Alexander Cholach | Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Alexander Cholach | Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Alexander Cholach, Boreskov Institute of Catalysis, Russia

Dr. Alexander Cholach is a Senior Researcher at the Federal Research Centre Boreskov Institute of Catalysis in Novosibirsk, Russia. With over four decades of deep engagement in materials science and catalysis, his work centers around the physico-chemical properties of catalysts at the atomic and molecular levels. A graduate of Novosibirsk State University, Dr. Cholach earned his Ph.D. in 1986 with a pioneering thesis on catalytic decomposition kinetics. His extensive contributions include 47 peer-reviewed publications, multiple book chapters, and a patent. Renowned for his research in isotope separation, electronic properties, and heterogeneous catalysis, he has actively led national scientific projects funded by the Russian Science Foundation. With a strong focus on mechanistic understanding and electron excitation phenomena, Dr. Cholach’s work bridges theoretical chemistry and real-world catalytic applications. His scholarly excellence and continuous innovation make him a strong candidate for recognition in the field of Materials Science.

Profile

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Suitability Summary for Research for Best Researcher Award: Alexander Cholach

Alexander Cholach is a highly accomplished senior researcher at the prestigious Federal Research Centre Boreskov Institute of Catalysis, with a distinguished academic and research career spanning over four decades. His academic foundation is robust, beginning with specialized scientific education at Novosibirsk State University, followed by a PhD focused on catalytic reaction kinetics—reflecting deep expertise in physical chemistry and catalysis.

His current research portfolio demonstrates leadership in advanced physico-chemical investigations at the atomic and molecular levels, with ongoing projects funded by major Russian scientific agencies such as the Russian Science Foundation. This underlines his active role in cutting-edge science and innovation. Notably, his work in isotope separation, catalytic reaction mechanisms, and electronic surface properties bridges fundamental theory with practical applications, marking him as a thought leader in heterogeneous catalysis.

🎓 Education 

Dr. Cholach’s academic journey began at the M.A. Lavrentiev Specialized Educational and Scientific Centre of Novosibirsk State University from 1973–1975. He continued his higher education at Novosibirsk State University, completing his degree in Chemistry in 1980. There, he laid a strong foundation in chemical kinetics, surface chemistry, and catalysis. Pursuing advanced research, he earned his Ph.D. in 1986 with a thesis titled “The relationship between adsorption properties and the kinetics of the reaction of catalytic decomposition of ammonia on Fe, W, Re, Ir, Rh.” Under the supervision of prominent scientists Prof. V. Gorodetsky and Prof. V. Sobyanin, Dr. Cholach developed expertise in material-surface interactions and catalytic behavior. His education was grounded in both theoretical and applied science, preparing him to tackle complex challenges in catalysis and materials development. This robust academic preparation continues to guide his cutting-edge research.

💼 Professional Experience 

Dr. Alexander Cholach has devoted his professional career to the Federal Research Centre Boreskov Institute of Catalysis, where he has been a permanent associate since 1986. He is currently a Senior Researcher in the Department of Physico-Chemical Research at the Atomic and Molecular Level. Over the decades, he has led and contributed to a variety of high-impact research projects funded by the Russian Science Foundation and other federal agencies. His international collaboration with Leiden University (1993–1994) under Prof. B.E. Nieuwenhuys broadened his scientific horizon, enabling cross-border knowledge exchange. His research integrates experimental science with density functional theory (DFT) modeling. Dr. Cholach has not only advanced fundamental understanding in catalysis and isotope separation but also contributed to applied solutions in materials science. Despite rejecting offers of professional memberships, his work remains globally recognized through his publications, collaborations, and scholarly achievements.

🏅 Awards and Recognition 

Though Dr. Cholach has modestly avoided organizational memberships and industrial consultancy roles, his academic contributions speak volumes. His work has earned high visibility within the international scientific community, reflected in an h-index of 8 (WOS) and 9 (Scopus). He has been entrusted with leading state-assigned and federally funded research projects, a testament to his expertise and scientific integrity. He has contributed chapters to four significant scientific books and published 47 research articles in reputed journals. In addition to these scholarly outputs, he holds a patent that underscores his ability to translate theory into innovation. His collaborations with global institutions, notably Leiden University, and leadership in pioneering isotope separation research, further highlight his international stature. Recognition of Dr. Cholach’s excellence is embedded in the continual trust and support he receives from major scientific foundations and institutions.

🌍 Research Skill On Materials Science

Dr. Cholach’s research is focused on cutting-edge areas of Materials Science, including isotope separation, heterogeneous catalysis, and surface and bulk electronic properties. His work integrates experimental surface science with computational DFT studies to uncover the fundamental mechanisms behind catalytic reactions. He has introduced innovative concepts like conjugate electron excitation, enabling novel interpretations of X-ray Photoelectron and Disappearance Potential spectra. He has proposed mechanisms for achieving high-purity isotope separation through phase equilibrium manipulation, with implications in nuclear, medical, and industrial domains. His research also identifies optimal alloy compositions for catalytic ammonia synthesis by linking substrate atom coordination with adsorption energy. Dr. Cholach’s approach is both microscopic in detail and macroscopic in application, aiming to redesign materials at the atomic level for scalable real-world impact. His interdisciplinary skill set makes him a powerful contributor to advancements in catalytic materials and atomic-level research.

📖 Publication Top Notes

  • 🔬 XPS and DFT studies of γ-Al₂O₃ modified by NO

    • 📚 Applied Surface Science

    • ✍️ Authors: Nartova, A.; Dmitrachkov, A.; Cholach, A.

    • 📅 Year: 2025

  • 🧪 Apparent fractionation of isotopes in moderately cooled argon

    • 📚 arXiv

    • ✍️ Authors: Cholach, A.R.; Yakovin, D.V.

    • 📅 Year: 2024

  • 📄 XPS and DFT Studies of γ-Al₂O₃ Modified by NO

    • 📚 SSRN

    • ✍️ Authors: Nartova, A.; Dmitrachkov, A.; Cholach, A.

    • 📅 Year: 2024

  • ⚛️ Catalytic activity of γ-Al₂O₃(110) in the NO + H₂ reaction: a DFT study

    • 📚 Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics

    • ✍️ Author: Cholach, A.

    • 📅 Year: 2023

  • ❄️ Freezing-out of heavy isotopes of Kr

    • 📚 arXiv

    • ✍️ Authors: Cholach, A.R.; Yakovin, D.V.; Latkin, N.I.; Sidorov, I.A.

    • 📅 Year: 2023

  • 📘 Metal, Alloy, and Single-Atom Catalysts for Ammonia Synthesis

    • 📚 Advances in Materials Science Research: Volume 52

    • ✍️ Author: Cholach, A.R.

    • 📅 Year: 2022

  • 🧪 Removal of CF₄ from NF₃ at the phase interface

    • 📚 Journal of the Taiwan Institute of Chemical Engineers

    • ✍️ Authors: Cholach, A.; Yakovin, D.

    • 📅 Year: 2022

  • 🔬 Re-Co alloys and single-atom Re catalysts in ammonia synthesis: A DFT study

    • 📚 Molecular Catalysis

    • ✍️ Authors: Cholach, A.R.; Bryliakova, A.A.

    • 📅 Year: 2021

  • 🧪 Design of Active Centers in Ammonia Synthesis on Mo-Based Catalysts: A Theoretical Study

    • 📚 Topics in Catalysis

    • ✍️ Authors: Cholach, A.; Bryliakova, A.

    • 📅 Year: 2020

  • 📊 Features of Extended XPS Spectra of C₂FBr₀.₁₅ Intercalate and Silver Foil

    • 📚 Journal of Structural Chemistry

    • ✍️ Authors: Cholach, A.R.; Asanov, I.P.; Bryliakova, A.A.; Kalinkin, A.V.; Smirnov, M.Y.

    • 📅 Year: 2020

HoYoung Yoon | Chemical Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Dr. HoYoung Yoon | Chemical Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Dr. HoYoung Yoon, Åbo Akademi University, Finland

Dr. Ho Young Yoon is a dedicated researcher in the field of Chemical Engineering, specializing in natural materials and environmental sustainability. Currently a Postdoctoral Fellow at Åbo Akademi University, Finland, he focuses on innovative materials derived from biological sources. With a Ph.D. from Gyeongsang National University, South Korea, he has made significant contributions to applied microbiology and biomaterials. His research explores novel approaches to wastewater treatment, bio-based fertilizers, and circular economy solutions. Dr. Yoon has been instrumental in pioneering smart fertilizers and sustainable material innovations, securing major research grants and patents. Recognized globally, he has participated in prestigious scientific summits and collaborated with international institutions. His groundbreaking work has led to several high-impact publications, highlighting his expertise in biotechnological applications. Passionate about eco-friendly engineering solutions, Dr. Yoon continues to push the boundaries of sustainable science to address critical environmental challenges.

Professional Profile

Scopus

Evaluation of Dr. Ho Young Yoon for the Research for Best Researcher Award

Dr. Ho Young Yoon is a highly accomplished researcher specializing in natural materials technology, applied microbiology, and biomaterials. His academic journey spans prestigious institutions such as Åbo Akademi University in Finland and Gyeongsang National University in South Korea, where he has excelled in research related to sustainable materials, environmental chemistry, and bio-based innovations. His diverse expertise is evident in his postdoctoral and doctoral work, which focuses on developing eco-friendly technologies for agricultural and industrial applications.

A key strength of Dr. Yoon’s research is his ability to secure competitive funding, including grants from the National Research Foundation of Korea and the Korea Water Resources Corporation. These grants have supported groundbreaking projects such as developing mycelium-based bricks for pollutant removal and creating slow-release fertilizers using wastewater sludge. His leadership in these projects underscores his ability to conduct impactful, real-world research that bridges academia and industry.

🎓 Education

Dr. Ho Young Yoon’s academic journey is rooted in excellence and innovation. He earned his Ph.D. in Applied Life Science from Gyeongsang National University (2020-2024) under the mentorship of Prof. Jong-Rok Jeon. His doctoral research focused on advanced bio-based materials and environmental applications, particularly in wastewater treatment and sustainable fertilizers. Prior to that, he completed a Bachelor of Science in Applied Life Chemistry at the same university (2013-2020), where he developed a strong foundation in biochemistry and material science. Currently, Dr. Yoon is a Postdoctoral Fellow at Åbo Akademi University in Finland, specializing in Natural Materials Technology under Prof. Chunlin Xu. His education has been enriched by competitive fellowships and research grants, including the prestigious National Research Foundation of Korea Ph.D. fellowship. His interdisciplinary training in chemistry, microbiology, and material engineering equips him to develop groundbreaking solutions for environmental and industrial challenges.

💼 Professional Experience 

Dr. Ho Young Yoon’s professional experience reflects his expertise in Chemical Engineering and sustainable technology. Since 2024, he has been a Postdoctoral Fellow at Åbo Akademi University, focusing on bio-based material innovations. Earlier, he was a Visiting Researcher at the same institution (Jan-Apr 2024), collaborating on advanced natural material applications. His contributions extend beyond academia, as he played a key role in technology transfer projects, including the development of a natural hair dye composition ($74,000 contract) and a nano-coated smart phosphorus fertilizer (European patent). Additionally, he was an official Korean participant at the Global Young Scientist Summit in Singapore (2024), where he engaged with top international researchers. Dr. Yoon’s research projects, funded by leading organizations, have addressed critical environmental concerns, from micropollutant removal to sustainable agriculture. His industry collaborations and pioneering patents highlight his commitment to bridging scientific discovery with real-world impact.

🏅 Awards and Recognition 

Dr. Ho Young Yoon has received numerous awards and recognitions for his outstanding contributions to Chemical Engineering and environmental sustainability. He was awarded the prestigious Ph.D. fellowship from the National Research Foundation of Korea ($16,000), supporting his innovative work on bio-based slow-release fertilizers. His research was also funded by the Korea Water Resources Corporation’s Open Innovation R&D program ($8,000), acknowledging his groundbreaking work in wastewater treatment. His patented smart fertilizer technology led to a significant industry collaboration with Recover Ingredients in Italy, securing licensing rights with ongoing revenue. Additionally, his research has been featured as a front cover article in Advanced Sustainable Systems. His participation in the Global Young Scientist Summit (2024) further solidified his reputation as an emerging leader in sustainable engineering. Through his work, Dr. Yoon continues to make a lasting impact in academia and industry, driving forward eco-friendly material innovations.

🌍 Research Skills On Chemical Engineering

Dr. Ho Young Yoon possesses a diverse range of research skills, specializing in biopolymer engineering, nanotechnology, and environmental sustainability. He has extensive experience in developing smart fertilizers, bio-based adsorbents, and eco-friendly composite materials. His expertise in wastewater treatment includes advanced methods for removing micropollutants using mycelium-based bio-materials. Dr. Yoon is proficient in structural analysis of natural polymers, employing techniques such as FTIR, SEM, and XRD. His ability to synthesize bio-functionalized nanoparticles has led to patented innovations in agricultural and cosmetic industries. He is skilled in technology transfer, having successfully commercialized multiple sustainable materials. His research approach integrates multidisciplinary knowledge from microbiology, chemistry, and engineering, enabling him to design circular economy solutions. With a strong publication record and collaborations across academia and industry, Dr. Yoon continues to drive innovation in environmental biotechnology, creating scalable solutions for real-world applications.

 📖 Publication Top Notes

Recycling tempura powder debris derived from the fried food industry as a binder for 3-dimensional biodegradable composites: A novel circular economy alternative to low-performance plastics.

Authors: M., Oh, Minseung, H., Yoon, Ho-young, N., Thanh Phong, Nguyen, K., Kim, Kang-soo, J., Jeon, Jong-rok

year: 2024