Xuteng Zhao | Catalysis | Best Researcher Award

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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

Tianchao Niu | Surface Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

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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

Tao Yang | Electrochemistry | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Tao Yang | Electrochemistry | Best Researcher Award

University of Science and Technology Beijing, China

👨‍🎓Profiles

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Prof. Tao Yang embarked on his academic journey at the University of Science and Technology Beijing (USTB), where he pursued a doctoral degree at the State Key Laboratory of Advanced Metallurgy from 2012 to 2018. His early research laid a strong foundation in materials science and electrochemistry, setting the stage for his future contributions to sustainable energy and carbon neutrality.

👨‍🏫 Professional Endeavors

After completing his doctorate, Prof. Yang continued at USTB as a postdoctoral researcher in the School of Materials Science and Engineering (2018-2021). During this period, he expanded his expertise in electrocatalysis and nanogenerator technologies. He then advanced to an associate professor role at the Collaborative Innovation Center of Steel Technology (2018-2021), further enhancing his research impact. Since July 2021, he has served as a full professor at the Institute of Carbon Neutrality at USTB, leading groundbreaking research initiatives in sustainable energy solutions.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Prof. Yang's research spans multiple critical areas in electrochemistry and energy science, including:

Electrocatalysis & Hydrogen Production: Developing advanced materials for water splitting to generate hydrogen efficiently.

Carbon Dioxide Reduction & Utilization: Innovating techniques to convert CO₂ into valuable chemical fuels, addressing climate change challenges.

Piezoelectricity & Nanogenerators: Exploring self-powered energy harvesting technologies for renewable energy applications.

Electromagnetic Wave Absorption: Investigating materials that mitigate electromagnetic interference, contributing to advanced communication and defense technologies.

📊 Impact and Influence

With over 60 SCI/EI-indexed papers as the first or corresponding author, Prof. Yang has established himself as a prolific researcher. His work has amassed 3,500 citations on Google Scholar, achieving an h-index of 36. Notably, 8 of his papers have been featured as journal covers, and 7 have been recognized as ESI Highly Cited Papers, underscoring the significance of his research in the scientific community.

🏆 Academic Recognitions

Prof. Yang's remarkable contributions have earned him numerous accolades, including:

Postdoctoral Innovative Talent Support Program

Beijing Outstanding Talent – Young Backbone Individual

Inclusion in Stanford University’s World’s Top 2% Scientists (2022-2024) These prestigious honors highlight his sustained excellence and influence in the field of carbon neutrality and energy conversion.

🛠️ Technical Skills

Prof. Yang possesses a deep expertise in advanced material characterization and electrochemical techniques, including: Electrocatalysis testing and analysis, Nanomaterial synthesis and modification, Advanced spectroscopy and microscopy techniques, Computational modeling for material behavior predictions His technical prowess enables him to push the boundaries of innovation in clean energy technologies.

🎓 Teaching and Mentorship

As a professor and doctoral supervisor at USTB, Prof. Yang plays a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of researchers. He actively mentors Ph.D. and master's students, guiding them in cutting-edge research on sustainable energy solutions. His commitment to academic excellence ensures that his students receive top-tier education and research training.

🌏 Legacy and Future Contributions

Looking ahead, Prof. Yang aims to: Expand research on scalable hydrogen production technologies, Develop novel catalysts for efficient CO₂ conversion, Advance self-powered nanogenerator applications, Contribute to global efforts in achieving carbon neutrality His work continues to drive scientific innovation and practical solutions for a more sustainable future, making him a leading figure in electrochemical energy research.

📖Notable Publications

1. Gut dysbiosis is linked to hypertension
Authors: T Yang, MM Santisteban, V Rodriguez, E Li, N Ahmari, JM Carvajal, ...
Journal: Hypertension
Year: 2015

2. Multicomponent intermetallic nanoparticles and superb mechanical behaviors of complex alloys
Authors: T Yang, YL Zhao, Y Tong, ZB Jiao, J Wei, JX Cai, XD Han, D Chen, A Hu, ...
Journal: Science
Year: 2018

3. DSC: Scheduling parallel tasks on an unbounded number of processors
Authors: T Yang, A Gerasoulis
Journal: IEEE Transactions on Parallel and Distributed Systems
Year: 1994

4. Heterogeneous precipitation behavior and stacking-fault-mediated deformation in a CoCrNi-based medium-entropy alloy
Authors: YL Zhao, T Yang, Y Tong, J Wang, JH Luan, ZB Jiao, D Chen, Y Yang, ...
Journal: Acta Materialia
Year: 2017

5. A comparison of clustering heuristics for scheduling directed acyclic graphs on multiprocessors
Authors: A Gerasoulis, T Yang
Journal: Journal of Parallel and Distributed Computing
Year: 1992

6. The gut microbiota and the brain–gut–kidney axis in hypertension and chronic kidney disease
Authors: T Yang, EM Richards, CJ Pepine, MK Raizada
Journal: Nature Reviews Nephrology
Year: 2018

7. Hypertension-linked pathophysiological alterations in the gut
Authors: MM Santisteban, Y Qi, J Zubcevic, S Kim, T Yang, V Shenoy, ...
Journal: Circulation Research
Year: 2017

Aldona Garbacz-Klempka | Archaeometallurgy | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Aldona Garbacz-Klempka | Archaeometallurgy | Best Researcher Award

AGH University of Krakow, Poland

👨‍🎓Profiles

🏫 Early Academic Pursuits

Aldona Garbacz-Klempka began her academic journey with a strong focus on materials engineering and archaeometallurgy. Her early work laid the foundation for her expertise in the study of ancient manufacturing technologies, particularly focusing on prehistoric copper and copper alloys. Her academic development culminated in a professorship at the AGH University of Krakow, Poland, in 2019, where she continues her pioneering research.

🛠️ Professional Endeavors

Since joining AGH in 2006, Aldona has been a key figure in interdisciplinary research projects, collaborating extensively with scientific institutions and museums. Her role at the Historical Layers Research Centre AGH and ERIHS-PL (European Research Infrastructure for Heritage Science) has enabled her to bridge technical and humanities-based research. These collaborations have significantly enriched the understanding of ancient technologies.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Aldona’s research revolves around the development and characterization of ancient manufacturing technologies, with an emphasis on archaeometallurgy. She has conducted groundbreaking studies on Bronze Age foundry technologies, employing non-destructive research methods. Her work integrates instrumental analysis, computer-aided engineering, and thermodynamic modeling to deepen the understanding of prehistoric casting processes and materials.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Aldona’s work has a dual impact—scientifically and culturally. By cataloging prehistoric non-ferrous metal casting alloys, she contributes to a comprehensive database of ancient technologies. Her findings not only enhance scientific knowledge but also aid in the conservation and reconstruction of historical artifacts. This research has profound implications for verifying the authenticity of cultural monuments and detecting art forgeries.

📚 Academic Cites and Achievements

With a prominent academic profile, Aldona is affiliated with AGH University’s Faculty of Foundry Engineering and holds credentials such as ORCID (0000-0001-8417-6131) and ResearcherID (A-3083-2017). Her work is widely recognized and cited within materials engineering and archaeometallurgy, underscoring her contributions to the field.

🧰 Technical Skills

Aldona’s technical expertise includes a range of instrumental methods such as thermodynamic modeling, non-destructive research, and computer-aided engineering processes. Her innovative approach integrates traditional analysis with modern computational tools, pushing the boundaries of archaeometallurgical research.

👩‍🏫 Teaching Experience

As a professor at AGH University, Aldona has been instrumental in mentoring and inspiring students in materials engineering. She plays a pivotal role in fostering interdisciplinary learning, preparing future researchers to bridge the gap between ancient technologies and modern scientific methods.

🌟 Legacy and Future Contributions

Aldona Garbacz-Klempka’s research holds the promise of creating a lasting legacy in archaeometallurgy. Her efforts to build a comprehensive database of prehistoric alloys aim to preserve the technical and cultural heritage of ancient civilizations. Her work will continue to influence materials engineering, conservation practices, and historical authenticity assessments, ensuring a robust foundation for future generations of researchers.

📖Notable Publications

  • A metal hoard from Susz provides new evidence for the use of bast cordage during the Lusatian period in Poland
    • Authors: Przymorska-Sztuczka, M., Gackowski, J., Kowalski, Ł., Kamiński, D., Szczepański
    • Journal: Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports
    • Year: 2024
  • Lead isotopic compositions link copper axes from Kietrz (Poland, 3500–3350 BC) to Slovak and Balkan copper mines
    • Authors: Kowalski, Ł., Stos-Gale, Z.A., Adamczak, K., Kofel, D., Matuszczyk, E.
    • Journal: Archaeometry
    • Year: 2024
  • How were medieval mace heads cast? Side note to technological analyses of find from Niebieszczany in south-eastern Poland
    • Authors: Kotowicz, P., Michalak, A., Garbacz-Klempka, A., Rozputyński, R., Momot, M.
    • Journal: Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences
    • Year: 2024
  • Determination of borides in Fe-Mo-B sintered powders using diffraction methods
    • Authors: Karwan-Baczewska, J., Perek-Nowak, M., Majchrowska, M., Garbacz-Klempka, A.
    • Journal: Archives of Materials Science and Engineering
    • Year: 2024
  • Phase Fraction Estimation in Multicomponent Alloy from EDS Measurement Data
    • Authors: Burbelko, A., Wiktor, T., Garbacz-Klempka, A., Ziółkowski, E.
    • Journal: Materials
    • Year: 2024

 

Zhitao Wang | Materials Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Zhitao Wang | Materials Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Henan Normal University, China

👨‍🎓Profiles

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Zhitao Wang embarked on his academic journey in material science with a strong emphasis on advanced materials and energy devices. During his Ph.D. studies at the Beijing Institute of Technology (2016–2020), under the mentorship of Prof. Chuanbao Cao, he made significant strides in developing innovative 2D materials. He pioneered a microwave-assisted synthesis method for graphene-analogous metal sulfides and oxides, laying a solid foundation for his future research endeavors. His doctoral research also focused on high-performance copper sulfide nanomaterials for magnesium secondary batteries, encompassing synthesis, characterization, and electrochemical analysis.

💼 Professional Endeavors

Since 2020, Dr. Wang has served as an associate professor at the School of Materials Science and Engineering, Henan Normal University. In this role, he has been instrumental in advancing research on new energy materials and devices, particularly focusing on battery technology. His efforts have led to the establishment of a robust research framework aimed at developing innovative materials for lithium-ion, sodium-ion, and magnesium-ion batteries.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Wang’s research primarily revolves around the development of high-performance cathode and anode materials. He has contributed significantly to improving the electrochemical performance of inorganic materials by meticulously regulating their morphology and crystal structures. His team is currently focusing on creating commercial-grade sodium-ion battery cathode materials with the ultimate goal of facilitating large-scale production and application. This work aligns with global efforts to enhance energy storage systems' efficiency and sustainability.

🌟 Impact and Influence

Through his innovative work, Dr. Wang has made notable contributions to the fields of energy storage and 2D material synthesis. His research on copper sulfide nanomaterials for magnesium secondary batteries has opened new pathways for high-specific-energy storage solutions. His work on sodium-ion batteries is poised to have a substantial impact on the commercialization of sustainable energy technologies, addressing critical challenges in the renewable energy landscape.

📊 Academic Achievements and Citations

Dr. Wang’s work has been recognized within the academic community through multiple citations in prestigious journals. His studies on graphene-analogous materials and electrochemical energy storage have influenced ongoing research in materials science, positioning him as a key contributor in this field.

🛠️ Technical Skills

Dr. Wang is proficient in advanced synthesis techniques, including microwave-assisted synthesis, nanomaterial characterization, and electrochemical energy storage analysis. His expertise spans various materials, including graphene analogs, metal sulfides, and oxides, with applications in cutting-edge battery technologies.

🧑‍🏫 Teaching Experience

As an associate professor, Dr. Wang actively mentors undergraduate and graduate students, fostering the next generation of researchers in material science and engineering. His hands-on approach to teaching and research guidance has inspired many students to pursue innovative projects in new energy materials.

🏅 Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Wang’s legacy lies in his commitment to addressing energy storage challenges through innovative material solutions. Moving forward, his research team aims to enhance sodium-ion battery technology further, contributing to the development of scalable, eco-friendly energy systems. His vision is to position Henan Normal University as a hub for groundbreaking research in new energy materials and devices.

📖Notable Publications