Prof. Dr. Maofeng Zhang | SERS Sensors | Best Researcher Award
Director of the Department of Energy Chemical Engineering, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, China
Professor Maofeng Zhang currently serves as the Director of the Department of Energy Chemical Engineering at the School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hefei University of Technology. He earned his Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Science and Technology of China under the mentorship of Academician Yitai Qian. His academic excellence was further enriched through a research visit at Washington University in St. Louis. Professor Zhang has made pioneering contributions in the domains of surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) and low-carbon energy systems. With over 80 peer-reviewed publications, more than 20 invention patents, and leadership in 15 major research projects, his work spans academia and real-world innovation. He holds editorial roles, including Guest Editor for Chemosensors, and serves on various national science and technology evaluation boards. His dedication to interdisciplinary research and applied solutions highlights his impactful presence in chemical engineering and nanotechnology.
Professional ProfileΒ
Prof. Maofeng Zhang completed his Ph.D. in Chemistry at the University of Science and Technology of China, where he conducted research under the esteemed guidance of Academician Yitai Qian. His doctoral work provided a strong foundation in chemical sciences, particularly in the fields of nanomaterials and chemical engineering. Following this, he broadened his academic exposure through a research visit at Washington University in St. Louis, USA, gaining valuable international experience and interdisciplinary insights. This combination of rigorous domestic education and overseas research exposure enabled him to build a profound understanding of micro-nano biochemical sensing and energy material development. The synthesis of functional nanomaterials, energy catalysis, and spectroscopic sensing technologies became core pillars of his expertise. His educational path not only shaped his research vision but also laid the groundwork for his future role as a leader in energy chemical engineering, fostering innovations that bridge theory with application.
ExperienceΒ
Prof. Maofeng Zhang currently serves as Director of the Department of Energy Chemical Engineering at Hefei University of Technology. He has led more than 15 major research projects, including national and provincial programs such as the National Natural Science Foundation of China and Anhui Provincial R&D initiatives. Over his career, he has published more than 80 scientific papers in high-impact journals, including ACS Sensors and the Chemical Engineering Journal, with six selected as cover articles. He has also secured over 24 invention patents. In addition to his research contributions, Prof. Zhang has played active roles in academic leadership, serving as a guest editor for Chemosensors, and participating as a council member of the Anhui Chemical Society. He is a peer review expert for various national and provincial science foundations. These experiences reflect his dynamic role as a scientist, innovator, and academic leader in the field of chemical engineering and materials science.
Professional Development
Professor Zhangβs professional development is marked by continuous contributions to scientific leadership, research mentorship, and technological innovation. As a Council Member of the Anhui Chemical Society and a Peer Review Expert for the National Natural Science Foundation of China, he plays a key role in national-level scientific governance. His appointment as an Evaluation Expert for science departments across Anhui, Zhejiang, Jiangsu, and Jiangxi provinces highlights his cross-regional influence. He is also recognized as an academic leader in energy chemical engineering. Through his position as Guest Editor for Chemosensors, he actively contributes to scholarly communication in the field. His professional growth is further evident in his involvement with international collaborations, interdisciplinary platforms, and the integration of machine learning in sensing technologies. Zhangβs ability to bridge academic research with industrial applications positions him as a forward-thinking contributor to the future of chemical sciences and sustainable technology.
Skills & Expertise
Professor Zhang demonstrates a highly interdisciplinary skill set encompassing nanomaterials synthesis, surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), energy catalysis, and biochemical sensor development. He excels in designing integrated sensing systems that combine advanced materials with machine learning algorithms, a testament to his expertise in both physical chemistry and data-driven analytics. His research involves developing and fabricating energy devices like supercapacitors, along with real-time chemical monitoring platforms, showcasing his engineering acumen. In addition, Zhang possesses strong project management and scientific leadership capabilities, having led numerous large-scale national and regional projects. His editorial role and peer-review contributions highlight his proficiency in scientific communication and critical evaluation. He also exhibits a deep understanding of industrial collaboration, as evidenced by his consultancy engagements. Professor Zhangβs versatile skill set enables him to bridge the gap between fundamental research and practical innovation in chemical sciences.
Resarch Focus
Professor Maofeng Zhangβs research primarily focuses on energy chemical engineering, functional nanomaterials, and micro-nano biochemical sensing devices. His work sits at the intersection of analytical chemistry, nanotechnology, and sustainable energy, aligning him closely with the Best Researcher Award category. Zhang has made significant advances in developing SERS-based portable detection platforms for non-invasive disease marker screening, integrating surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy with machine learning. His expertise also extends to creating novel substrates that enhance the understanding of photo-induced Raman mechanisms. In energy technology, he has innovated in the development of supercapacitor materials and energy conversion systems, emphasizing practical deployment in low-carbon technologies. His multidisciplinary approach combines chemistry, data science, and engineering to address global energy and health challenges, marking him as a leader in cutting-edge research with high translational impact.
Awards & Recognitions
Prof. Maofeng Zhang has received significant recognition for his outstanding contributions to chemical engineering and nanomaterials research. His leadership in over 15 prominent national and provincial research projects underscores his expertise and credibility in scientific innovation. His published works, including over 80 peer-reviewed articles with 6 featured as cover stories, and the granting of more than 20 invention patents, reflect his prominence as a researcher and innovator. He serves as a guest editor for Chemosensors, contributing to scholarly discourse, and holds editorial and review responsibilities with top-tier scientific organizations. His professional appointmentsβsuch as council member of the Anhui Chemical Society and expert evaluator for multiple provincial and national science agenciesβhighlight his influence in shaping research directions and policies. These honors validate his ongoing efforts in advancing chemical sensor technologies and energy nanomaterials, positioning him as a leading candidate for the Best Researcher Award in the International Chemical Scientist Awards program.
Publication Top NotesΒ
Title: Enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen evolution through chemically active sulfur-doping of one-dimensional BiβTeβ nanowires
Author Citation: Zhang M., et al.
Journal: Materials Research Bulletin
Year: 2025
Citations: 0
Title: Directional Design of the Pyridine Ligand Functional Block to Improve the Electrocatalytic Nitrate Reduction Performance of the Co-MOFs
Author Citation: Zhang M., et al.
Journal: Inorganic Chemistry
Year: 2025
Citations: 0
Title: High-sensitivity SERS sensor leveraging three-dimensional TiβCβTx/TiOβ/WββOββ semiconductor heterostructures for reliable detection of trace micro/nanoplastics in environmental matrices
Author Citation: Zhang M., et al.
Journal: Talanta
Year: 2025
Citations: 1
Title: Natural flavonoids as highly efficient catalyst for rapid Hβ generation from NaBHβ methanolysis in cold climates
Author Citation: Zhang M., et al.
Journal: Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering
Year: 2025
Citations: 0
Title: A Self-Assembly MOF-on-MOF Heterostructure-Driven Fluorescence Sensor for Aerogel-Based Visualization Detection of Flavomycin
Author Citation: Zhang M., et al.
Journal: Small
Year: 2025
Citations: 3
Conclusion:
Professor Maofeng Zhangβs interdisciplinary research, technological innovation, and leadership in energy nanotechnology and biochemical sensing uniquely position him for the Best Researcher Award. His body of work not only advances scientific understanding but also delivers real-world impact through applications in health, sustainability, and environmental monitoring. His track record exemplifies excellence, innovation, and continued promise in the field of chemical sciences. Therefore, he is a highly deserving candidate for this prestigious recognition.