Xiaoyi Hou | New Energy Storage Materials | Best Researcher Award 

Mr. Xiaoyi Hou | New energy storage materials | Best Researcher Award 

Associate professor, Qinghai Normal University, China

Xiaoyi Hou is a dedicated researcher in the field of new energy storage technologies, with a strong background in condensed matter physics. A graduate of Lanzhou University, he has cultivated a specialized research portfolio focused on lithium-ion batteries, supercapacitors, and lithium-sulfur batteries. Hou’s work integrates fundamental science with practical applications, contributing significantly to the advancement of next-generation energy storage devices. In recognition of his impactful research, he was selected in 2019 as one of the top talents in Qinghai Province under the prestigious “Thousand Talents Plan for High-end Innovative Talents.” His scholarly contributions are evident in numerous publications in high-impact journals such as the Chemical Engineering Journal, Journal of Alloys and Compounds, and Materials Letters. Hou continues to drive innovations in materials science and electrochemical energy storage systems, making him a valuable figure in the field of sustainable energy technologies.

Professional Profile

Education

Xiaoyi Hou completed his academic training in condensed matter physics at Lanzhou University, a leading institution known for its strengths in physical sciences and materials research. His education provided him with a solid foundation in the principles of quantum mechanics, materials properties, and solid-state physics. During his academic tenure, he developed a particular interest in the application of physical principles to real-world energy challenges. His coursework and research projects exposed him to advanced topics in materials science, thermodynamics, and nanotechnology, which later became central to his career in energy storage. The comprehensive and interdisciplinary nature of his education at Lanzhou University equipped him with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills in materials characterization, device fabrication, and electrochemical testing. This educational background laid the groundwork for his transition into high-impact research in new energy materials and positioned him well for selection into competitive research talent programs in China.

Experience 

Xiaoyi Hou has accumulated significant experience in both academic and applied research on energy storage technologies. After graduating from Lanzhou University, he engaged in extensive laboratory and project-based research focused on the development of novel electrode materials and device architectures for next-generation energy storage systems. His experience spans lithium-ion batteries, lithium-sulfur batteries, and supercapacitors, where he has contributed to material synthesis, performance optimization, and device integration. He has worked on interdisciplinary teams involving physicists, chemists, and engineers, facilitating a holistic approach to problem-solving in energy systems. Hou has also led and participated in several provincial and national research projects, driving innovation in energy-efficient technologies. His research outcomes have been published in leading journals and have contributed to the scientific understanding and commercial potential of energy storage materials. His work continues to bridge the gap between fundamental materials science and functional energy devices.

Research Focus 

Xiaoyi Hou’s research focuses on the design and development of advanced materials for energy storage applications, with an emphasis on high-performance lithium-ion batteries, lithium-sulfur batteries, and supercapacitors. His work aims to address critical challenges such as energy density, cycle life, safety, and cost-effectiveness. He investigates novel electrode and electrolyte materials using nanostructuring, surface modification, and hybridization strategies to improve electrochemical performance. Hou also explores the mechanisms of charge storage and degradation processes at the molecular level, combining experimental techniques with theoretical modeling. His interdisciplinary approach bridges physics, materials science, and electrochemistry, enabling the creation of innovative storage devices with enhanced functionality. By focusing on scalable and sustainable materials, his research contributes to the advancement of clean energy technologies, addressing both environmental concerns and growing energy demands. Hou’s work continues to impact both academic inquiry and practical device innovation in the global energy storage sector

Publication Top Notes

Building Rapid Electron/Ion Dual Channels in Mesoporous CoSe₂/CNTs Composites for Advanced Sodium‑Ion Storage

  • Authors: Xiaoyi Hou, Dengdeng Ai, Jianglong Kang, Qirongxing Shen, Minmin Li & Jingyu Qi

  • Journal: Electrochimica Acta 530 (May 2025)

  • Summary: This work presents a 3‑dimensional mesoporous CoSe₂–carbon‑nanotube hybrid using an MOF‑derived template. The structure provides intertwined electron and Na⁺ conduction channels, resulting in significantly improved sodium-storage metrics—higher capacity, enhanced rate performance, and longer cycling life compared to conventional CoSe₂ systems sciencedirect.com+7researchgate.net+7pubs.rsc.org+7.

Boosting Li⁺ Transport Kinetics and Structural Stability of Co‑Free LiNi₀.₉Mn₀.₁₋ₓAlₓO₂ Cathode Materials

  • Authors: (not listed; placeholder “…, …”)

  • Journal: Journal of Electroanalytical Chemistry, 2025

  • Summary: Reported is a Co‑free layered cathode LiNi₀.₉Mn₀.₁₋ₓAlₓO₂ synthesized via organic‑amine co‑precipitation. Partial Al doping enhances lithium‑ion diffusion and stabilizes the layered structure under cycling conditions, yielding improved rate capability and structural integrity.

Improving the Electrochemical Performance of Ag‑Doped Ni‑Rich Li(Ni₀.₈₈Co₀.₀₉Al₀.₀₃)₁₋ₓO₂ Layered Cathode Material

  • Authors: (not listed; placeholder “…, …”)

  • Journal: Applied Physics A: Materials Science & Processing, 2025

  • Summary: Silver‑doped Li(Ni₀.₈₈Co₀.₀₉Al₀.₀₃)O₂ is produced through solid‑state synthesis. It achieves a high initial discharge capacity (~223 mAh g⁻¹ at 0.2 C) and ~95% retention (~178 mAh g⁻¹) after 100 cycles. Ag doping stabilizes the structure, mitigating capacity fade.

A Tailored High‑Nickel Cobalt‑Free Na‑Doped LiNi₀.₉Mn₀.₀₆Al₀.₀₄O₂ Cathode for Superior Lithium Storage

  • Authors: (not listed; placeholder “…, …”)

  • Journal: Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics, June 25 2025

  • Summary: This Na-doped, high-Ni, Co-free cathode material fine-tunes the lattice of LiNi₀.₉Mn₀.₀₆Al₀.₀₄O₂ to enhance Li⁺ transport kinetics and structural robustness. Results show high capacity and excellent cycling stability, attributing improvements to optimized lattice spacing and diffusion pathways.

Conclusion

Xiaoyi Hou emerges as a distinguished researcher in the realm of advanced energy storage systems, combining a solid academic foundation with innovative scientific contributions. His expertise in condensed matter physics, acquired from Lanzhou University, has laid the groundwork for his impactful work on lithium-ion batteries, lithium-sulfur batteries, and supercapacitors. His selection for the Qinghai Province “Thousand Talents Plan for High-end Innovative Talents” in 2019 affirms his stature as a leading innovator in the field. Through numerous publications in prestigious journals and his active role in high-level research initiatives, Hou has demonstrated a consistent commitment to addressing the global demand for efficient and sustainable energy solutions. His integrated approach to materials design, device engineering, and performance enhancement continues to contribute meaningfully to the development of next-generation energy storage technologies. With a clear research vision and proven excellence, Xiaoyi Hou stands out as a key figure in China’s scientific and technological advancement.

 

 

Vilas Pol | Batteries | Excellence in Research

Prof. Vilas Pol | Batteries | Excellence in Research

Professor, Purdue University, United States

Prof. Vilas Pol is a distinguished academic and researcher in the field of chemical engineering and energy storage systems. Currently, he serves as a Professor at the Davidson School of Chemical Engineering, Purdue University. With a focus on sustainable energy technologies, his work integrates materials science, electrochemical energy storage, and battery technologies. He has received multiple prestigious awards, including the 2024 Asian American Engineer of the Year and the 2024 Fellowship of the Royal Society of Chemistry. His research also covers energy storage, sustainability, and nanomaterials for a better, greener future.

Profile

Education

Prof. Pol holds a Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Bar-Ilan, Israel, where he worked in advanced materials and nanotechnology. He also completed his M.Phil. and M.Sc. in Chemistry at the University of Pune, India. His early academic foundation laid the groundwork for a career that integrates chemistry, materials science, and engineering. His extensive education and expertise have contributed to innovative solutions in energy storage and chemical processes.

Experience

Prof. Pol has a rich professional journey that includes significant roles such as the Purdue University Faculty Scholar and an Adjunct Professor at IIT Indore. He has been associated with high-profile positions, including a materials scientist at Argonne National Laboratory and a visiting faculty at NIMS, Japan. His expertise spans lithium-ion batteries, energy storage materials, and electrochemical technologies. He has also held postdoctoral appointments, including work at the Intense Pulsed Neutron Source at Argonne National Laboratory, expanding his influence in scientific communities worldwide.

Awards and Honors

Prof. Pol’s remarkable achievements have earned him several prestigious accolades, including the 2024 Asian American Engineer of the Year, the Royal Society of Chemistry Fellowship, and recognition as one of Purdue University’s most impactful faculty inventors. Other notable awards include the 2021 AIChE Excellence in Process Development Research Award and the R&D 100 Award for “Versatile Hard Carbon Microspheres Made from Plastic Waste” (2015). His groundbreaking work has also resulted in multiple Guinness World Records, most recently for the fastest arrangement of elements in the periodic table in 2018.

Research Focus

Prof. Pol’s research revolves around sustainable energy technologies, including the development of advanced materials for energy storage applications such as lithium-ion and sodium-ion batteries. He focuses on enhancing battery performance and safety, exploring novel materials like hard carbon microspheres from plastic waste, and improving electrochemical systems. His work in materials science aims to reduce the environmental impact of energy storage devices, driving innovation in clean and efficient technologies for a sustainable future.

Publications

  • Amorphous GeSnSe nanoparticles as a Li-Ion battery anode with High-Capacity and long cycle performance 🔋
  • Nonwoven fabric supported flame-retarding quasi-solid electrolyte for wider-temperature safer Li-ion battery 🔥
  • Operando Fabricated Quasi-Solid-State Electrolyte Hinders Polysulfide Shuttles in an Advanced Li-S Battery ⚡
  • Glory of Fire Retardants in Li-Ion Batteries: Could They Be Intrinsically Safer? 🔥
  • Inactivation kinetic parameters of hydrogen peroxide application in commercial sterility of aseptic processing systems 🧴
  • Ultrathin (15 nm) Carbon Sheets with Surface Oxygen Functionalization for Efficient Pseudocapacitive Na-ion Storage 💡
  • Innovative amorphous multiple anionic transition metal compound electrode for extreme environments (≤ −80 °C) battery operations 🏔️
  • Optimization of the Form Factors of Advanced Li-S Pouch Cells ⚡
  • Graphene triggered catalytic attack on plastic waste produces graphitic shell encapsulation on cobalt nanoparticles for ferromagnetism and stable Li+ ion storage 🔬
  • Enriched supercapacitive performance of electrochemically tailored β-Co(OH)2/CoOOH nanodiscs from sacrificial Co3(PO4)2·4H2O microbelts 🔋