Dr Pezhman Molaei | Photocatalyst | Excellence in Innovation

Nano materials , Islamic Azad University , Iran

Dr. P. Molaei is an assistant professor at Islamic Azad University in Masjedsoleiman, Iran, specializing in nanomaterials for energy conversion and storage applications. With a background in condensed matter physics, his research focuses on the development of advanced nanostructured materials for solar cells, photocatalysts, and photoelectrochemical systems. Dr. Molaei has made notable contributions in fabricating efficient solar cell absorber layers, including the Sb₂S₃/reduced graphene oxide (rGO) composite and ZnO-based materials. His work on scalable synthesis of graphene quantum dots (GQDs) and composite photocatalysts has earned recognition in the scientific community. Dr. Molaei’s interdisciplinary expertise spans nanoscience, solid-state physics, and materials engineering, with a commitment to sustainable energy solutions. His research, supported by innovative synthesis methods and in-depth material characterization, has significant applications in clean energy, environmental remediation, and next-generation electronic devices.

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Strengths for the Award

1. Pioneering Research Contributions:
   • Dr. Molaei has demonstrated significant innovation in the design, synthesis, and characterization of nanomaterials, particularly for energy conversion and storage. His work on the fabrication of solar cells based on antimony sulfide/reduced graphene oxide (Sb2S3/rGO) as the absorber layer is groundbreaking, contributing to advancements in photocurrent efficiency for solar cells.
   • The one-step synthesis of Sb2S3/rGO composites and the hot-injection method for their preparation, which is nontoxic and novel, highlights Dr. Molaei’s ability to create sustainable and scalable solutions for next-generation energy devices.
2. Impactful Methodologies:
   • The chemical vapor deposition (CVD) route developed by Dr. Molaei for ZnO-rGO composite layers (with absorption in the near-infrared region) is highly innovative, offering new possibilities for multifunctional materials in solar cells and optoelectronics. His work bridges material synthesis with practical applications, providing materials that function both as light absorbers and electron transport layers in solar devices.
3. Scalability and Yield:
   • Dr. Molaei has demonstrated remarkable success in achieving gram-scale synthesis of graphene quantum dots (GQDs). This scalable synthesis is critical for practical applications in photovoltaics and photocatalysis, where large quantities of material are needed for commercialization.
4. Diverse Expertise in Material Synthesis:
   • His expertise in a wide range of nanomaterial synthesis techniques (such as chemical bath deposition, hot injection, chemical vapor deposition) showcases his versatility. This diversity enables the creation of nanostructured materials for a variety of applications including photocatalysis, energy storage, and photovoltaics.
5. Research and Publishing Record:
   • Dr. Molaei’s research has already led to several highly cited papers in reputable journals like the Journal of Nanoparticle Research and Ceramics International. The impact of his work is evident from the citations, indicating significant interest and validation from the scientific community.
6. Environmental and Sustainable Applications:
   • Dr. Molaei’s focus on environmentally friendly materials (e.g., nontoxic solvents in synthesis) and sustainable energy solutions like solar cells and photocatalysts aligns well with the current global push for green technologies. His work holds promise in addressing pressing challenges in clean energy and environmental remediation.

Areas for Improvement

1. Broader Application of Findings:
   • While Dr. Molaei has developed several promising materials for solar cells and photocatalysis, future work could benefit from demonstrating the commercial viability of these materials in real-world conditions. Long-term stability and efficiency under operational stress tests (e.g., light, temperature, moisture) are crucial for scaling up.
2. Collaborative Research and Interdisciplinary Approaches:
   • Dr. Molaei’s work is already interdisciplinary, involving materials science, physics, and engineering. However, further collaboration with experts in device engineering and industry partners could accelerate the translation of his innovations from the lab to large-scale applications. Partnerships with energy companies and environmental organizations could lead to more practical applications.
3. Optimization for Large-Scale Manufacturing:
   • While Dr. Molaei has focused on scalability (e.g., in GQDs synthesis), future efforts could target the industrial scalability of his nanomaterial synthesis processes. Developing more efficient and cost-effective production methods could enhance the potential impact of his work in the commercial market.
4. Broader Implications of Work:
   • It would be beneficial to expand research to include life-cycle analysis of the nanomaterials developed, to assess their environmental impact from synthesis through to disposal. This would provide a more comprehensive understanding of their sustainability and potential risks in industrial applications.

Education 

Dr. P. Molaei earned his Ph.D. in Condensed Matter Physics from Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Iran (2013–2019). His doctoral research, titled “Fabrication and Characterization of a Solar Cell Based on Antimony Sulfide/Reduced Graphene Oxide as Absorber Layer”, focused on the development of innovative materials for solar energy conversion. Prior to his Ph.D., he completed a Master of Science in Elementary Particle Physics at the University of Yazd (2003–2006), where he developed a strong foundation in theoretical and experimental physics. He also obtained his Bachelor’s degree in Physics from Isfahan University of Technology (2003–2006). Dr. Molaei’s educational journey has provided him with a deep understanding of nanomaterials, energy systems, and solid-state physics, all of which he applies in his research to solve challenges in energy storage, conversion, and environmental applications.

Experience 

Dr. Molaei is currently serving as an Assistant Professor at Islamic Azad University, Masjedsoleiman (2019-present), where he leads cutting-edge research in nanomaterials and energy conversion technologies. He has successfully developed a CVD route for synthesizing ZnO-rGO composites with near-infrared absorption, targeted for solar cells and optoelectrical applications. He has also pioneered gram-scale synthesis of graphene quantum dots (GQDs) using a copper-based catalyst, demonstrating impressive yield and scalability. Previously, Dr. Molaei was a Ph.D. candidate at Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz (2013-2019), where he proposed innovative approaches to Sb₂S₃/rGO composite solar cells and developed novel synthesis methods, including hot-injection and CVD for nanowires. His expertise spans material characterization (XRD, UV-vis, Raman spectroscopy, EIS), and he is proficient in various synthesis techniques such as chemical bath deposition (CBD) and chemical vapor deposition (CVD). His research has led to numerous high-impact publications.

Research Focus 

Dr. P. Molaei’s research focuses on the synthesis and characterization of nanomaterials with applications in energy storage and conversion technologies. His key areas of interest include the development of solar cells,t photocatalysts, and photoelectrochemical systems. He specializes in designing nanostructured materials such as metal oxides, metal chalcogenides, and 2D nanomaterials, optimizing their properties for photovoltaic and environmental remediation applications. A major part of his work includes designing composite materials, such as Sb₂S₃/rGO for solar cell absorbers and ZnO-rGO for near-infrared absorbing layers. Dr. Molaei also investigates graphene quantum dots (GQDs), exploring scalable synthesis routes with novel catalysts. His goal is to advance clean energy technologies, particularly solar power, by developing efficient, low-cost, and environmentally friendly materials. Additionally, he is interested in enhancing the performance of photocatalysts for environmental cleanup and water splitting applications.

Publications

1. Impact of rGO on photocatalytic performance of Cd-doped ZnO nanostructures synthesized via a simple aqueous co-precipitation route
2. One-step in situ synthesis of antimony sulfide/reduced graphene oxide composite as an absorber layer with enhanced photocurrent performances for solar cells
3. Porous g-C₃N₄ nanosheets through facile thermal polymerization of melamine in the air for photocatalyst application
4. Extended photocurrent performance of antimony trisulfide/reduced graphene oxide composite prepared via a facile hot-injection route
5. Seed-free synthesis of ZnO nanorods through egg white/glycerol medium for photocatalyst applications
6. Optimized synthesis of ZnO nanostructures by egg-white content ratio manipulation for photocatalytic applications
7. One-Step Fabrication of S-Scheme ZnO/G-C₃N₄ Composites for Enhanced Environmental Photocatalysis

Conclusion

Dr. P. Molaei is a promising and innovative researcher whose work has already made substantial contributions to the fields of nanomaterials and energy technologies. His research has not only advanced the fundamental understanding of material properties but also introduced practical approaches to solar energy harvesting and environmental remediation. His innovative methodologies, successful scalability efforts, and deep interdisciplinary expertise position him as a strong candidate for the Excellence in Innovation Award. By addressing the few areas for improvement related to the commercialization and environmental impact of his materials, Dr. Molaei could further strengthen his position as a leader in his field and have a significant impact on both science and society.