctoral degree in Power Engineering and Engineering Thermophysics from Shanghai Jiao Tong University (2019.04–2022.12), marking a transition into the emerging field of electrochemical energy conversion.

👨‍🔬 Professional Endeavors

Dr. Zhao continued his association with Shanghai Jiao Tong University as a Postdoctoral Fellow (2022.12–2024.11), contributing to cutting-edge research in electrochemical catalysis and thermophysical engineering. His commitment and research excellence led to his promotion as an Associate Researcher in March 2025, where he remains active in both scientific research and academic mentorship. His current role situates him at the forefront of hydrogen production technologies, particularly focusing on alcohol–ammonia-based hydrogen evolution systems.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Zhao’s research is deeply rooted in the development and optimization of electrochemical catalysis technologies for sustainable energy. His primary research focus includes alcohol-ammonia hydrogen production, a promising route for clean hydrogen generation. By integrating principles of thermophysics and catalysis, he has worked on improving the energy efficiency and catalytic performance of these systems. His work bridges materials engineering with chemical process innovation, contributing to the next generation of green hydrogen production technologies.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Through his innovative research, Dr. Zhao has significantly contributed to the global discourse on renewable energy and hydrogen economy. His studies on novel catalytic materials and ammonia-fueled hydrogen systems are expected to influence future industrial hydrogen production models. By collaborating within interdisciplinary teams at Shanghai Jiao Tong University, he supports both academic development and practical technology deployment for carbon-neutral energy solutions.

📊 Academic Citations and Recognition

Though still early in his career, Dr. Zhao’s research has begun to attract attention in scholarly circles, particularly in electrochemical and energy materials communities. His articles are cited in studies related to electrocatalysis, fuel processing, and ammonia decomposition, contributing to an expanding body of literature in sustainable energy production.

🧪 Technical Skills and Expertise

Dr. Zhao has mastered a wide array of experimental and analytical techniques essential to catalysis and thermophysical studies. These include Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS), Linear Sweep Voltammetry (LSV), Tafel Polarization and Reaction Kinetics, Gas Chromatography for hydrogen quantification, and material characterization techniques such as SEM, XRD, BET, and FT-IR. He is also adept at designing custom experimental systems for lab-scale hydrogen production and catalytic performance evaluation.

👨‍🏫 Teaching Experience and Mentorship

As an associate researcher, Dr. Zhao actively participates in academic mentorship at Shanghai Jiao Tong University. He has guided graduate students in experimental design, data analysis, and manuscript preparation. His teaching approach emphasizes both theoretical understanding and hands-on experimentation, fostering the next generation of researchers in energy engineering.

🧭 Legacy and Future Contributions

Looking ahead, Dr. Zhao aims to establish himself as a leading researcher in hydrogen energy and catalysis. His future research will likely delve into scalable hydrogen production techniques, advanced electrocatalyst design, and integration of renewable resources with chemical fuel synthesis. He aspires to develop systems that are not only energy-efficient but also economically viable for real-world deployment. His dedication to clean energy solutions and academic excellence positions him as a promising contributor to the global clean-tech landscape.

📖Notable Publications

Electrically Driven Gaseous Ammonia Decomposition for Hydrogen Production over SiC-Mediated Catalyst without External Heating
Authors: Xiaochao Wang, Xuteng Zhao, Guangzhao Zhou, Ting Chen, Qi Chen, Nicolas Alonso-Vante, Zhen Huang, Yiran Zhang, He Lin
Journal: ACS Catalysis
Year: 2025

The influence of phosphorus and CO poisoning on Pd/SSZ-13 with different Al distributions as passive NOx adsorbers
Authors: Yinan Wang, Jiaqi Feng, Ting Chen, Xuteng Zhao, Rijing Zhan, He Lin
Journal: Separation and Purification Technology
Year: 2024

Nonthermal-Plasma-Catalytic Ammonia Synthesis Using Fe₂O₃/CeO₂ Mechanically Mixed with Al₂O₃: Insights into the Promoting Effect of Plasma Discharge Enhancement on the Role of Catalysts
Authors: Guangzhao Zhou, Ziyu Wang, Xiaochao Wang, Yiran Zhang, Xuteng Zhao, Qi Chen, Ting Chen, Zhen Huang, He Lin
Journal: ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering
Year: 2024

The interaction between Pd/CeO₂ crystal surface and electric field: Application to complete oxidation of methane
Authors: Xuteng Zhao, Yinan Wang, Zuwei Zheng, Xuehong Chen, Ting Chen, He Lin
Journal: Separation and Purification Technology
Year: 2024

Enhancing the NOx storage and hydrothermal stability of Pd/SSZ-13 passive NOx adsorbers by regulating the Al distributions
Authors: Yinan Wang, Xuteng Zhao, Ting Chen, Zuwei Zheng, Rijing Zhan, He Lin
Journal: Fuel
Year: 2024

Liu Wenju | Catalysis | Best Researcher Award

Prof Liu Wenju | Catalysis | Best Researcher Award 

Henan University of Technology , china 

👨‍🎓Profiles

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Professor Liu Wenju embarked on his academic journey with a strong foundation in chemistry. He earned his B.Sc. in Applied Chemistry from Zhengzhou University in 2003, followed by an M.Sc. in Industrial Catalysis at the same institution, where he explored the catalytic oxidation of cooking oil fumes in microwave fields. His passion for advanced separation techniques and materials led him to pursue a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering at Tianjin University, where he completed a groundbreaking thesis on the crystallization and polymorphism of Carbamazepine, a critical pharmaceutical compound. These early academic milestones laid the groundwork for a career dedicated to innovation in crystallization science and green chemical processes.

🧪 Professional Endeavors

Prof. Liu’s professional path is marked by impactful roles across academia and research institutions. He has served as a postdoctoral researcher at Tianjin University, leading pharmaceutical crystallization studies, and expanded his global perspective as a visiting scholar at the University of Cambridge, where he studied mechanochemical modifications of Salbutamol Sulfate. His role as a principal investigator on multiple funded research projects reflects his leadership in the field, especially within the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NNSFC).

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Prof. Liu has cultivated a distinguished research profile centered on chemical separation and crystallization, particularly within the pharmaceutical domain. His expertise includes industrial crystallization, polymorphism control, and green catalysis. Over the years, he has advanced critical insights into amorphization, polymorphic membrane crystallization, and impurity effects on crystal growth, aligning with sustainable chemistry goals. His research extends to eco-friendly material development, showcasing a commitment to environmentally conscious innovation.

🌍 Impact and Influence

The scope of Prof. Liu's research has significantly influenced pharmaceutical manufacturing practices and the development of greener catalytic systems. His work on crystal engineering and nucleation-growth dynamics has contributed to both academic understanding and practical applications. The international recognition gained through collaborations, such as with the University of Cambridge, highlights his role in bridging global research efforts and fostering knowledge exchange in the field of chemical engineering.

📚 Academic Citations & Scholarly Recognition

While specific citation metrics are not included, Prof. Liu's funded projects, especially by the NNSFC and other national and international bodies, signify his academic credibility and research influence. His work on pharmaceutical polymorphs, crystallization mechanisms, and green catalytic technologies continues to inspire new lines of inquiry and collaboration in chemical engineering research.

🛠️ Technical Skills

Prof. Liu brings advanced technical proficiency to his research. His core competencies include:

  • Pharmaceutical crystal engineering

  • Polymorph screening and control

  • Green catalytic process design
    He is adept with cutting-edge analytical tools such as:

  • PXRD (Powder X-ray Diffraction)

  • DSC (Differential Scanning Calorimetry)

  • SEM-EDS (Scanning Electron Microscopy – Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy)

  • HPLC-MS (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography – Mass Spectrometry)

  • In-situ Raman spectroscopy

👨‍🏫 Teaching & Mentoring Excellence

Although specific teaching roles are not detailed, Prof. Liu’s deep research involvement at Henan University of Technology suggests active engagement in mentoring graduate students and guiding thesis research, especially in crystallization and catalysis. His interdisciplinary knowledge positions him as an effective educator in both theoretical and applied chemistry fields.

🌱 Legacy and Future Contributions

Prof. Liu's early research into CO removal and microwave-assisted oxidation systems highlights a lifelong dedication to environmental sustainability. As he continues his academic journey, his future contributions are likely to deepen in the domains of eco-friendly crystallization technologies and pharmaceutical manufacturing innovations. His legacy will undoubtedly be one of bridging scientific rigor with practical environmental applications, shaping the next generation of chemical engineers.

📖Notable Publications

Title: Zr-doped CoZrOx solid solution catalysts with enhanced oxygen vacancy for trace ethylene removal under humid conditions
Authors: Zhang Qiaofei, Zhang Liwen, Liu Lei, Zhu Chunshan, Liu Wenju
Journal: Applied Surface Science
Year: 2025
Citations: 0

Title: Preparation of CunCo1Ox catalysts by co-precipitation method for catalytic oxidation of toluene
Authors: Hu Yanshao, Pan Da, Zhang Zheng, Dang Dan, Liu Wenju
Journal: Journal of Molecular Structure
Year: 2025
Citations: 0

Title: Multifunctional self-cleaning Zr-Porphyrin@PG membrane for wastewater treatment
Authors: Liu Wenju, Hou Yafang, Zhao Peixia, Zhang Yatao, D'Agostino Carmine
Journal: Applied Surface Science
Year: 2025
Citations: 0

Title: Equilibrium Solubility of Loxoprofen in 14 Monosolvents: Determination, Correlation, and Hansen Solubility Parameter
Authors: Shen Yanmin, Pan Shuting, Gao Yuqi, Wang Han, Liu Wenju
Journal: Journal of Chemical and Engineering Data
Year: 2025
Citations: 0