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.

Fa-Feng Xu | Materials Chemistry | Chemical Scientist Award

Published on by Chemical Scientist

Dr. Fa-Feng Xu | Materials Chemistry | Chemical Scientist Award

assistant researcher, Qinghai Institute of Salt Lakes, Chinese Academy of Sciences in  China.

🔬 Short Biography 🌿💊📚

Dr. Fa-Feng Xu 🧪 is an accomplished researcher specializing in photonic materials and microlasers. He currently serves as an Assistant Research Fellow at the Key Laboratory of Green and High-End Utilization of Salt Lake Resources, Qinghai Institute of Salt Lakes, Chinese Academy of Sciences 🇨🇳. He earned his Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry from the Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences in 2020 🎓, following his bachelor’s degree in Material Chemistry from Jilin University in 2014. His postdoctoral work at the same institute focused on material engineering under the supervision of renowned scholars. Dr. Xu’s interdisciplinary research integrates chemistry, materials science, and photophysics to develop advanced optical devices such as microlaser arrays for applications in displays and encryption. With multiple high-impact publications and patents, Dr. Xu is a rising talent in the field of optoelectronic materials 🌟.

PROFILE 

Orcid 

🔍 Summary of Suitability:

Based on the provided CV, Dr. Fa-Feng Xu is a highly suitable candidate for the Chemical Scientist Award. His academic training and professional journey demonstrate a profound command over physical chemistry, material science, and photochemistry—disciplines central to the chemical sciences. Dr. Xu holds a Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry from the Chinese Academy of Sciences and has engaged in impactful postdoctoral research in materials engineering. He has consistently worked on the synthesis and functionalization of advanced photonic materials, particularly organometallic complexes and organic microlasers, which are at the cutting edge of chemical innovation.

🔹 Education & Experience 

Dr. Xu’s academic journey began at Jilin University, where he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Material Chemistry in 2014 🎓. He then pursued a Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry at the Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, mentored by distinguished professors including Academician Jiannian Yao 🧬. His research focused on photochemistry and organic photonic materials. After earning his doctorate in 2020, Dr. Xu continued as a Postdoctoral Fellow in Material Engineering at the same institute, collaborating with Prof. Yu-Wu Zhong. Since November 2023, he has been serving as an Assistant Research Fellow at the Qinghai Institute of Salt Lakes, Chinese Academy of Sciences, contributing to the sustainable utilization of salt lake resources 🧫. His career reflects deep expertise across disciplines including chemistry, optics, and nanomaterials, shaping innovations in photonic applications 💡.

🔹Professional Development

Dr. Fa-Feng Xu has developed a robust professional skill set grounded in multidisciplinary science 🧪. His expertise spans organic synthesis, materials design, and photonic device fabrication. With a strong foundation in chemistry and materials science, he designs and synthesizes organometallic and liquid crystal systems with high-performance photonic properties 🌈. He is skilled in fabricating organic microlasers and constructing patterned microlaser arrays for advanced applications like laser displays and information encryption 🔐. Dr. Xu is adept in characterizing materials using techniques such as UV-Vis, SEM, TEM, XRD, and AFM. His practical experience extends to the use of cutting-edge instrumentation including electron beam lithography and femtosecond lasers for device testing. Through collaborations and continuous research, he brings innovation to organic photonics, contributing significantly to applied optical science and advanced materials development 🎯.

🛠️ Skills & Expertise

Dr. Fa-Feng Xu possesses a diverse set of interdisciplinary research skills that bridge the fields of chemistry, photophysics, and materials science 🧪🔬. He is proficient in the synthesis, purification, and analysis of organic and organometallic compounds, including platinum and iridium complexes and liquid crystal systems 🌈. His expertise extends to designing and fabricating organic microlaser arrays—such as microdisks, microspheres, and microplates—for applications in laser displays and information encryption 🖥️🔐. Dr. Xu is skilled in preparing polymer-based microstructures using materials like PS and PMMA for high-performance waveguiding and lasing functions ⚡. He is also experienced in constructing and characterizing inorganic nanostructures, such as silver nanowires 🧫. Technically adept, he operates advanced instruments including SEM, TEM, AFM, XRD, and UV-Vis for structural and optical characterization 🛠️. Furthermore, his familiarity with cutting-edge device fabrication techniques—such as vacuum deposition, lithography, and femtosecond lasers—enables innovative work at the frontier of organic photonics and materials science 🚀.

🔬 Research Focus

Dr. Xu’s research is centered on the intersection of organic photonics, microlasers, and advanced optical materials 🌟. He focuses on the rational design and synthesis of organometallic compounds (notably Pt and Ir complexes), liquid crystal systems, and polymeric microstructures for photonic applications. His work includes fabricating two-dimensional microcrystals and wavelength-tunable microlaser arrays, which find use in full-color laser displays and encrypted information systems 🖥️🔒. Dr. Xu also explores waveguiding phenomena and the development of photonic materials with thermal and optical responsiveness, bridging chemistry, optics, and device engineering. His contributions reflect a broader interest in next-generation optoelectronics, nonlinear optics, and nanostructured materials. The integration of organic systems into functional devices highlights his forward-thinking approach in applied physical chemistry and materials innovation 🔬✨.

🏆 Awards & Recognitions

  • 🥇 Excellent Paper Certificate, 8th CAST Excellent Scientific Paper Selection Program

  • 🎓 Merit Student, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS), 2014–2015

  • 🏆 Outstanding Student Leader, UCAS, 2015–2016

  • 💰 Academic Scholarships, UCAS (2014–2019)

  • 🎖️ National Encouragement Scholarships, Jilin University (2010–2012)

  • 🌟 Excellence Scholarship Student, Jilin University, 2010–2011

Publications & Citations 📚

  1. 📝 Organoplatinum(II) Cruciform: A Versatile Building Block to Fabricate 2D Microcrystals with Full-Color and White Phosphorescence and Anisotropic Photon Transport, Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 📅 2022 | 🔁 Cited by: [citation data needed] 🌈📸

  2. 📝 Wavelength-Tunable Single-Mode Microlasers Based on Photoresponsive Pitch Modulation of Liquid Crystals for Information Encryption, Research 📅 2020 | 🔁 Cited by: [citation data needed] 🔒📡

  3. 📝 Flat-Panel Laser Displays Based on Liquid Crystal Microlaser Arrays, CCS Chem. 📅 2020 | 🔁 Cited by: [citation data needed] 🖥️🎯

  4. 📝 Thermo-Responsive Light-Emitting Metal Complexes and Related Materials, Inorg. Chem. Front. 📅 2020 | 🔁 Cited by: [citation data needed] 🔥🔬

  5. 📝 Molecular Cocrystals with Hydrogen-Bonded Polymeric Structures and Polarized Luminescence, Materials 📅 2022 | 🔁 Cited by: [citation data needed] 💎💡

  6. 📝 Research Progress of Cesium-Based Photonic Materials, J. of Salt Lake Research 📅 2024 | 🔁 Cited by: [citation data needed] 🧂🔍

🔍 Conclusion:

Dr. Xu’s contributions lie at the intersection of synthetic chemistry, optics, and functional materials. His creative solutions to complex challenges in organic photonics and his strong publication and patent record mark him as an emerging leader in chemical research. His profile exemplifies the innovation and interdisciplinary excellence the Chemical Scientist Award aims to recognize.

Svetlna Ilić| Materials Chemistry| Best Researcher Award

Published on by Chemical Scientist

Dr. Svetlna Ilić| Materials Chemistry| Best Researcher Award

Senior Research Associate at Vinča Institute of Nuclear Sciences, University of Belgrade, National Institute of the Republic of Serbia,Serbia.

🔬 Short Biography 🌿💊📚

Dr. Svetlana Ilić is a Senior Research Associate at the Vinča Institute of Nuclear Sciences, part of the University of Belgrade and a national research institute in Serbia. She is affiliated with the Materials Laboratory, where her work focuses on the synthesis, processing, and characterization of nanostructured materials for diverse applications—ranging from energy and mechanical engineering to environmental protection and biomedical uses vinca.rs +1 intranet.vin.bg.ac.rs +1 . Dr. Ilić earned her B.Sc. in Inorganic Chemical Technology from the University of Belgrade (2008) and completed her Ph.D. (2018) at the same institution, specializing in sol–gel synthesis and characterization of iron‑doped mullite . Her current research includes developing modified clay separation media, porous semiconductors, oxide-based ceramics, and catalytic filters for diesel particulate removal

PROFILE 

ORCID

Scopus

🔍 Summary of Suitability:

Dr. Svetlana Ilić is a dedicated and accomplished researcher with impactful contributions to ceramic materials science. Her focus on sustainable and functional ceramics derived from natural or waste sources demonstrates her commitment to practical solutions in energy and environmental applications. She also exemplifies academic responsibility through reviewer and editorial roles and active collaboration in European research networks.

🎓 Education

Dr. Svetlana Ilić completed both her Bachelor of Science (BSc) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees at the Faculty of Technology and Metallurgy, University of Belgrade, Serbia 🇷🇸. Her academic training laid a strong foundation in materials science, particularly in ceramic processing, powder metallurgy, and advanced characterization techniques. This comprehensive education has been instrumental in shaping her successful research career in functional ceramics and nanomaterials.

🧪 Experience

Since February 1, 2011, Dr. Ilić has been serving as a Senior Research Associate at the Department of Materials, Vinča Institute of Nuclear Sciences, University of Belgrade 🔬. Her work focuses on the synthesis and consolidation of pure and doped mullite powders, development of dense and porous ceramics, and the utilization of natural raw materials for ceramic production. She is highly skilled in structural, microstructural, and mechanical characterization techniques including XRD, SEM, Mössbauer spectroscopy, and nanoindentation. Over the years, she has participated in multiple national and international projects related to refractory materials, LTCC materials, thermal insulators, and porous ceramic structures.

🛠️ Skills

Dr. Ilić possesses a versatile set of technical and soft skills. Technically, she is proficient in advanced materials synthesis and characterization methods. She demonstrates high competency in using tools like XRD, SEM, nanoindentation, and spectroscopy. In addition to her experimental expertise, she is highly organized, responsible, and an effective communicator. She is fluent in Serbian and proficient in English, and adept in Microsoft Office, Google Drive, and various digital research platforms. Her collaborative spirit, adaptability, and willingness to learn make her a valuable member of interdisciplinary research teams.

🏅 Awards and Recognitions

Dr. Ilić’s scientific excellence is reflected through her active involvement in editorial and peer review activities. She served as a Guest Editor for Metallurgical and Materials Data between April and July 2024 and has reviewed articles for prestigious journals including the Journal of the American Ceramic Society, Journal of the European Ceramic Society, and Ceramics International. Her contributions as a reviewer and editor underscore her expertise and respected position in the ceramic science community, even though specific awards are not listed.

🔬 Research Focus

Dr. Ilić’s research is primarily centered on the synthesis, processing, and characterization of nanostructured and ceramic materials for applications in energy, environmental protection, and mechanical systems. She specializes in mullite-based ceramics—both dense and porous—as well as in the development of refractory and insulating materials from natural and waste sources. Her recent work includes modifying porous ceramics with nano-additives for improved catalytic performance, studying the magnetic properties of self-assembled graphene films, and developing materials for wastewater treatment and diesel particulate filtration. Her involvement in European COST Actions and multidisciplinary projects highlights her commitment to sustainable materials science and applied research.

Publications & Citations 📚

  • Ilić, S., Maletaškić, J., Skoko, Ž., Vuksanović, M. M., Radovanović, Ž., Ristović, I., & Šaponjić, A. (2025). Utilization of waste clay–diatomite in the production of durable mullite-based insulating materials. Applied Sciences, 15(13), 7512. https://doi.org/10.3390/app15137512

  • Savić, A., Vuksanović, M. M., Savić, M., Knežević, N., Šaponjić, A., Ilić, S., & Egelja, A. (2025). Modified silica particles coated with Cu–Al layered double hydroxide for phosphate and arsenate removal in water treatment. Molecules, 30(10), 2138. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30102138

  • Ilic, S., Šaponjić, A., Ivanovski, N. V., Posarac-Marković, M., Kokunesoski, M., Janacković, D., & Devecerski, A. (2024). Influence of iron on the mullite formation. Science of Sintering, 56(4), 425–438. https://doi.org/10.2298/SOS240425017I

  • Posarac-Marković, M., Jovic Orsini, N., Ilic, S., Kuzmanovic, M., Šaponjić, A., Radovanović, Z., & Matović, B. (2024). Structural and morphological studies on yttrium-doped magnesium aluminate spinel powders synthesized by mixed-fuel solution combustion synthesis approach. Science of Sintering, 56(8), 821–836. https://doi.org/10.2298/SOS240821036P

  • Ružić, J., Maletaškić, J., Radovanović, Ž., & Ilić, S. (2024). Mechanical properties of mullite investigated by nanoindentation. Metallurgical and Materials Data, 29, Article 29. https://doi.org/10.30544/MMD29

  • Kokunesoski, M., Janacković, D., Kićević, D., Ilic, S., & Šaponjić, A. (2023). The effect of acrylate on the properties and machinability of alumina ceramics. Science of Sintering, 55(1), 103–115. https://doi.org/10.2298/SOS2301103K

🔍 Conclusion:

Highly suitable for the Best Researcher Award. Dr. Ilić combines scientific excellence, sustained productivity, community service, and innovation. She stands out as a role model in applied materials research and is poised to make further significant contributions on a global scale with continued support and recognition.