Xiaohui Song | Materials Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Xiaohui Song | Materials Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Hefei University of Technology, China

👨‍🎓Profiles

Academic Background

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Xiaohui Song is a leading materials scientist currently serving in the School of Materials Science and Engineering at Hefei University of Technology, China. He earned his Ph.D. in 2016 from the prestigious Nanyang Technological University in Singapore, where he laid the foundation for his expertise in nanomaterials and electron microscopy. His international academic journey continued as a postdoctoral researcher at two world-renowned institutions: the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and UC Berkeley between 2016 and 2019, enhancing his skills in advanced material characterization techniques.

🔬 Professional Endeavors & Research Focus

Dr. Song’s research is primarily centered on the characterization of surfaces and interfaces of nanomaterials, with a special emphasis on those used in energy storage systems, particularly lithium-ion batteries. His group employs cutting-edge tools such as in situ liquid phase transmission electron microscopy (TEM), 3D TEM electron tomography, and in situ Raman spectroscopy to investigate the structural and functional properties of materials at the nanoscale. These advanced methods enable a real-time understanding of material behavior, making his research instrumental in pushing the boundaries of battery science.

♻️ Contributions to Battery Recycling & Regeneration

One of Dr. Song’s key research contributions is in the recycling and repair of lithium-ion batteries—a field of increasing global relevance due to the surge in electric vehicles and portable electronics. His work contributes directly to the development of sustainable energy technologies, offering solutions to reduce environmental waste and enhance battery lifespan through microscopic repair techniques and material regeneration.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Through his innovative research, Dr. Song is addressing some of the most pressing challenges in materials science and energy storage. His work supports global sustainability goals by promoting battery recycling technologies, which are crucial for reducing the environmental footprint of modern electronics. His contributions not only impact the scientific community but also the industrial sector, influencing future designs of recyclable and repairable battery systems.

🧪 Technical Expertise

Dr. Song is proficient in a broad spectrum of microscopy and spectroscopic techniques, particularly those used in in situ characterization. His advanced command of TEM, tomography, and Raman analysis allows him to extract intricate structural and chemical information, offering insights into degradation mechanisms, interfacial dynamics, and nanoscale transformations during battery operation.

🧑‍🏫 Teaching and Mentorship

As an Associate Professor, Dr. Song is deeply involved in mentoring students and young researchers, guiding them through both theoretical learning and practical experimentation. His international academic experience enhances his teaching approach, combining rigorous scientific standards with global perspectives in materials research.

🌟 Legacy & Future Outlook

Dr. Xiaohui Song stands at the forefront of next-generation battery technology and nanomaterials research. With a clear commitment to scientific innovation and environmental sustainability, he is paving the way for greener energy solutions. His work not only contributes to academic advancement but also aligns with global efforts toward achieving a circular economy in energy materials. Looking forward, his research aims to deepen our understanding of material interfaces and develop more efficient, durable, and recyclable energy storage systems.

📖Notable Publications

1. Investigating the block copolymer deposition on Au nanoparticle surface via graphene liquid cell
  • Authors: Xingyu Zhang, Dahai Yang, Semi Kim, Bolin Zou, Juyeong Kim, Xiaohui Song

  • Journal: Nano Today

  • Year: 2025

2. Self-assembled zinc polyethylenimine shield for long-lasting zinc anodes
  • Authors: Ying Chen, Suxia Yan, Taofeng Li, Zhilong Zhang, Li Zhang, Xiaohui Song, Junfeng Liu, Yong Wang, Edison Huixiang Ang

  • Journal: Journal of Power Sources

  • Year: 2025

3. Revealing microscopic dynamics: in situ liquid-phase TEM for live observations of soft materials and quantitative analysis via deep learning
  • Authors: Yangyang Sun, Xingyu Zhang, Rui Huang, Dahai Yang, Juyeong Kim, Junhao Chen, Edison Huixiang Ang, Mufan Li, Lin Li, Xiaohui Song

  • Journal: Nanoscale

  • Year: 2024

4. Unraveling nanosprings: morphology control and mechanical characterization
  • Authors: Dahai Yang, Rui Huang, Bolin Zou, Ruoxu Wang, Yong Wang, Edison Huixiang Ang, Xiaohui Song

  • Journal: Materials Horizons

  • Year: 2024

5. Unveiling the Dynamic Pathways of Metal–Organic Framework Crystallization and Nanoparticle Incorporation for Li–S Batteries
  • Authors: Xiaohui Song, Rui Huang, Xingyu Zhang, Qiang Chang, Semi Kim, Daeun Jeong, Qian Hou, Juyeong Kim, Edison Huixiang Ang, Xiaowei Su et al.

  • Journal: Advanced Science

  • Year: 2024

6. Evolution from passive to active components in lithium metal and lithium-ion batteries separators
  • Authors: Tong Liang, Dahang Cheng, Junhao Chen, Xianqi Wu, Hui Xiong, Sutong Yu, Zhennan Zhang, Haiyang Liu, Shurui Liu, Xiaohui Song

  • Journal: Materials Today Energy

  • Year: 2024

Berrichi Amina | Materials Chemistry | Women Researcher Award -2003

Prof. Berrichi Amina | Materials Chemistry | Women Researcher Award

University of Ain Temouchent, Algeria

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Prof. Berrichi Amina began her academic journey with a strong foundation in process engineering, obtaining her State Engineering Degree in Process Engineering in 2010. She further pursued a Master’s degree in Catalysis and Green Chemistry in 2011, highlighting her early interest in sustainable and environmentally conscious chemistry. Her passion for catalysis research led her to complete a Ph.D. in Catalysis and Green Chemistry in 2015, focusing on innovative and eco-friendly chemical processes. In recognition of her academic excellence and research contributions, she earned her University Habilitation in 2019, acquiring the rank of Maître de Conférence A (Associate Professor).

🧪 Professional Endeavors

Prof. Berrichi serves as an enseignante-chercheure (teaching-researcher) at the University of Ain Temouchent in Algeria, where she has been actively involved in teaching, mentoring, and scientific research. Her dual role enables her to shape future generations of chemists while simultaneously contributing to the advancement of green chemistry and catalysis.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Her core research revolves around heterogeneous catalysis, nanomaterials, and green chemistry approaches for organic synthesis. A notable highlight of her doctoral research includes the synthesis of propargylamines using gold nanoparticle-based catalysts, an area with promising applications in pharmaceutical and fine chemical industries. Prof. Berrichi has explored the development of novel catalytic systems and eco-compatible reaction pathways, emphasizing sustainability and innovation.

🌍 International and Industrial Exposure

Prof. Berrichi enriched her academic training through various internships, including a final-year research placement at Université Laval in Québec, Canada, within the Department of Soil and Agro-Food Engineering, where she worked at the agro-food engineering laboratory. She also undertook short-term industry-oriented internships, such as at Hassi Messaoud’s Sonatrach BASP Unit in 2010, gaining firsthand experience in the energy sector. More recently, she participated in a short-term research stage at the UCCS Catalysis and Solid State Chemistry Laboratory (2022–2023), further advancing her expertise in catalyst design and application.

🛠️ Technical Skills

Her technical expertise spans a wide spectrum of catalysis-related skills, including the synthesis and characterization of supported nanoparticles, reaction mechanism studies, and green chemical process optimization. She is also skilled in handling advanced analytical instruments and conducting interdisciplinary research connecting catalysis with environmental and industrial chemistry.

👩‍🏫 Teaching and Mentorship

With years of experience as a university lecturer, Prof. Berrichi has been deeply engaged in undergraduate and postgraduate education. She supervises doctoral students and master’s theses, guiding them in both theoretical knowledge and experimental research in green chemistry and catalysis. Her mentorship has contributed to cultivating a new generation of skilled and environmentally conscious chemists.

📚 Impact and Influence

Through her academic and research activities, Prof. Berrichi plays a vital role in promoting sustainable chemical practices in Algeria and the broader scientific community. Her work supports the development of greener synthesis routes, contributing to environmental protection and responsible chemical production. Her commitment to knowledge dissemination and cross-border academic collaboration is evident in her international training and research efforts.

🌟 Legacy and Future Contributions

Prof. Amina Berrichi continues to be a significant figure in the field of green catalysis and nanostructured materials. Her future contributions are expected to delve deeper into the use of innovative nanocatalysts for sustainable transformations, bridging fundamental research and real-world application. With her blend of teaching, research, and international collaboration, she is shaping both the academic landscape and the future of green chemistry in Algeria and beyond.

📖Notable Publications

Green Synthesis of Bioactive Pyrrole Derivatives via Heterogeneous Catalysts Since 2010
Authors: Berrichi Amina, Bachir Redouane
Journal: Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry
Year: 2025

The first gold nanoparticles supported SBA-15 functionalized aminopropylsylane as an efficient catalyst for the synthesis of β-acetamido ketone derivatives
Authors: Yadi Hind, Bailiche Zahra, Berrichi Amina, Bachir Redoaune
Journal: Reaction Kinetics, Mechanisms and Catalysis
Year: 2024

Catalysts For Propargylamines Synthesis Via A3, AHA, and KA2 Coupling – A Review
Authors: Amina Berrichi, Redouane Bachir, Sumeya Bedrane
Journal: Current Organic Chemistry
Year: 2023

Advances in Pyrazoles Rings’ Syntheses by Heterogeneous Catalysts, Ionic Liquids, and Multicomponent Reactions – A Review
Authors: Nassima Medjahed, Zahira Kibou, Amina Berrichi, Noureddine Choukchou-Braham
Journal: Current Organic Chemistry
Year: 2023

Iron phosphate nanoparticles as an effective catalyst for propargylamine synthesis
Authors: Mohammed El Amine Drici, Berrichi Amina, Bachir Redouane, Beldjilali Mohammed, Bedrane Sumeya, Mansour Debdab
Journal: Reaction Kinetics, Mechanisms and Catalysis
Year: 2023