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

Zhenyan Xia | Analytical Chemistry | Best Researcher Award -1734

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Mr. Zhenyan Xia | Analytical Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Tianjin University, China

👨‍🎓Profiles

Early Academic Pursuits 🎓

Mr. Zhenyan Xia's academic journey began with a strong foundation in fluid mechanics and molecular dynamics, areas that would shape his future contributions. His educational background laid the groundwork for his theoretical research and engineering applications in turbulent flow control, fluid flow instability, and the molecular dynamics of fluid-micronano structures. Through diligent study and rigorous exploration, Mr. Xia developed a passion for understanding fluid behavior at both the macroscopic and microscopic levels.

Professional Endeavors 💼

As a Principal Investigator (PI) at Tianjin University, Mr. Xia has been entrusted with significant research projects supported by the National Natural Science Foundation (NSFC). His work has earned him multiple terms of funding, reflecting his status as a leading researcher in the field. Mr. Xia's professional career has been marked by his contributions to high-impact publications, with papers appearing in journals such as Physics of Fluids, Computational Materials Science, and Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects. His research endeavors extend beyond theoretical studies into practical engineering applications, influencing various industries.

Contributions and Research Focus 🔬

Mr. Xia's research innovations revolve around understanding and manipulating fluid dynamics, particularly focusing on reducing the contact time between liquid droplets and solid surfaces. A significant breakthrough in his work involves investigating the behavior of nanodroplets impacting superhydrophobic surfaces with square ridges. His pioneering research in this domain revealed that the detachment time of droplets from square ridges is a crucial factor in determining contact time, with nanodroplets exhibiting stronger adhesion and more resistance to deformation compared to macroscopic droplets. This discovery opens new avenues for enhancing engineering designs that involve droplet impact, with applications across multiple fields.

Impact and Influence 🌍

Mr. Xia's contributions have significantly advanced the field of fluid mechanics and molecular dynamics. His groundbreaking work on the behavior of nanodroplets has not only expanded theoretical knowledge but also offered practical insights into improving fluid flow control and minimizing contact time in engineering systems. His research continues to influence scholars and professionals, driving the development of advanced materials and novel engineering solutions. His work stands as a testament to the power of combining theoretical research with real-world applications to solve complex engineering challenges.

Academic Cites 📚

Mr. Xia's scholarly contributions have been widely cited in leading academic journals. His research on fluid mechanics, molecular dynamics, and nanodroplet behavior has found resonance among researchers and practitioners alike. His work in Physics of Fluids, Computational Materials Science, and other high-impact publications continues to be referenced by those working on fluid flow instability and micro-nano structure dynamics. These citations reflect the broad reach and significance of his work within the scientific community.

Technical Skills 🛠️

With deep expertise in fluid mechanics, molecular dynamics, and analytical chemistry, Mr. Xia possesses a wide range of technical skills. His proficiency includes advanced computational techniques for studying fluid flow instability and turbulence, as well as molecular-level simulations for understanding fluid behavior in micronano structures. These technical abilities enable him to approach complex problems with precision and to innovate solutions that bridge theory with practical applications.

Teaching Experience 👨‍🏫

As a professor at Tianjin University, Mr. Xia has also contributed to shaping the next generation of scientists and engineers. His teaching experience involves mentoring students, guiding them through complex topics in fluid dynamics, molecular simulations, and advanced materials. His ability to translate complex research into understandable lessons has earned him respect among his students, who benefit from his deep knowledge and enthusiasm for scientific inquiry.

Legacy and Future Contributions 🌱

Looking ahead, Mr. Xia’s research continues to hold great promise for the future. His work in reducing contact time between nanodroplets and surfaces has already made an impact, but it also lays the groundwork for future innovations in nanotechnology, materials science, and fluid mechanics. By continuing to explore the behavior of fluids at the nanoscale, Mr. Xia is poised to make lasting contributions that will benefit a wide range of industries, from manufacturing to biotechnology.

📖Notable Publications

An analysis of the contact time of nanodroplets impacting superhydrophobic surfaces with square ridges

Authors: HuaiYing Shi, XuanQiang Hou, HaiJue Xu, YuChuan Bai, ZhenYan Xia
Journal: Computational Materials Science
Year: 2024

Experimental investigation of the impact of viscous droplets on superamphiphobic surfaces

Authors: Yaolin Tai, Haijue Xu, Yuchuan Bai, Linan Li, Shibin Wang, Zhenyan Xia
Journal: Physics of Fluids
Year: 2022

Hongli Li | Analytical Chemistry | Best Researcher Award -1712

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hongli Li | Analytical Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Nanjing Normal University, China

👨‍🎓Profiles

🏫 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Hongli Li began his academic journey by earning a Ph.D. from Washington State University in the United States, where he deepened his expertise in mass spectrometry (MS) techniques. Following his doctoral studies, he advanced his research capabilities with postdoctoral research at the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), gaining valuable insights into novel MS methods. His foundational work in analytical techniques like ambient ionization MS, liquid chromatography-MS, and ion mobility-MS helped shape the trajectory of his academic career, particularly in the development of new methodologies and applications in diverse fields like food safety, tobacco analysis, and environmental studies.

💼 Professional Endeavors

As an Associate Professor at Nanjing Normal University, Dr. Li has led and contributed to groundbreaking research projects focused on enhancing mass spectrometry methods. His leadership in securing competitive grants, such as the National Natural Science Foundation of China, highlights his pivotal role in the scientific community. Dr. Li has focused on the development of novel mass spectrometry strategies, particularly for characterizing carbohydrate structural isomers, real-time volatile sample analysis, and rapid natural product assessments.

🔬 Research Focus & Innovations

Dr. Li’s research emphasizes pushing the boundaries of mass spectrometry to tackle complex challenges. His focus areas include: Carbohydrate Structural Isomer Characterization: Innovating methods like in situ methylation and ambient ionization MS for detailed analysis of carbohydrate isomers. Real-Time Volatile and Gas Sample Analysis: Developing specialized interfaces to enhance the analysis of gaseous compounds. Natural Product Analysis: Establishing rapid, high-throughput techniques for identifying and quantifying natural products, crucial in fields like food safety and environmental health.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Dr. Li’s work in advancing mass spectrometry methods has had a significant impact on various sectors, including food, tobacco, and environmental analysis. His contributions to ambient ionization MS have enabled more efficient, non-invasive testing techniques, which are especially important for human health diagnostics like exhaled breath analysis. Through his innovative approach to carbohydrate analysis, Dr. Li has made strides in understanding complex biochemical structures, which could potentially revolutionize both academic research and applied sciences.

📚 Academic Cites & Recognition

Dr. Li’s research has earned widespread recognition, as evidenced by citations in key academic journals. Notable achievements include: 2017 FDA Scientific Achievement Award: Recognizing his contributions to scientific advancements in the FDA. 2019 Jiangsu Province Innovation and Entrepreneurship Team Award: Acknowledging his innovative contributions to the field of mass spectrometry. 2022-2023 Top Cited Article in Rapid Communications in Mass Spectrometry: A testament to the importance and relevance of his research in the scientific community. 2024 Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching: Highlighting his dedication to fostering the next generation of scientists at Nanjing Normal University.

🛠️ Technical Skills

Dr. Li is proficient in several advanced techniques and methods essential to his research, including: Ambient Ionization Mass Spectrometry: For direct and non-destructive analysis of samples. Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS): For separating and analyzing complex mixtures. Ion Mobility Spectrometry: An essential technique for studying the physical properties of ions. In Situ Derivatization: Used to enhance sensitivity and specificity in mass spectrometric analysis.  These technical skills underpin his development of cutting-edge solutions to real-world problems in areas like food safety and medical diagnostics.

🎓 Teaching Experience

Dr. Li’s teaching experience is highlighted by his 2024 Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching award from Nanjing Normal University. He is committed to providing high-quality education and mentorship to students, especially those pursuing careers in analytical chemistry and mass spectrometry. His courses and hands-on research guidance have inspired many students to pursue further studies in scientific research.

🚀 Legacy and Future Contributions

Looking ahead, Dr. Li aims to continue his work in expanding the applications of mass spectrometry in diverse fields such as environmental health, pharmaceuticals, and food analysis. He is particularly excited about the potential of his real-time analysis techniques and hopes to influence further breakthroughs in non-invasive diagnostic methods. As a dedicated researcher and educator, Dr. Li is focused on leaving a lasting legacy of innovation in analytical chemistry while continuing to shape the future of mass spectrometry.

📖Notable Publications

Direct Identification of Disaccharide Structural Isomers Using Ambient Ionization Tandem Mass Spectrometry with In Situ Methylation

Authors: Ren, R., Yuan, M., Li, H., Chen, D.D.Y.
Journal: Analytical Chemistry, 2023, 95(4), pp. 2213–2220

High-resolution mass spectrometry exhalome profiling with a modified direct analysis in real-time ion source

Authors: Xu, L., Zhang, K., Geng, X., Li, H., Chen, D.D.Y.
Journal: Rapid Communications in Mass Spectrometry, 2022, 36(24), e9406

Determination of 18 photoinitiators in food paper packaging materials by FastPrep-based extraction combined with GC–MS

Authors: Liang, Q., Wang, Z., Du, W., Lu, H., Li, H.
Journal: Food Chemistry, 2022, 377, 131980

Tee-Shaped Sample Introduction Device Coupled with Direct Analysis in Real-Time Mass Spectrometry for Gaseous Analytes

Authors: Geng, X., Zhao, Z., Li, H., Chen, D.D.Y.
Journal: Analytical Chemistry, 2021, 93(50), pp. 16813–16820

Rapid fingerprint analysis for herbal polysaccharides using direct analysis in real-time ionization mass spectrometry

Authors: Wang, X., Jiang, Q., Li, H., Chen, D.D.Y.
Journal: Rapid Communications in Mass Spectrometry, 2021, 35(16), e9139