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.
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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.
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
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🔬 XPS and DFT studies of γ-Al₂O₃ modified by NO
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📚 Applied Surface Science
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✍️ Authors: Nartova, A.; Dmitrachkov, A.; Cholach, A.
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📅 Year: 2025
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🧪 Apparent fractionation of isotopes in moderately cooled argon
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📄 XPS and DFT Studies of γ-Al₂O₃ Modified by NO
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⚛️ Catalytic activity of γ-Al₂O₃(110) in the NO + H₂ reaction: a DFT study
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❄️ Freezing-out of heavy isotopes of Kr
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📚 arXiv
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✍️ Authors: Cholach, A.R.; Yakovin, D.V.; Latkin, N.I.; Sidorov, I.A.
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📅 Year: 2023
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📘 Metal, Alloy, and Single-Atom Catalysts for Ammonia Synthesis
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🧪 Removal of CF₄ from NF₃ at the phase interface
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📚 Journal of the Taiwan Institute of Chemical Engineers
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✍️ Authors: Cholach, A.; Yakovin, D.
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📅 Year: 2022
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🔬 Re-Co alloys and single-atom Re catalysts in ammonia synthesis: A DFT study
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🧪 Design of Active Centers in Ammonia Synthesis on Mo-Based Catalysts: A Theoretical Study
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📊 Features of Extended XPS Spectra of C₂FBr₀.₁₅ Intercalate and Silver Foil
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📚 Journal of Structural Chemistry
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✍️ Authors: Cholach, A.R.; Asanov, I.P.; Bryliakova, A.A.; Kalinkin, A.V.; Smirnov, M.Y.
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📅 Year: 2020