Iqtidar Ahmad | photocatalytic water splitting | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Iqtidar Ahmad | photocatalytic water splitting | Best Researcher Award

Postdoctoral fellow, Shenzhen University, China.

Dr. Iqtidar Ahmad is a Pakistani physicist specializing in material physics and chemistry, currently serving as a Postdoctoral Researcher at the College of Materials Science and Engineering, Shenzhen University, China. He completed his Ph.D. in 2022 at Kunming University of Science and Technology, China. Dr. Ahmad has held teaching positions in Pakistan, including at Government Degree College, Lohor, and Army Public School and College, Mansehra. His research focuses on low-dimensional materials, van der Waals heterostructures, and their applications in optoelectronics, spintronics, and photocatalysis. He has co-authored several publications in high-impact journals, contributing significantly to the field of material science.

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Education 

Dr. Ahmad’s academic journey began with a Diploma of Associate Engineering (D.A.E.) in Electronics from Gandahara College of Technology, Chakdara, Pakistan, in 2009. He then pursued a Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Physics at Hazara University Mansehra, Pakistan, graduating in 2013 with a CGPA of 3.42/4. Continuing his studies, he completed a Master of Philosophy (M.Phil.) in Physics at the same institution in 2016, achieving a CGPA of 3.92/4. Dr. Ahmad further advanced his expertise by earning a Ph.D. in Material Physics and Chemistry from Kunming University of Science and Technology, China, in December 2022. His educational background laid a strong foundation for his research in material science and physics.

Experience 

Dr. Ahmad has a diverse professional background combining academia and research. He currently serves as a Postdoctoral Researcher at the College of Materials Science and Engineering, Shenzhen University, China, since 2023. Prior to this, he held teaching positions in Pakistan, including Lecturer roles at Government Degree College, Lohor (2016–2017), Army Public School and College, Mansehra (2015–2016), and Suffa Model School (2013–2014). His research experience encompasses computational studies on two-dimensional materials and their applications in energy-related fields. Dr. Ahmad’s work has led to several publications in peer-reviewed journals, reflecting his commitment to advancing knowledge in material science.

Research Focus 

Dr. Ahmad’s research primarily focuses on the theoretical investigation of low-dimensional materials and their heterostructures, utilizing first-principles calculations to explore their electronic, optical, and thermoelectric properties. His work aims to design materials with enhanced performance for applications in optoelectronics, spintronics, and photocatalysis. He employs advanced computational techniques, including density functional theory (DFT), to study phase transitions, strain engineering, and the effects of doping and adsorption on material properties. Dr. Ahmad’s research contributes to the development of materials with tailored properties for energy-related applications, such as water splitting and energy storage. His expertise in computational material science positions him at the forefront of research in this domain.

Publication Top Notes

  1. Title: Two-dimensional SiH/In₂XY (X, Y = S, Se) van der Waals heterostructures for efficient water splitting photocatalysis: A DFT approach

    • Journal: International Journal of Hydrogen Energy

    • Date: April 18, 2025

    • DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2025.04.289

    • Summary: This study investigates the photocatalytic properties of SiH/In₂XY heterostructures for water splitting applications, utilizing density functional theory to analyze their efficiency.

  2. Title: Theoretical insights into Sb₂Te₃/Te van der Waals heterostructures for achieving very high figure of merit and conversion efficiency

    • Journal: International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer

    • Date: March 1, 2025

    • DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheatmasstransfer.2024.126479

    • Summary: This paper explores the thermoelectric properties of Sb₂Te₃/Te heterostructures, aiming to enhance their efficiency for energy conversion applications.

  3. Title: The van der Waals heterostructures of blue phosphorene with GaN/GeC for high-performance thermoelectric applications

    • Journal: APL Materials

    • Date: January 1, 2025

    • DOI: 10.1063/5.0243511

    • Summary: This research examines the potential of blue phosphorene/GaN/GeC heterostructures for thermoelectric applications, focusing on their performance and efficiency.

  4. Title: Enhanced spintronic and electronic properties in MTe₂-GdCl₂ (M=Mo, W) heterojunctions

    • Journal: Surfaces and Interfaces

    • Date: December 2024

    • DOI: 10.1016/j.surfin.2024.105364

    • Summary: This paper investigates the spintronic and electronic

  5. Title: Enhanced visible-light-driven photocatalytic activity in SiPGaS/arsenene-based van der Waals heterostructures

    • Journal: iScience

    • Date: 2023

    • DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.108025

    • Summary: Demonstrates enhanced visible-light absorption and charge separation efficiency in SiPGaS/arsenene heterostructures, making them promising candidates for photocatalytic water splitting.

  6. Title: High thermoelectric performance of two-dimensional SiPGaS/As heterostructures

    • Journal: Nanoscale

    • Date: 2023

    • DOI: 10.1039/d3nr00316g

    • Summary: Investigates thermoelectric efficiency improvements through phonon suppression and high Seebeck coefficients in SiPGaS/As heterostructures.

  7. Title: Nickel selenide nano-cubes anchored on cadmium selenide nanoparticles for hybrid energy storage

    • Journal: Journal of Energy Storage

    • Date: 2023

    • DOI: 10.1016/j.est.2023.107065

    • Summary: First-ever design of NiSe nanocubes on CdSe for hybrid supercapacitor applications showing high capacitance and stability.

  8. Title: Versatile characteristics of Ars/SGaInS van der Waals heterostructures

    • Journal: Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics

    • Date: 2023

    • DOI: 10.1039/d2cp04832a

    • Summary: Analyzes multifunctional characteristics for applications in optoelectronics and photovoltaics.

  9. Title: Two-dimensional Janus SGaInSe/PtSe₂ heterostructures for water splitting

    • Journal: International Journal of Hydrogen Energy

    • Date: 2022

    • DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2022.06.188

    • Summary: Examines potential for solar-driven water splitting, emphasizing electron-hole separation efficiency.

  10. Title: Electronic, mechanical, and photocatalytic properties of Janus XGaInY monolayers

    • Journal: RSC Advances

    • Date: 2021

    • DOI: 10.1039/d1ra02324a

    • Summary: Explores tunable bandgaps and mechanical stability of Janus monolayers for photocatalysis.

Conclusion

Dr. Iqtidar Ahmad is a highly qualified, technically capable, and productive researcher in the field of computational materials science. His work demonstrates depth, novelty, and interdisciplinary relevance, making him a strong candidate for a Best Researcher Award, especially at the early to mid-career level.

Vinay Rastogi | Condensed Matter Physics | Best Researcher Award

Assist Prof Dr Vinay Rastogi | Condensed Matter Physics | Best Researcher Award

Assistant Professor, Pimpri Chinchwad University, India

Dr. Vinay Rastogi is an Assistant Professor of Physics at Pimpri Chinchwad University, Pune, India, specializing in laser-driven shock compression and materials science. He completed his Ph.D. at Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, where he studied materials’ behavior under dynamic shock loading. Following his doctoral work, he served as a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Hopkins Extreme Materials Institute, Johns Hopkins University, where he furthered his research in high-power lasers and their applications. Dr. Rastogi is dedicated to mentoring students and advancing research in condensed matter physics, with numerous publications and presentations in his field.

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Strengths for the Award

  1. Robust Research Experience: Dr. Rastogi has extensive experience in dynamic compression and laser-matter interactions, demonstrated through multiple projects and collaborations with prestigious institutions like Johns Hopkins University, SLAC, and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory.
  2. Innovative Contributions: His work on developing advanced diagnostic tools and facilities, such as the Time Resolved Raman Spectroscopy and Thomson Parabola Spectrometer, showcases his commitment to innovation in research.
  3. Diverse Publication Record: Dr. Rastogi has a significant number of publications in reputable journals, indicating a strong research output and contribution to the field of physics, particularly in high-power laser applications and materials science.
  4. Teaching and Mentoring: His role as an Assistant Professor and his experience mentoring students highlight his dedication to education and the development of the next generation of researchers.
  5. Recognition and Grants: He has received notable fellowships and grants from esteemed bodies, reflecting recognition of his research capabilities and potential.

Areas for Improvement

  1. Increased Public Engagement: While Dr. Rastogi has engaged in oral presentations at various conferences, increasing outreach through public lectures or community engagement could enhance visibility and impact.
  2. Broader Collaboration: Expanding his collaborative efforts beyond current institutions may lead to new interdisciplinary research opportunities and broaden his impact.
  3. Software Skills Enhancement: Developing advanced programming skills in Python or similar languages could enhance his research capabilities, particularly in data analysis and modeling.

Education

Dr. Rastogi earned his Ph.D. in Physics from Homi Bhabha National Institute (HBNI) in 2018, focusing on dynamic shock loading. He holds an M.Sc. in Physics (Electronics specialization) from the University of Lucknow (2011) and a B.Sc. from the same institution (2009). His academic journey reflects a strong foundation in physics and engineering principles. During his Ph.D., he was supervised by Prof. M. N. Deo at the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC). His education is complemented by specialized training in advanced technologies, including lasers and plasma physics.

Experience

Dr. Rastogi has over four years of experience in dynamic compression experiments and laser-matter interactions. He is currently an Assistant Professor at Pimpri Chinchwad University, where he teaches condensed matter physics, high-power lasers, and spectroscopy. Previously, he worked as a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Hopkins Extreme Materials Institute, focusing on high-power laser applications. His research includes the development of advanced diagnostic tools and methodologies for studying materials under extreme conditions. He has collaborated with prominent institutions, enhancing his expertise in high-pressure research and ultrafast diagnostics.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Rastogi has received several prestigious awards, including a Doctoral Research Fellowship from the Department of Atomic Energy, Government of India, and international travel grants from the Department of Science & Technology (DST-SERB ITS) and Strong Field Science. These accolades recognize his contributions to the field of physics and support his research endeavors. His work has been acknowledged in various conferences and publications, further establishing him as a promising researcher in dynamic compression and laser physics.

Research Focus

Dr. Rastogi’s research centers on the development of diagnostics for dynamic compression experiments and the study of laser-driven shock and ramp compression. His interests include time-resolved X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy of dynamically compressed materials and exploring laser-plasma interactions. His projects investigate phase transitions in solid-state materials and the development of advanced facilities for high-frequency experiments. By combining theoretical knowledge and practical applications, he aims to advance the understanding of material behavior under extreme conditions.

Publication Top Notes

  • Laser induced damage studies in borosilicate glass using nanosecond and sub nanosecond pulses 🌟
  • Raman spectroscopy of laser shocked polystyrene 📊
  • Time‐resolved Raman spectroscopy of polystyrene under laser driven shock compression 🔬
  • Development of in situ time-resolved Raman spectroscopy facility for dynamic shock loading in materials ⚙️
  • Time-resolved vibrational spectroscopy of polytetrafluoroethylene under laser-shock compression 🔍
  • Femtosecond diffraction studies of the sodium chloride phase diagram under laser shock compression 💡
  • Development of slurry targets for high repetition-rate XFEL experiments 🧪
  • In situ measurement of ions parameters of laser produced ion source using high resolution Thomson Parabola Spectrometer ⚡
  • Pump probe based Raman spectroscopic studies of PTFE under laser driven shock compression 🔭
  • Thomson parabola: a high resolution ion spectrometer 🛠️
  • In situ Raman spectroscopic studies of polyvinyl toluene under laser‐driven shock compression and comparison with hydrostatic experiments 💧

Conclusion

Dr. Vinay Rastogi possesses a well-rounded profile characterized by strong research accomplishments, a commitment to teaching, and a proactive approach to collaboration. His innovative projects and contributions to the field of physics make him a suitable candidate for the Best Researcher Award. By addressing the suggested areas for improvement, he could further enhance his profile and impact in the research community.