Reza Ahmadi | Nanotechnology | Material Chemistry Award

Mr. Reza Ahmadi | Nanotechnology | Material Chemistry Award

Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, Spain

👨‍🎓Profiles

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Mr. Reza Ahmadi’s academic journey began with a High School Diploma in Mathematics and Physics from Nabi Akram High School in Iran, where he laid a strong foundation in analytical and scientific thinking. He pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Materials Engineering at Malayer University (2013–2017), achieving a commendable GPA of 16.8/20 in his final year. Demonstrating a deep interest in materials science, he secured a top 30 national rank among over 50,000 candidates in the highly competitive Iranian Nationwide Matriculation Exam (Konkoor) in 2017. This exceptional performance led him to the Sharif University of Technology, one of Iran’s top institutions, where he completed his Master’s in Materials Engineering with a specialization in Corrosion and Materials Protection (GPA: 15.34/20). His academic excellence and persistent curiosity paved the way for his current pursuit of a PhD in Chemical Engineering at the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC), Spain, starting in 2024, under the Molecular and Industrial Biotechnology (GBMI) Group.

🧪 Professional Endeavors

Reza’s academic and research journey reflects a seamless blend of theory and application. His Master’s research focused on advanced corrosion protection, while his doctoral studies at UPC emphasize biomaterials innovation, integrating molecular biology, nanotechnology, and chemical engineering. Throughout his academic career, Reza has engaged in hands-on lab work, interdisciplinary collaborations, and advanced materials characterization—preparing him to tackle challenges at the interface of materials science, healthcare, and biotechnology.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Mr. Ahmadi’s research is centered around the design, synthesis, and characterization of biomaterials with potential applications in antibacterial surfaces, chronic wound treatment, drug delivery, and bone regeneration implants. He has delved into the development of nanomaterials for antibacterial applications and explored the intricate interactions between cells and biomaterials through in vitro studies and cell culture. His comprehensive approach spans from fundamental material design to biological evaluation, making his contributions highly relevant to biomedical engineering and translational medicine.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Reza’s interdisciplinary work bridges the gap between engineering and medicine. His innovative strategies in hydrogel-based wound dressings, cancer-targeted drug delivery systems, and biocompatible implants not only contribute to academic advancements but also have promising societal impact. His technical understanding and lab experience allow him to contribute to real-world healthcare solutions, emphasizing safety, efficiency, and biocompatibility.

📚 Academic Citations and Recognition

While currently in the early stages of his PhD, Reza’s past academic accomplishments—such as ranking 30th nationally in the Iranian engineering entrance exam—demonstrate his consistent excellence and potential for significant contributions. As his doctoral research progresses, his work is expected to result in high-quality journal publications, conference presentations, and international collaborations, increasing his academic visibility and citation record.

🛠️ Technical Expertise

Reza has developed strong laboratory and instrumentation skills essential to his research. He is proficient in X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), FTIR spectroscopy, Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS), Polarization testing using Autolab, pull-off adhesion testing for bio-coatings, and basic AAS/ICP techniques. His software proficiency includes Xpert HighScore for XRD analysis, Nova for EIS and corrosion data, OriginPro for data visualization, Clemex for microscope image analysis, SolidWorks for CAD design, and standard Microsoft Office tools for documentation and presentation.

👨‍🏫 Teaching and Mentoring Experience

While primarily focused on research, Mr. Ahmadi has contributed to academic settings through peer mentoring, lab support, and collaborative student-led projects during his Master’s and early PhD years. His clear communication skills, combined with a passion for applied science, equip him well for future roles in higher education teaching, seminar delivery, and student research supervision.

🚀 Legacy and Future Contributions

Looking ahead, Mr. Reza Ahmadi is committed to advancing the field of biomedical materials and nanotechnology. His long-term vision includes contributing to biomedical device innovation, sustainable material development, and interdisciplinary scientific collaboration. Through research, mentorship, and applied engineering, he aspires to bridge scientific knowledge with patient care, leaving a lasting impact on both academic and healthcare landscapes.

📖Notable Publications

In vitro study: Bond strength, electrochemical and biocompatibility evaluations of TiO₂/Al₂O₃ reinforced hydroxyapatite sol–gel coatings on 316L SS
Authors: R. Ahmadi, A. Afshar
Journal: Surface and Coatings Technology, Vol. 405, Article 126594
Year: 2021

In vitro study: Synthesis and evaluation of Fe₃O₄/CQD magnetic/fluorescent nanocomposites for targeted drug delivery, MRI, and cancer cell labeling
Authors: R. Fattahi Nafchi, R. Ahmadi, M. Heydari, M.R. Rahimipour, M.J. Molaei, et al.
Journal: Langmuir, Vol. 38(12), pp. 3804–3816
Year: 2022

In vitro study: Evaluation of mechanical behavior, corrosion resistance, antibacterial properties and biocompatibility of HAp/TiO₂/Ag coating on Ti6Al4V/TiO₂ substrate
Authors: R. Ahmadi, N. Asadpourchallou, B.K. Kaleji
Journal: Surfaces and Interfaces, Vol. 24, Article 101072
Year: 2021

Development of HAp/GO/Ag coating on 316 LVM implant for medical applications
Authors: R. Ahmadi, S. Izanloo
Journal: Journal of the Mechanical Behavior of Biomedical Materials, Vol. 126, Article 105075
Year: 2022

Tianchao Niu | Surface Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Tianchao Niu | Surface Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Beihang University, China

👨‍🎓Profiles

Prof. Dr. Tianchao Niu is a distinguished researcher in the field of low-dimensional materials, with expertise in scanning tunneling microscopy (STM), molecular beam epitaxy (MBE), and surface/interface physicochemical properties. His research focuses on the controllable preparation of semiconductor materials and optimization of device-related interface properties, making significant contributions to nanotechnology and materials science.

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Niu began his academic journey at Ludong University, where he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry Education (2002-2006). He then pursued a Master’s degree (2006-2009) at Suzhou University, focusing on electrochemical and surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy studies of ionic liquid/metal interface structures. His passion for surface science and nanomaterials led him to the National University of Singapore (2009-2013), where he obtained a Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry under the supervision of Prof. Chen Wei. His doctoral research, centered on low-temperature scanning tunneling microscopy studies of molecular dipole self-assembly on surfaces, laid the foundation for his future work in nanomaterials and interface engineering.

🏛️ Professional Endeavors

Dr. Niu has built an impressive career, holding academic and research positions in renowned institutions across China and the United States. His professional journey includes a postdoctoral fellowship (2016-2017) at the Brookhaven National Laboratory, USA, where he worked at the Center for Functional Nanotechnology. From 2013 to 2016, he was an Assistant Researcher at the Shanghai Institute of Microsystem and Information Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, contributing to research in superconductivity and surface science. He later joined Nanjing University of Science and Technology (2017-2020) as a Professor in the School of Materials Science and Engineering before becoming a Tenured Associate Professor at Shanghai Jiao Tong University (2020-2021). Currently, he serves as an Associate Professor at the International Innovation Institute, Beihang University (since 2021), where he continues his pioneering research on low-dimensional materials and nanotechnology.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Niu’s research is centered on the growth mechanisms, characterization, and application of low-dimensional semiconductor materials. His work integrates STM characterization, chemical vapor deposition (CVD), and MBE techniques to investigate the surface and interface properties of two-dimensional (2D) materials. Additionally, he specializes in vacuum system design, interconnection, and construction, contributing to the development of high-performance nanodevices. His studies have led to advancements in next-generation electronics, optoelectronics, and quantum materials, with a strong emphasis on device optimization and novel material synthesis.

📚 Impact and Influence

As a leading scientist in materials research, Dr. Niu has authored over 40 research papers and review articles as the first or corresponding author in high-impact journals such as Journal of the American Chemical Society (JACS), Nano Today, Advanced Materials, ACS Nano, Progress in Surface Science, and 2D Materials. His publications provide groundbreaking insights into nanomaterial growth and interface engineering, influencing researchers and industries in nanoelectronics, energy storage, and advanced material applications. His high citation index reflects the significant impact of his research in the global scientific community.

🛠️ Technical Expertise

Dr. Niu has mastered a wide range of cutting-edge experimental techniques essential for nanomaterial research. His expertise includes low-temperature to high-pressure scanning tunneling microscopy (STM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) for surface chemical analysis, and molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) for thin-film growth. He is also skilled in vacuum system design and integration, allowing for precise control over material fabrication processes. His technical proficiency has enabled the development of high-quality, application-oriented nanomaterials.

👨‍🏫 Teaching and Mentorship

Beyond his research, Dr. Niu is an active educator and mentor at Beihang University. He is dedicated to training the next generation of material scientists and engineers, emphasizing hands-on experimentation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and innovation in nanotechnology. He has supervised numerous doctoral and postdoctoral researchers, guiding them in advanced materials research and applications. His teaching approach bridges theoretical knowledge with real-world applications, fostering scientific curiosity and technical excellence among his students.

🚀 Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Niu’s future research endeavors aim to expand the capabilities of semiconductor materials for flexible electronics and quantum computing. He continues to develop novel methodologies for precise control of 2D material properties, which could lead to breakthroughs in nanoscale device performance and functionality. His vision includes strengthening global collaborations in nanoscience to accelerate technological advancements and push the boundaries of materials innovation. His pioneering work not only enhances scientific understanding but also paves the way for transformative applications in next-generation technology.

📖Notable Publications

One-dimensional topological phase and tunable soliton states in atomic nanolines on Si(001) surface
Authors: B. Song, Biyu; G. Zhi, Guoxiang; C. Hua, Chenqiang; T. Li, Tianzhao; T. Niu, Tianchao
Journal: npj Quantum Materials
Year: 2024

Epitaxial Growth of 2D Binary Phosphides
Authors: W. Gao, Wenjin; W. Dou, Wenzhen; D. Zhou, Dechun; C. Hua, Chenqiang; A.T. Wee, Andrew T.S.
Journal: Small Methods
Year: 2024

Atomically Precise Bottom-Up Fabrication of Ultra-Narrow Semiconducting Zigzag BiP Nanoribbons
Authors: D. Zhou, Dechun; Y. Feng, Yisui; L. Zhang, Lei; H. Li, Hui; T. Niu, Tianchao
Journal: Advanced Functional Materials
Year: 2024

Growth of Single Crystalline 2D Materials beyond Graphene on Non-metallic Substrates
Authors: W. Gao, Wenjin; G. Zhi, Guoxiang; T. Niu, Tianchao
Journal: Small
Year: 2024

Room-temperature magnetic higher-order topological states in two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides and dihalogenides
Authors: C. Hua, Chenqiang; D. Shao, Dexi; W. Wu, Weikang; T. Niu, Tianchao; S.A. Yang, Shengyuan A.
Journal: Physical Review B
Year: 2024

Anisotropic Strain-Mediated Growth of Monatomic Co Chains on Unreconstructed Regions of the Au(111) Surface
Authors: B. Song, Biyu; W. Gao, Wenjin; G. Zhi, Guoxiang; M. Wu, Meimei; T. Niu, Tianchao
Journal: Chemistry of Materials
Year: 2024