Hui Li | Materials Chemistry | Chemical Scientist Award

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Dr. Hui Li | Materials Chemistry | Chemical Scientist Award

Senior Engineer | Beijing Institute of Smart Energy | China

Dr. Hui Li is a Senior Engineer at the Beijing Institute of Smart Energy, specializing in electrochemical energy storage systems. With a strong foundation in lithium-ion and sodium-ion battery research, Dr. Li has established himself as an influential figure in advancing next-generation energy technologies. He has contributed extensively to both academic research and industrial applications, bridging the gap between fundamental science and real-world energy solutions. Over the years, he has participated in more than 11 major research projects, authored two books, published over 36 scientific papers, and filed 27 patents, of which eight have been authorized. His collaborations extend internationally, including research with the University of California, San Diego, and domestic partnerships with major enterprises to develop large-scale sodium-ion battery systems. Recognized for academic excellence and professional contributions, Dr. Hui Li is a driving force in the development of safe, reliable, and sustainable energy storage technologies.

Professional Profile 

Hui Li’s academic journey reflects a strong commitment to interdisciplinary research and excellence in engineering. He obtained his Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science from Qingdao Agricultural University , where he laid the foundation for his scientific career. Pursuing higher studies, he joined the Beijing Institute of Technology (BIT) and earned a Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering. During his doctoral training, Hui Li was selected for an international joint research program at the University of California, San Diego , where he studied NanoEngineering with a focus on electrochemical energy materials under leading experts. His academic performance was distinguished with a National Ph.D. Scholarship (2016) and the Excellent Doctoral Dissertation Award from BIT . Through this education, he gained deep expertise in materials science, nanotechnology, and energy engineering, equipping him with the skills to contribute meaningfully to the rapidly evolving field of advanced energy storage technologies.

Experience 

Dr. Hui Li’s professional career spans cutting-edge research, project leadership, and industrial collaboration in the energy sector. He began with an internship at the State Grid Smart Grid Research Institute , working on energy storage projects. Later, as an R&D Engineer at the State Grid Smart Grid Research Institute , he led and contributed to seven major projects, including sodium-ion and liquid metal battery technologies funded by the National Key R&D Program and National Natural Science Foundation. He joined the Beijing Institute of Smart Energy, where he continues as a Senior Engineer, contributing to lithium-ion and sodium-ion battery development, particularly for extreme environments. His work spans research management, scenario analysis, and technology evaluation for grid-scale applications. To date, he has completed nine projects and is actively involved in two ongoing ones, establishing himself as a leading researcher integrating academic innovation with industry-based solutions.

Professional Development

Hui Li has consistently pursued professional development through academic, industrial, and collaborative engagements. He has authored two professional books on electrochemical energy storage and LiDAR applications, reflecting his ability to link theory with practice. He serves as a peer reviewer for multiple journals, including Shandong Electric Power Technology, Battery, and Mining and Metallurgy, ensuring he remains actively involved in evaluating and shaping research in his field. As a mentor at the Beijing Institute of Technology, he contributes to training the next generation of researchers. His editorial and reviewing roles have honed his analytical and critical skills, while his collaborations with top universities and companies, such as the University of California, San Diego and China Enli Co., Ltd., have expanded his expertise in global research networks. Membership in the China Chemical Society further complements his development, keeping him connected to evolving innovations and policy directions in chemical engineering and energy storage.

Skills & Expertise

Hui Li’s expertise spans electrochemical energy storage, battery materials engineering, and system integration. He has advanced knowledge of lithium-ion and sodium-ion battery electrode materials, particularly in aqueous sodium-ion systems and Prussian blue-based compounds. His skills extend across multi-scale design, nanomaterial synthesis, and material genome engineering, enabling him to translate fundamental science into scalable technologies. With 36 peer-reviewed publications and extensive patent contributions, he demonstrates a balance of theoretical insight and practical innovation. His technical competencies include electrochemical performance testing, TEER evaluation, and computational modeling for material optimization. Hui Li also excels in project leadership, having managed large-scale national and corporate-funded projects. His professional versatility allows him to work across academic, industrial, and collaborative research environments, contributing both as a lead investigator and as a team collaborator. His multidisciplinary expertise positions him as a key contributor to the advancement of high-performance, reliable, and sustainable energy storage technologies.

Resarch Focus

Dr. Hui Li’s research focuses on next-generation electrochemical energy storage systems, especially lithium-ion and sodium-ion batteries. His work emphasizes the design, synthesis, and performance optimization of cathode and anode materials, with a strong interest in environmentally friendly, high-safety, and high-capacity systems. He has investigated Prussian blue analogs, Na3V2(PO4)3-based materials, and layered oxides, contributing significantly to the advancement of aqueous sodium-ion batteries. A core aspect of his research is bridging fundamental material mechanisms with device-level applications, including Ah-level battery cells and full system integration for grid storage. Through collaborations with universities and enterprises, he has contributed to the development of a 102.96 kWh water-based sodium-ion battery energy storage system, demonstrating practical scalability. His current research explores material genome engineering, doping strategies, and advanced coatings to enhance battery stability, safety, and electrochemical performance. This integrated approach aims to accelerate the deployment of sustainable energy storage for renewable electricity and smart grid applications.

Awards & Recognitions

Hui Li’s outstanding academic and professional contributions have earned him several prestigious awards and recognitions. During his doctoral studies, he was honored with the National Ph.D. Scholarship , a distinction awarded to top-performing doctoral candidates across China. His doctoral thesis was further recognized with the Excellent Doctoral Dissertation Award  from the Beijing Institute of Technology, an accolade given to only 25 scholars university-wide. He also received the Beijing Institute of Technology Seedling Fund, awarded to only 20 individuals, highlighting his research potential in innovative energy storage materials. Beyond academic honors, Hui Li was recognized as an Outstanding Individual during the State Grid New Employee Induction Training, reflecting his dedication and leadership in professional settings. These achievements underscore his commitment to excellence in research, education, and practical innovation, marking him as a leading scientist contributing to the advancement of sustainable energy storage and smart grid technologies.

Publication Top Notes

Title: Effects of Mg doping on the remarkably enhanced electrochemical performance of Na₃V₂(PO₄)₃ cathode materials for sodium-ion batteries
Authors: H. Li, X.Q. Yu, Y. Bai, F. Wu, C. Wu, L.Y. Liu, X.Q. Yang
Year: 2015

Title: Understanding the electrochemical mechanisms induced by gradient Mg²⁺ distribution of Na-rich Na₃₊ₓV₂₋ₓMgₓ(PO₄)₃/C for sodium-ion batteries
Authors: H. Li, H.M. Tang, C.Z. Ma, Y. Bai, J. Alvarado, B. Radhakrishnan, S.P. Ong, F. Wu, Y.S. Meng, C. Wu
Year: 2018

Title: Na-Rich Na₃₊ₓV₂₋ₓNiₓ(PO₄)₃/C for Sodium Ion Batteries: Controlling the Doping Site and Improving the Electrochemical Performances
Authors: H. Li, Y. Bai, C. Wu, F. Wu, X.F. Li
Year: 2016

Title: Budding willow branches shaped Na₃V₂(PO₄)₃/C nanofibers synthesized via an electrospinning technique and used as cathode material for sodium-ion batteries
Authors: H. Li, Y. Bai, F. Wu, Y. Li, C. Wu
Year: 2015

Title:  Controllable synthesis of high-rate and long cycle-life Na₃V₂(PO₄)₃ for sodium-ion batteries
Authors: H. Li, C. Wu, Y. Bai, F. Wu, M.Z. Wang
Year: 2016

Hui Li is a highly suitable candidate for the Research for Chemical Scientist Award. His research demonstrates a rare balance of fundamental innovation and applied outcomes, particularly in advancing sodium-ion and lithium-ion battery technologies for sustainable energy storage. His track record of publications, patents, and leadership in major funded projects positions him as an impactful researcher at the intersection of chemistry, materials science, and energy engineering.

While greater emphasis on independent international leadership and broader engagement could strengthen his profile, his achievements already place him among the promising chemical scientists driving forward solutions for global energy challenges. He is well-deserving of recognition through this award.

Patrycja Żak | Environmental Chemistry | Women Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Patrycja Żak | Environmental Chemistry | Women Researcher Award

Associate Professor, UAM Poznań, Poland.

Dr. Patrycja Żak is an Associate Professor in the Department of Organometallic Chemistry at Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Poland. She holds a distinguished academic and research career focused on green chemistry, organometallic synthesis, and functional nanomaterials. With over 47 peer-reviewed publications and 16 patents, her contributions span catalysis, silsesquioxane chemistry, and environmentally friendly synthetic methodologies. A highly respected scientist, she has led multiple national and European research projects and mentored doctoral candidates. Her scientific work emphasizes sustainable practices through the use of organocatalysis and mechanochemistry. Dr. Żak is a collaborative researcher, partnering with international and national institutions to expand the frontiers of materials and inorganic chemistry. Her dedication has earned her a place in prestigious scientific networks and journals as a reviewer and contributing author. Through her innovative and impactful work, Dr. Żak exemplifies excellence in chemical research and its practical application.

Professional Profile 

Dr. Patrycja Żak completed her entire academic education at Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Poland, where she laid the foundation for her scientific journey. She earned her Master of Science degree in Chemistry under the supervision of Prof. Marciniec. Continuing under the same mentor, she pursued and successfully defended her Ph.D. in Chemistry , focusing on advanced organometallic systems. Demonstrating a consistent trajectory of academic growth, she achieved her habilitation at the same institution, a significant milestone in European academia reflecting her independent research capabilities and teaching qualifications. Her educational path reflects a deep commitment to chemical sciences, and her studies were grounded in synthetic and structural chemistry, particularly relating to silicon-based compounds and catalysts. This solid academic base has underpinned her research excellence, enabling her to contribute meaningfully to interdisciplinary fields, particularly in developing green and sustainable chemical methods.

Experience 

Dr. Żak has accumulated over 15 years of academic and research experience at Adam Mickiewicz University. She began her professional career as an adjunct faculty member and was promoted to Associate Professor. Her work has been briefly paused due to maternity leaves and a short health-related hiatus, but she returned to academia with renewed vigor. During her tenure, she has taken on roles beyond teaching and research, including supervising doctoral projects and serving on selection commissions for post-doc and master’s program candidates. She has actively contributed to collaborative research with international scientists and led industry-related projects, such as the development of efficient synthesis methods at AdvaChemLab. Her extensive project portfolio includes national grants like OPUS, SONATA, and MAESTRO, where she served as both investigator and principal investigator. These experiences have shaped her as a leader in her field, merging academic excellence with research innovation and mentorship.

Professional Development

Throughout her career, Dr. Żak has consistently engaged in professional development activities to enhance her academic and research contributions. She is a member of the Polish Chemical Society and has served as a reviewer for prestigious journals such as ChemSusChem, Inorganic Chemistry, and ChemCatChem. She also acted as a tutor in Environmental and Material Chemistry and served on several selection commissions for post-doc and master’s program candidates. Dr. Żak participated as an organizing committee member for the 8th European Silicon Days Conference. Internationally, she broadened her expertise through a six-month research exchange under the Socrates-Erasmus Program in Belgium. She continually refines her skills through leading-edge research projects and supervising doctoral candidates. These roles reflect her commitment to staying at the forefront of chemical science, emphasizing collaborative growth, academic integrity, and leadership in research dissemination, all of which have significantly contributed to her development as an esteemed scientist in organometallic and green chemistry.

Skills & Expertise

Dr. Patrycja Żak possesses an extensive skill set that bridges experimental chemistry, project leadership, and academic mentorship. She is highly proficient in organometallic synthesis, catalysis (particularly organocatalysis), and mechanochemical methods, enabling the development of green and efficient chemical transformations. Her expertise includes the design and functionalization of silicon-based nanomaterials such as silsesquioxanes. She has demonstrated strong abilities in analytical characterization techniques, photophysical studies, and collaborative interdisciplinary research. She effectively manages national and European research grants, showcasing organizational and leadership capabilities. In academia, she is skilled in curriculum development, supervising postgraduate students, and contributing to peer review and academic publishing. Furthermore, her role in organizing international conferences and reviewing for high-impact journals highlights her communication and evaluative skills. Her ability to innovate while adhering to sustainability principles marks her as a skilled and future-ready researcher in both academic and applied chemical sciences.

Resarch Focus

Dr. Patrycja Żak’s primary research focus lies at the intersection of Green Chemistry, Organometallic Chemistry, and Material Chemistry. Her work emphasizes the design of environmentally friendly and sustainable synthetic methods using organocatalysis and mechanochemistry. She is particularly focused on eliminating hazardous solvents and toxic metal-based catalysts by developing N-heterocyclic carbene-catalyzed transformations. Her research also targets the synthesis and functionalization of silsesquioxanes and nanomaterials with well-defined thermal and photochemical properties. Additionally, she explores thioester and heterocycle synthesis from unsaturated aldehydes and other functionalized compounds, contributing to the growing demand for sustainable, efficient chemical pathways. The research she leads aligns with cutting-edge themes in chemical sustainability, structure-property relationships in hybrid materials, and catalyst design for selective transformations. Her projects consistently follow the principles of atom economy and eco-compatibility, placing her work firmly within the green and sustainable chemistry category, with wide applications in pharmaceuticals, materials science, and nanotechnology.

Awards & Recognitions

Dr. Żak’s scientific excellence is reflected in her numerous achievements and recognitions. She has published 47 papers in Scopus-indexed journals, with an additional paper accepted and one under minor revision, showcasing consistent high-quality output. Her work has received over 662 citations in Scopus and 527 in Web of Science, with an h-index of 14, signifying both productivity and scholarly impact. She has authored chapters in scientific books and contributed to academic handbooks, such as the “Laboratory Experiments in Basic Inorganic Chemistry.” Moreover, her innovation has led to 16 patents across multiple jurisdictions including the US, EU, China, and Poland. She has also served as project manager and principal investigator for prestigious national projects including SONATA, POMOST, and OPUS. In addition, she plays a pivotal role in guiding doctoral candidates under Poland’s “Initiative of Excellence” programs. These distinctions underline her commitment to impactful, innovative, and globally relevant chemical research.

Publication Top Notes 

Conclusion:

Overall, Dr. Patrycja Żak is an exceptionally strong candidate for the Women Researcher Award. Her impressive academic productivity, innovation in sustainable chemistry, mentorship record, and project leadership clearly match the criteria for recognizing excellence among women in science. Minor enhancements, such as expanding industrial collaborations and increasing policy outreach, could further amplify her profile in the future. Nonetheless, she fully deserves acknowledgment as a role model inspiring future generations of women scientists working toward a greener and more sustainable world.

Shyamapada Nandi | Porous materials | Best Researcher Award

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Dr.Shyamapada Nandi | Porous materials | Best Researcher Award

Asst. Professor at Vellore Institute of Technology Chennai at India.

Dr. Shyamapada Nandi is an Assistant Professor at the Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT) in Chennai, India. He is an esteemed researcher in the field of porous materials, focusing on their design, synthesis, and applications in various industries. With significant contributions to materials science, Dr. Nandi has earned recognition for his innovative research and impactful work. His dedication to advancing knowledge in the field has led to him receiving the Best Researcher Award, underscoring his excellence in both academic and practical advancements.

 

Publication Profile:

Google Scholar

Scopus
Orcid

Dr. Shyamapada Nandi earned his PhD in Materials Chemistry from the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Pune in 2018, where he focused on the design of ultra-microporous Metal Organic Frameworks (MOFs) for selective CO2 capture. Prior to that, he completed his MSc in Chemistry from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati, graduating with top honors in 2012. He also holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Vivekananda Mahavidyalaya under the University of Burdwan, West Bengal.

Work Experience 💼.

Dr. Nandi is currently an Assistant Professor at the Vellore Institute of Technology, Chennai, India. He has extensive postdoctoral research experience, having worked at prestigious institutions such as the University of Ottawa, University of Montpellier, and the Institute of Porous Materials (IMAP) in Paris. As a CNRS Research Engineer, he worked on European projects including ‘MOF4AIR’ and collaborated with TOTAL Energy for the development of MOFs for clean and sustainable energy applications.

Research Focus 🧪🔬

Dr. Nandi’s research expertise is centered on the synthesis and application of porous materials, including Metal Organic Frameworks (MOFs), Covalent Organic Frameworks (COFs), and Porous Organic Polymers (POPs). His work focuses on gas separation, water purification, catalysis, and electrocatalysis, with particular attention to CO2 capture, air purification, and sustainable energy applications. He has contributed significantly to the scale-up of MOFs and their integration into industrial applications.

Awards and Honors 🏆

Dr. Nandi has received several prestigious awards and scholarships throughout his academic career, including the INSPIRE Scholarship, ONGC Scholarship, and the Prime Minister Fellowship for Doctoral Studies. He has also been honored with the best research awards in recognition of his contributions to the field of materials science.

Skills 🛠️

Dr. Nandi is highly skilled in various characterization and analytical techniques including Single Crystal and Powder X-ray Diffraction (SCXRD/PXRD), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), surface area and porosity analysis, electrochemical studies, and electron microscopy techniques (SEM, TEM, AFM). He is also experienced in advanced computational techniques for simulating material properties using software like Materials Studio and Gaussian. His proficiency extends to the design and optimization of MOFs and COFs for diverse applications, particularly in catalysis and energy storage.

Publications 📚

  • Efficient iodine sequestration by chemically robust CC bonded hyper-crosslinked porous organic polymers
    Authors: G. Mayakannan, R. Karthikkumar, H.D. Singh, D. Chakraborty, S. Nandi
    Journal: Chemical Engineering Journal Advances
    Citation: 100700
    Year: 2025
  • Selective electroreduction of CO2 to value-added C1 and C2 products using MOF and COF-based catalysts
    Authors: H.D. Singh, R. Misra, S. Sarkar, D. Chakraborty, S. Nandi
    Journal: Advanced Composites and Hybrid Materials
    Citation: 7(6), 209
    Year: 2024
  • A Scalable Robust Microporous Al‐MOF for Post‐Combustion Carbon Capture
    Authors: B. Chen, D. Fan, R.V. Pinto, I. Dovgaliuk, S. Nandi, D. Chakraborty, …
    Journal: Advanced Science
    Citation: 2401070
    Year: 2024
  • When Polymorphism in Metal–Organic Frameworks Enables Water Sorption Profile Tunability for Enhancing Heat Allocation and Water Harvesting Performance
    Authors: T.J. Matemb Ma Ntep, M. Wahiduzzaman, E. Laurenz, I. Cornu, …
    Journal: Advanced Materials
    Citation: 36(12), 2211302
    Year: 2024
  • An intrinsically zwitter-ionic COF: a carboxylic acid and pseudo-tetrahedral sp3 nitrogen functionalized covalent organic framework with potential for humidity sensing
    Authors: S. Nandi, H.D. Singh, P. Shekhar, D. Chakraborty, R. Kushwaha, …
    Journal: Journal of Materials Chemistry A
    Citation: 12(5), 2839-2847
    Year: 2024
  • Peptide hydrogen-bonded organic frameworks
    Authors: T. Vijayakanth, S. Dasgupta, P. Ganatra, S. Rencus-Lazar, A.V. Desai, …
    Journal: Chemical Society Reviews
    Year: 2024
  • Metal-driven folding and assembly of a minimal β-sheet into a 3D-porous honeycomb framework
    Authors: N. Bajpayee, S. Pophali, T. Vijayakanth, S. Nandi, A.V. Desai, V. Kumar, …
    Journal: Chemical Communications
    Citation: 60(19), 2621-2624
    Year: 2024
  • A robust ultra-microporous cationic aluminum-based metal-organic framework with a flexible tetra-carboxylate linker
    Authors: S. Nandi, A. Mansouri, I. Dovgaliuk, P. Boullay, G. Patriarche, I. Cornu, …
    Journal: Communications Chemistry
    Citation: 6(1), 144
    Year: 2023
  • MOFs with open metal (III) sites for the environmental capture of polar volatile organic compounds
    Authors: M.I. Severino, A. Al Mohtar, C. Vieira Soares, C. Freitas, N. Sadovnik, S. Nandi, …
    Journal: Angewandte Chemie International Edition
    Citation: 62(6), e202211583
    Year: 2023
  • Simulations on Industrial Scale CO2 Capture Vacuum Pressure Swing Adsorption using MIL-160 (Al)
    Authors: A. Henrotin, N. Heymans, S. Nandi, F. Nouar, G. Mouchaham, C. Serre, …
    Journal: Proceedings of the 16th Greenhouse Gas Control Technologies Conference (GHGT)
    Year: 2022
  • Integrated process for structuring and functionalizing ordered mesoporous silica to achieve superprotonic conductivity
    Authors: J. Richard, A. Phimphachanh, J. Schneider, S. Nandi, E. Laurent, …
    Journal: Chemistry of Materials
    Citation: 34(17), 7828-7836
    Year: 2022
  • Coordination Flexibility Aided CO2‐specific Gating in an Iron Isonicotinate MOF
    Authors: H.D. Singh, S. Nandi, D. Chakraborty, K. Singh, C.P. Vinod, R. Vaidhyanathan
    Journal: Chemistry–An Asian Journal
    Citation: 17(4), e202101305
    Year: 2022
  • Viologen functionalized CC bonded cationic polymers for oxo-anion pollutant removal from aqueous medium
    Authors: D. Chakraborty, S. Nandi, R. Kushwaha, D. Kaleeswaran, R. Vaidhyanathan
    Journal: Materials Research Bulletin
    Citation: 146, 111614
    Year: 2022
  • Deciphering the Weak CO2···Framework Interactions in Microporous MOFs Functionalized with Strong Adsorption Sites—A Ubiquitous Observation
    Authors: S. Nandi, H.D. Singh, D. Chakraborty, R. Maity, R. Vaidhyanathan
    Journal: ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
    Citation: 13(21), 24976-24983
    Year: 2021
  • Multivariate Sulfonic-Based Titanium Metal–Organic Frameworks as Super-protonic Conductors
    Authors: S. Nandi, S. Wang, M. Wahiduzzaman, V. Yadav, K. Taksande, G. Maurin, …
    Journal: ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
    Citation: 13(17), 20194-20200
    Year: 2021
  • An Ultra‐Microporous Metal–Organic Framework with Exceptional Xe Capacity
    Authors: D. Chakraborty, S. Nandi, R. Maity, R.K. Motkuri, K.S. Han, S. Collins, …
    Journal: Chemistry–A European Journal
    Citation: 26(55), 12544-12548
    Year: 2020
  • Superionic conduction in a zirconium-formate molecular solid
    Authors: M. Wahiduzzaman, S. Nandi, V. Yadav, K. Taksande, G. Maurin, H. Chun, …
    Journal: Journal of Materials Chemistry A
    Citation: 8(35), 17951-17955
    Year: 2020
  • Carbon Derived from Soft Pyrolysis of a Covalent Organic Framework as a Support for Small-Sized RuO2 Showing Exceptionally Low Overpotential for Oxygen
    Authors: D. Chakraborty, S. Nandi, R. Illathvalappil, D. Mullangi, R. Maity, S.K. Singh, …
    Journal: ACS Omega
    Citation: 4(8), 13465-13473
    Year: 2019
  • Aqueous-Phase Differentiation and Speciation of Fe3+ and Fe2+ Using Water-Stable Photoluminescent Lanthanide-Based Metal–Organic Framework
    Authors: R. Maity, D. Chakraborty, S. Nandi, A.K. Yadav, D. Mullangi, C.P. Vinod, …
    Journal: ACS Applied Nano Materials
    Citation: 2(8), 5169-5178
    Year: 2019.

Conclusion ✨ 

Dr. Shyamapada Nandi’s research achievements, coupled with his outstanding technical expertise, make him an excellent candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His consistent contributions to the development of cutting-edge materials and their applications in addressing global challenges, such as climate change and energy transition, set him apart as a leader in his field. While there are areas for further diversification and leadership development, his scientific accomplishments and potential for future breakthroughs make him highly deserving of this recognition.