Wenkai Zhang | Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Wenkai Zhang | Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Wenkai Zhang | Materials Science | Henan University | China

Dr. Wenkai Zhang is a distinguished scholar in polymer chemistry and materials science, currently serving as a Professor at the College of Chemistry and Chemical Sciences, Henan University (HENU), China. With a Ph.D. in Polymer Chemistry and Physics from Sun Yat-Sen University, he has developed an extensive research portfolio in advanced nanomaterials, carbon dots, and photonic systems. His international exposure as a Visiting Scholar at Mississippi State University broadened his research collaborations and scientific perspectives. Dr. Zhang has authored influential publications in top-tier journals, contributing to the advancement of nanostructured materials for applications in optical security, anti-counterfeiting, and functional composites. His excellence in teaching and research has been recognized with several prestigious awards, including the Faculty Teaching Award and Scientific and Technological Innovation Talent honor. As an active member of the Chinese Chemical Society and peer reviewer for leading journals, Dr. Zhang continues to inspire innovation and scientific discovery globally.

Author Profiles

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Education

Dr. Wenkai Zhang began his academic journey with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Qufu Normal University in 2008, where he gained a strong foundation in chemical principles and laboratory research. He pursued his doctoral studies at Sun Yat-Sen University, earning a Ph.D. in Polymer Chemistry and Physics in 2013. His Ph.D. research focused on advanced polymeric materials and their functional properties, laying the groundwork for his career in materials science. During this period, he engaged in extensive research on nanostructured polymers, photonic materials, and carbon-based functional composites. His doctoral work not only strengthened his technical expertise but also fostered a passion for interdisciplinary applications of chemistry in material innovation. Dr. Zhang’s international exposure further expanded during his time as a Visiting Scholar at Mississippi State University, where he collaborated with leading researchers, enhancing his academic vision and advancing his knowledge in nanomaterials and applied chemistry.

Experience

Dr. Wenkai Zhang has built a dynamic academic career characterized by teaching excellence, innovative research, and international collaborations. Since joining Henan University, he has held progressive academic appointments, including Associate Professor from 2017 to 2024 and subsequently Professor in the College of Chemistry and Chemical Sciences. His work spans across nanomaterials, polymers, and functional composites, with a particular focus on their applications in optical security, photonics, and anti-counterfeiting technologies. Between 2019 and 2020, he broadened his expertise as a Visiting Scholar at Mississippi State University, collaborating on cutting-edge material chemistry projects. Beyond his research, Dr. Zhang has excelled in teaching and mentorship, guiding students in developing research acumen and problem-solving skills. His recognition with multiple Faculty Teaching Awards underscores his dedication to education. Moreover, his active role as a peer reviewer for prestigious journals demonstrates his influence in shaping the global materials science community.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Wenkai Zhang’s career is marked by a series of notable awards and honors that reflect both his academic excellence and innovative contributions. In 2023, he was honored as a Scientific and Technological Innovation Talent in Kaifeng by the Kaifeng Municipal Government, acknowledging his groundbreaking research in nanomaterials and functional polymers. Earlier, in 2018, he was recognized as one of the Young Core Faculty Members in Henan Higher Education Institutions by the Henan Provincial Education Department, a testament to his leadership and academic promise. His exceptional teaching skills earned him the Faculty Teaching Award from Henan University in both 2015 and 2024, highlighting his commitment to nurturing the next generation of scientists. Beyond these distinctions, Dr. Zhang’s active membership in the Chinese Chemical Society and his extensive peer-review contributions to elite journals such as Advanced Materials and Nano Letters further underscore his impact on the field of materials science.

Research Focus

Dr. Wenkai Zhang’s research focuses on the design, synthesis, and application of advanced functional materials, particularly carbon-based nanomaterials, polymer composites, and photonic hydrogels. His work emphasizes the development of innovative approaches for optical security, anti-counterfeiting, data encryption, and environmentally sustainable material applications. Through his studies on carbon dots and electrospun nanofibers, he has pioneered strategies for fabricating materials with tunable optical and structural properties, enabling unique identifiers and physical unclonable functions. Dr. Zhang also explores supramolecular carbon dots and solvent-programmable hydrogels, advancing multifunctional platforms with applications in security technologies and sensors. His interdisciplinary approach bridges chemistry, materials science, and applied physics, contributing solutions to global challenges in authentication, sustainability, and information protection. By combining theoretical insights with experimental innovation, Dr. Zhang’s research not only deepens scientific understanding but also translates into impactful applications that benefit academia, industry, and society at large.

Publications

  1. Template-Guided Assembly of Organosilica Nanodots for Optical Security.

  2. Conformal Plasmonic Gratings on Nanofiber Membranes for Holographic Security.

  3. Patternable Siloxane-Carbon Dots for Luminescent Microstructures.

  4. Solvent-Programmable Photonic Hydrogels with Tunable Properties.

  5. Ethanothermal Synthesis of Dual Emissive Carbon Dots.

  6. Flame Retardancy in Polyamide Composites via DOPO-Functionalized Copolymers.

  7. Cryptosystem Development Using 2D-SDMCHM and Hexagon Prediction.

  8. Multicolor Carbon Dot Nanofibers for Anti-Counterfeiting.

  9. Feature Encoding of Electrospun Nanofibers for Authentication.

  10. Dual Fluorescence in Carbon Dots from Quinone Derivatives.

  11. Environment-Sensitive Carbon Dots for Anti-Counterfeiting.

  12. Assembly of Plasmonic Nanocavities for Ultrafast Emission.

  13. Electrospun Nanofibers as Unique Identifiers for Security.

  14. ESIPT Fluorophores in Carbon Dots for Multi-Anti-Counterfeiting.

  15. Insights into Dual-Emissive Carbon Dots via Solvothermal Synthesis.

  16. Photoinduced Iron-Catalyzed ipso-Nitration of Aryl Halides.

  17. Emission Enhancement in Polyfluorene Copolymers via Plasmonics.

  18. Quantification of Optical Properties in Perovskite Nanocrystals.

  19. Purcell-Enhanced Emission from Perovskite Quantum Dots.

Conclusion

Dr. Wenkai Zhang exemplifies excellence in materials science through his innovative research, impactful teaching, and international collaborations. His pioneering work on nanomaterials, polymers, and photonic systems addresses critical global challenges in authentication, sustainability, and advanced technologies. With numerous awards, distinguished publications, and an active role in the scientific community, he stands as a leading figure shaping the future of materials science. His contributions make him a strong candidate for recognition through prestigious awards, inspiring continued advancement in both academia and industry.

Alexander Cholach | Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

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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

Rimeh Ismail | Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

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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.

Professional Profile

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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