Avnee Chauhan | Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Avnee Chauhan | Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Avnee Chauhan, FunGlass – Centre for Functional and Surface Functionalized Glass Alexander Dubček University of Trenčín Študentská 2, 911 50 Trenčín, Slovakia 

Avnee Chauhan is a dedicated PhD student at the FunGlass – Centre for Functional and Surface Functionalized Glass in Trencin, Slovakia. Her research journey is distinguished by her focus on high-entropy ceramics, thermoelectric materials, and functional nanocomposites. Avnee’s academic path led her from Amity University and the University of Delhi to international collaborations in Italy and Germany. She has demonstrated excellence in synthesis and characterization of high-entropy oxide ceramics through advanced sintering techniques. Avnee has contributed significantly to international conferences and reputed journals such as the Journal of the European Ceramic Society and ACS Applied Energy Materials. Her work has implications for renewable energy and materials sustainability. Recognized for her innovative contributions and technical expertise, she has received multiple scholarships, including the Erasmus Plus and INSPIRE fellowships. Avnee embodies a rare blend of scientific rigor and interdisciplinary creativity, making her a rising star in the global materials science community.

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Assessment of Suitability for “Research for Best Researcher Award” — Avnee Chauhan

Summary of Suitability:

Avnee Chauhan emerges as a highly promising early-career researcher whose academic journey and research contributions strongly align with the goals of the “Research for Best Researcher Award.” With a focused research trajectory in high-entropy ceramics, thermoelectric materials, and nano-composites, Avnee has demonstrated both technical depth and innovation. Currently pursuing her Ph.D. through a joint doctoral program between FunGlass (Slovakia) and the University of Padova (Italy), she is engaged in cutting-edge work involving high-entropy oxide ceramics, a domain of growing relevance in sustainable energy and advanced functional materials.

Her prior experience at prestigious Indian research institutes like IIT Madras and RRCAT adds to her multidisciplinary expertise, particularly in the fabrication and application of polymer-inorganic composites and nano-phosphor materials. Her projects have been strategically aligned with real-world energy applications such as flexible thermoelectric generators and enhanced solar cell efficiency, reflecting a strong translational impact.

🎓 Education 

Avnee Chauhan completed her BSc in Physics (Honours) from the University of Delhi, graduating with First Class (74.94%) and a research project on innovative laboratory practices under Dr. Punita Verma. She pursued her MSc in Physics at Amity University, where she studied nano phosphor materials to enhance amorphous solar cell efficiency under Prof. Srinibas Satapathy. Currently, she is a PhD student jointly affiliated with the FunGlass Centre in Slovakia and the University of Padova in Italy. Her doctoral research focuses on the development of high-entropy oxide ceramics using pressure-assisted sintering methods. Avnee has also engaged in international academic exposure through workshops and fellowships, including a JECS Trust Research Fellowship at the Fraunhofer Institute, Germany. Her educational background combines fundamental physics with specialized knowledge in materials science, equipping her with a diverse and strong foundation in both theoretical and applied aspects of ceramic and thermoelectric materials.

💼 Professional Experience 

Avnee Chauhan brings a solid foundation of professional experience in both academic and research settings. She is currently pursuing her PhD (Jan 2022–Present) at FunGlass Centre, Slovakia, and the Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Padova, Italy. Her research involves high entropy oxide ceramics synthesized through spark plasma sintering. Prior to her doctoral studies, she worked as a Project Associate (Dec 2018 – Nov 2021) at the Soft Materials Laboratory, IIT Madras, focusing on thermoelectric polymer-inorganic composites. She also held a Project Associate position at RRCAT (Dec 2016 – Jun 2017), where she investigated nano phosphor materials for enhancing solar cell efficiency. Avnee’s career reflects a progressive and interdisciplinary approach to materials research. Her roles have involved synthesis, characterization, and application of advanced materials, often integrating theoretical insights with practical experiments. These experiences have shaped her into a versatile researcher in functional materials and energy applications.

🏅 Awards and Recognition

Avnee Chauhan has received several prestigious awards and scholarships that reflect her research excellence. In 2024, she was honored with the Best Poster Award at the 5th International Symposium on New Frontier of Advanced Si-Based Ceramics and Composites (ISASC) in Jeju, South Korea. She is also a recipient of the Erasmus Plus Fellowship under a joint supervised PhD program and was awarded the JECS Trust Research Fellowship at Fraunhofer IKTS, Germany. During her tenure at IIT Madras, she earned a Certificate of Appreciation for operating complex thermoelectric measurement systems during the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, she was the winner of the Corropic Photo Competition and an early recipient of the prestigious INSPIRE Scholarship for Higher Education (2012), which supports young talents in science. These accolades underscore her scientific innovation, technical mastery, and commitment to impactful research in the field of materials science.

🌍 Research Skills On Materials Science

Avnee Chauhan possesses an impressive set of research skills in advanced materials science. She specializes in high-entropy ceramics, with expertise in spark plasma sintering and pressure-assisted synthesis of rare-earth-based multicomponent oxides. Her research also encompasses thermoelectric materials and polymer-inorganic nanocomposites aimed at room-temperature energy conversion. Avnee is proficient in structural and optical characterization techniques such as XRD, SEM, TEM, and FTIR, which she applies to evaluate material properties and phase transitions. She has a solid grounding in experimental design and data analysis and is adept at integrating theoretical insights with practical applications. Her ability to conduct interdisciplinary research across institutions in India, Slovakia, Italy, and Germany speaks to her adaptability and collaborative spirit. Whether working on transparent ceramics or flexible thermoelectric textiles, Avnee’s skillset drives innovation in materials design, processing, and performance evaluation for sustainable energy and functional applications.

📖 Publication Top Notes

  • Title: Enhancing the thermoelectric efficiency in p-type Mg₃Sb₂ via Mg site co-doping
    Authors: M. Tiadi, M. Battabyal, P. K. Jain, A. Chauhan, D. K. Satapathy, R. Gopalan
    Citation: Sustainable Energy & Fuels, 5(16), 4104–4114
    Year: 2021
    Citations: 33
  • Title: Effect of iodine doping on the electrical, thermal and mechanical properties of SnSe for thermoelectric applications
    Authors: A. Das, A. Chauhan, V. Trivedi, M. Tiadi, R. Kumar, M. Battabyal, …
    Citation: Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics, 23(7), 4230–4239
    Year: 2021
    Citations: 26
  • Title: Charge transport mechanism and thermoelectric behavior in Te:(PEDOT:PSS) polymer composites
    Authors: A. Kumar, M. Battabyal, A. Chauhan, G. Suresh, R. Gopalan, D. K. Satapathy
    Citation: Materials Research Express, 6(11), 115302
    Year: 2019
    Citations: 24
  • Title: Effect of Refractory Tantalum Metal Filling on the Microstructure and Thermoelectric Properties of Co₄Sb₁₂ Skutterudites
    Authors: V. Trivedi, M. Battabyal, S. Perumal, A. Chauhan, D. K. Satapathy, B. S. Murty, …
    Citation: ACS Omega, 6(5), 3900–3909
    Year: 2021
    Citations: 9
  • Title: Polymer-infused textile thermoelectrics for power generation
    Authors: A. Chauhan, S. Kumar, D. K. Satapathy, M. Battabyal
    Citation: ACS Applied Electronic Materials, 6(4), 2774–2781
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 4
  • Title: Preparation of Gold Target through Electron Vapor Deposition and “Paras” the Rutherford Back Scattering Experimental setup@ IUAC
    Authors: S. Kumar, T. Sharma, P. Bhardwaj, A. Chauhan, S. Kapoor, P. Verma
    Citation: Proceedings or report
    Year: 2015
    Citations: 1
  • Title: Enhanced Thermoelectric Efficiency in Highly Flexible PVDF–Te Composite Films: Role of Nanoparticle Morphology
    Authors: A. Chauhan, A. K. Das, D. K. Satapathy, M. Battabyal
    Citation: ACS Applied Energy Materials
    Year: 2025
    Citations: — (Likely too recent for citation data)
  • Title: Tailoring optical properties of (Ce, Pr)O₂–δ·(La, Sm, Y)₂O₃ high entropy oxides by substituting Pr with Gd or Dy for multi-wavelength emission applications
    Authors: A. Chauhan, E. Bernardo, D. Galusek
    Citation: Open Ceramics, 21, 100730
    Year: 2025
    Citations: — (Likely too recent for citation data)
  • Title: Synthesis and characterization of Er³⁺ doped Sr₂SiO₄ based upconversion nanophosphor
    Authors: P. Deshmukh, S. Satapathy, A. Chauhan, A. K. Karnal
    Citation: Proceedings of Eighty First Annual Session of Indian Ceramic Society
    Year: 2017
    Citations: — (Not listed)

Rimeh Ismail | Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rimeh Ismail | Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rimeh Ismail, Xinjiang Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ürümqi, China 

Dr. Ismail Rimeh, a Tunisian-born materials scientist, is currently serving as an Associate Professor at the Xinjiang Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China. She earned her joint Ph.D. from the University of Tunis El Manar and the University of Montpellier in 2020. Following that, she engaged in various postdoctoral and research positions across Czech Republic and Tunisia. Dr. Rimeh’s research expertise spans membrane-based carbon capture, solid oxide electrolysis cells for CO₂ reduction, and catalytic oxidation of VOCs. Her interdisciplinary approach blends electrochemistry, polymer science, and nanomaterials. Recognized for her innovative work in CO₂ electrolysis and wastewater purification, she collaborates on international projects addressing energy and environmental challenges. With numerous publications and projects to her credit, Dr. Rimeh is advancing sustainable solutions through applied material science and engineering.

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Summary for Best Researcher Award Evaluation: ISMAIL RIMEH

Dr. Ismail Rimeh’s credentials strongly align with the criteria for the Research for Best Researcher Award. Her academic journey, starting with a Ph.D. jointly awarded by the University of Tunis El Manar (Tunisia) and the University of Montpellier (France), laid a solid foundation for her diverse career. Since earning her doctorate in 2020, Dr. Rimeh’s research trajectory has spanned prestigious global institutions, such as the Czech Academy of Sciences and the University of Chemistry and Technology in Prague, culminating in her current role as an Associate Professor at the Xinjiang Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry in China.

Her research expertise, focusing on materials science with an emphasis on energy and environmental science, is groundbreaking. Notably, her contributions to Direct Air Capture (DAC), CO2 electrolysis, and CO2 separation demonstrate her profound impact on pressing global challenges. Dr. Rimeh’s postdoctoral work on the electrochemical reduction of CO2 by Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cells (SOEC) highlights her commitment to addressing climate change and advancing sustainable technologies. Furthermore, her current projects on membrane-based DAC solutions exhibit practical, innovative approaches that could significantly contribute to environmental conservation and energy efficiency.

Education 

Dr. Ismail Rimeh’s academic path in Sciences and Technology reflects both excellence and international collaboration. She earned her Ph.D. jointly from the University of Tunis El Manar (Tunisia) and the University of Montpellier (France) between 2014 and 2020, focusing on catalysis and environmental material science. Prior to that, she pursued a Master's degree (2012–2014) from the University of Tunis El Manar, gaining foundational expertise in advanced chemical technologies. Her Bachelor's degree (2009–2012) was completed at the University of Carthage, Faculty of Science of Bizerte, Tunisia. She began her academic journey with a High School diploma in Experimental Sciences from Jendouba, Tunisia, in 2009. Throughout her academic training, Dr. Rimeh has consistently focused on materials chemistry, surface engineering, and nanotechnology, forming a robust educational base for her impactful research in materials science and environmental innovation.

Professional Experience 

Dr. Ismail Rimeh’s career spans prominent academic and research institutions across Tunisia, France, Czech Republic, and China. Since April 2024, she has been serving as an Associate Professor at the Xinjiang Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, where she leads projects on membrane-based Direct Air Capture and CO₂ electrolysis via solid oxide cells. Prior roles include a Postdoctoral Fellowship (2022–2023) at the University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague, where she developed polymer films for adaptive materials. In 2021–2022, she worked as a Research Assistant at the Czech Academy of Science focusing on implantable biosensors. She also participated in the U.S.-funded Innovation Post-Doc Program in Tunisia (2021). Earlier roles include teaching at the University of Jendouba (2017–2018) and a doctoral research internship at the Institute of Charles Gerhardt, France (2015–2017). These cumulative roles demonstrate her interdisciplinary expertise and research versatility in materials innovation.

Awards and Recognition 

Dr. Ismail Rimeh’s contributions have earned her recognition in multiple international scientific communities. She has co-authored numerous high-impact journal publications and contributed significantly to emerging technologies in electrochemical systems, wastewater purification, and direct air capture. Her joint Ph.D. from two prestigious institutions in Tunisia and France underlines her academic excellence. Her postdoctoral appointments in the Czech Republic were awarded through competitive selection based on her proposed work in smart polymers and adaptive materials. Her active participation in the U.S.-funded Innovation Training Program demonstrates her appeal as a globally competent researcher. Furthermore, her recent appointment as Associate Professor at a leading Chinese research institute is a testament to her academic leadership. Dr. Rimeh is frequently invited to contribute to collaborative projects, reflecting her growing reputation in material science, environmental chemistry, and sustainable engineering practices.

Research Skill On Materials Science

Dr. Ismail Rimeh brings a powerful blend of interdisciplinary research skills to the fields of materials science, electrochemistry, polymer synthesis, and environmental technology. Her expertise includes membrane fabrication, CO₂ electrochemical reduction, and direct air capture systems. She has a deep understanding of polymer thin film deposition, supported catalysts, and nanostructured materials for environmental remediation. Her approach integrates experimental chemistry with real-world engineering applications, focusing on sustainability and efficiency. With proficiency in surface characterization techniques (SEM, FTIR, TGA, XRD), catalytic oxidation mechanisms, and adaptive systems chemistry, she contributes to cutting-edge projects aimed at solving energy and pollution crises. Dr. Rimeh’s skills extend into data modeling, experimental design, and dynamic systems adaptation—critical areas in designing next-gen materials for climate-resilient technologies. Her collaborative mindset and multi-national research experience further amplify her impact in global scientific discourse.

   Publication Top Notes

  • Title: Ag/ZrO₂ and Ag/Fe–ZrO₂ catalysts for the low temperature total oxidation of toluene in the presence of water vapor

    • Authors: R. Ismail, J. Arfaoui, Z. Ksibi, A. Ghorbel, G. Delahay

    • Journal: Transition Metal Chemistry, Volume 45, Pages 501–509

    • Citation Count: 15

    • Year: 2020

  • Title: Effect of the iron amount on the physicochemical properties of Fe–ZrO₂ aerogel catalysts for the total oxidation of Toluene in the presence of water vapor

    • Authors: R. Ismail, J. Arfaoui, Z. Ksibi, A. Ghorbel, G. Delahay

    • Journal: Journal of Porous Materials, Volume 27, Pages 1847–1852

    • Citation Count: 13

    • Year: 2020

  • Title: Potentiometric Performance of Ion-Selective Electrodes Based on Polyaniline and Chelating Agents: Detection of Fe²⁺ or Fe³⁺ Ions

    • Authors: R. Ismail, I. Šeděnková, Z. Černochová, I. Romanenko, O. Pop-Georgievski, et al.

    • Journal: Biosensors, Volume 12 (7), Article 446

    • Citation Count: 11

    • Year: 2022

  • Title: Acid-assisted polymerization: the novel synthetic route of sensing layers based on PANI films and chelating agents protected by non-biofouling layer for Fe²⁺ or Fe³⁺ detection

    • Authors: R. Ismail, I. Šeděnková, J. Svoboda, M. Lukešová, Z. Walterová, E. Tomšík

    • Journal: Journal of Materials Chemistry B, Volume 11 (7), Pages 1545–1556

    • Citation Count: 7

    • Year: 2023

  • Title: The promoting effect of Ce on Ag/ZrO₂ catalyst for the total oxidation of toluene into CO₂ in the presence of water vapor

    • Authors: R. Ismail, J. Arfaoui, Z. Ksibi, A. Ghorbel, G. Delahay

    • Journal: Journal of Sol-Gel Science and Technology, Volume 105 (3), Pages 871–880

    • Citation Count: 2

    • Year: 2023

  • Title: Effect of the amount of Ag on the performance of Ag/Ce-ZrO₂ catalyst for the total oxidation of toluene

    • Authors: R. Ismail, J. Arfaoui, Z. Ksibi, A. Ghorbel, G. Delahay

    • Journal: Journal of Chemistry Letters, Pages 186–191

    • Citation Count: 1

    • Year: 2024

  • Title: Invasive plant-derived carbon dots and carbon black co-deposited basalt fiber fabric as an efficient solar interface evaporator for high salinity water purification

    • Authors: Y.L. He, C.H. Zhou, Z. Chen, I. Rimeh, L. Xing, A. Yimingniyazi, A. Parkash, ...

    • Journal: Separation and Purification Technology, Volume 365, Article 132644

    • Citation Count: Not yet cited

    • Year: 2025

  • Title: Highly conductive Cu-deposited continuous basalt fiber for electric power transmission and next-generation telecommunication applications

    • Authors: A. Parkash, R. Ismail, A. Kadier, P.C. Ma

    • Journal: Journal of Materials Science: Materials in Electronics, Volume 36 (11), Pages 1–12

    • Citation Count: Not yet cited

    • Year: 2025

  • Title: A solar-powered electrocoagulation process with a novel CNT/silver nanowire coated basalt fabric cathode for effective oil/water separation: From fundamentals to application

    • Authors: G. Achagri, R. Ismail, A. Kadier, P.C. Ma

    • Journal: Journal of Environmental Management, Volume 375, Article 124289

    • Citation Count: Not yet cited

    • Year: 2025

  • Title: Silver-based catalysts for toluene oxidation

    • Author: R. Ismail

    • Publisher: European University Publishing

    • Citation Count: Not available

    • Year: 2024