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.

 

 

Sepideh Amjad-Iranagh | Li-Ion Batteries | Best Researcher Award

Sepideh Amjad-Iranagh | Li-Ion Batteries | Best Researcher Award

Academician/Research Scholar at Sepideh Amjad-Iranagh in Iran

Sepideh Amjad-Iranagh, born in Tabriz, Iran, in 1985, is an esteemed researcher and assistant professor in the Department of Materials and Metallurgical Engineering at Amirkabir University of Technology, Tehran. With a strong foundation in applied chemistry, she has dedicated her career to advancing knowledge in nanomaterials and molecular dynamics. Throughout her academic journey, she has demonstrated exceptional talent, consistently ranking among the top students in her field. Her contributions extend beyond research, as she actively engages in teaching and mentoring students, fostering the next generation of scientists.

Profile

Google Scholar

Strengths for the Award

  1. Academic Excellence:
    • Consistently achieved high GPAs across all educational levels (BSc: 17.03, MSc: 17.97, PhD: 18.83).
    • Notable performance in comprehensive exams, scoring 19/20 during her PhD.
  2. Distinguished Awards:
    • Recognized as the top student at various academic levels and awarded “Top Researcher” in 2014 at Amirkabir University.
    • Received accolades for being a distinguished graduate at each educational stage.
  3. Diverse Teaching Experience:
    • Extensive teaching background across multiple universities, indicating strong pedagogical skills and the ability to engage with students at various academic levels.
  4. Research Contributions:
    • Authored numerous impactful publications in reputable journals, focusing on nanomaterials, molecular dynamics simulation, and drug delivery systems.
    • Collaborated on significant studies that contribute to advancements in materials science and engineering.
  5. Management and Leadership:
    • Served as the Physical Chemistry Laboratory Manager, showcasing leadership and management abilities in a research environment.
    • Current role as an Assistant Professor allows her to guide and mentor the next generation of researchers.
  6. Technical Skills:
    • Proficient in various programming languages and software tools essential for materials science research, demonstrating versatility and a strong foundation in computational methods.

Areas for Improvement

  1. Broader Collaboration:
    • Engaging in interdisciplinary projects with researchers from different fields could enhance her research portfolio and open new avenues for innovation.
  2. Increased Public Engagement:
    • Actively participating in public science communication or outreach programs could enhance the visibility of her research and its societal impacts.
  3. Grant Acquisition:
    • While her research is robust, focusing on acquiring external funding for her projects could provide resources for larger studies and collaborations.

Education

Sepideh Amjad-Iranagh completed her BSc in Applied Chemistry at Islamic Azad University of Tabriz (2003-2006) with a GPA of 17.03/20. She pursued her MSc at Amirkabir University of Technology (2007-2009), achieving a GPA of 17.97/20. For her PhD, she remained at Amirkabir University (2010-2013), where she excelled with a GPA of 18.83/20 and scored 19/20 on her comprehensive exam. Her doctoral research focused on drug delivery systems utilizing dendrimers with metallic nanoparticle cores. Following her PhD, she undertook postdoctoral studies at the same institution (2014-2016), further solidifying her expertise in applied chemistry and materials science.

Experience

Sepideh Amjad-Iranagh has an extensive teaching background, having served at multiple universities since 2010. Currently, she is an assistant professor in the Department of Materials and Metallurgical Engineering at Amirkabir University of Technology (2021-present). Previously, she taught in the Chemical Engineering Department at the same university from 2010 to 2020 and held positions at various other institutions, including Payam Nour University and Islamic Azad University. Between 2014 and 2020, she managed the Physical Chemistry Laboratory at Amirkabir University, showcasing her leadership skills in academic settings. Her diverse experience in teaching, research management, and mentoring has significantly contributed to the academic community and enriched the educational experience for her students.

Awards and Honors

Sepideh Amjad-Iranagh has received numerous accolades throughout her academic career. She ranked 3rd among 60 BSc chemistry students in 2006 and achieved 1st rank during her MSc and PhD studies at Amirkabir University. In 2014, she was recognized as the top graduate student across all disciplines at Amirkabir University, earning the title of “Top Researcher.” Her academic excellence has also been acknowledged through distinguished graduate honors at each educational level. In 2017, she was awarded “Top Employee” as a Laboratory Instructor, reflecting her dedication and contributions to the academic environment. These awards highlight her commitment to excellence in research and education, establishing her as a leading figure in her field.

Research Focus

Sepideh Amjad-Iranagh’s research focuses on the synthesis and characterization of organic, inorganic, and magnetic nanomaterials, alongside molecular dynamics simulations. Her work encompasses a range of topics, including electroless plating, water treatment, gas separation procedures, and enhanced oil recovery. She explores the transport properties of penetrant gases in silica particle-filled membranes and investigates the interactions of drug delivery systems using molecular dynamics. Her publications in esteemed journals reflect her contributions to understanding nanostructure characterizations and their applications in various fields. Amjad-Iranagh’s research not only advances fundamental knowledge but also has practical implications in pharmaceuticals, materials science, and environmental engineering.

Publication Top Notes

  • Study of nano composite materials on electroless coating and its effect on physico-chemical properties of substrates 🌟
  • Drug delivery Dendrimer with metallic nanoparticles core: synthesis and study of molecular dynamics 💊
  • Molecular dynamics simulation study of chitosan and gemcitabine as a drug delivery system 📦
  • Adsorption and encapsulation of the drug doxorubicin on covalent functionalized carbon nanotubes 🧬
  • Separation of gases by using pristine, composite and nanocomposite polymeric membranes 🌬️
  • Carbon nanotube-encapsulated drug penetration through the cell membrane 🚪
  • Synthesis, characterization, and CO₂ adsorption properties of metal organic framework Fe-BDC 🧪
  • Interaction of PEGylated anti-hypertensive drugs with lipid bilayer membrane 💧
  • Self-accumulation of uncharged polyaromatic surfactants at crude oil–water interface 🌊
  • Molecular dynamics simulation of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in a lipid bilayer membrane 💊
  • Molecular dynamics simulation of coarse-grained poly (L-lysine) dendrimers 🔬
  • Effect of pristine and functionalized carbon nanotubes on CO₂ separation of mixed matrix membranes 🌱
  • Evaluation of density, viscosity, surface tension, and CO₂ solubility for ionic liquids solutions 🌡️
  • Synthesis of MnO₂-polyaniline nanofiber composites to produce high conductive polymer ⚡
  • Nanofibrous and nanoparticle materials as drug-delivery systems 🧪
  • Prediction of thermophysical properties for binary mixtures of ionic liquids with water or alcohol 🔍

Conclusion

Sepideh Amjad-Iranagh is a highly qualified candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to her exceptional academic record, significant research contributions, and commitment to teaching. Her leadership roles and technical expertise further enhance her candidacy. With opportunities for broader collaboration and public engagement, she is poised to make even more substantial contributions to the field of materials and metallurgical engineering. Her trajectory indicates a strong potential for continued impact in her research areas.

Byoung-Suhk Kim | energy storage devices | Best Researcher Award

Prof Byoung-Suhk Kim | energy storage devices | Best Researcher Award

Prof Byoung-Suhk Kim, Jeonbuk National University, South Korea

Prof  Byoung-Suhk Kim is a distinguished Professor at Jeonbuk National University, Republic of Korea 🇰🇷. With expertise in materials engineering and a Ph.D. from Hokkaido University, Japan 🎓, he specializes in supercapacitors, transparent flexible electrodes, and electrocatalysts. His extensive international experience includes research roles in the USA, Germany, and Japan 🌍. As an editorial board member for several renowned journals, including ‘Energy and Catalysis’ and ‘Electrochemistry’, he contributes significantly to the field of nanomaterials and polymer science.

Publication Profile

Education

Byoung-Suhk Kim pursued his academic journey with a Ph.D. in Biological Sciences (Macromolecular Functions) from Hokkaido University 🎓 in 1999, preceded by an M.S. in Fiber Chemistry 🧪 from Jeonbuk National University, South Korea 🇰🇷 in 1995, and a B.S. in Textile Engineering 🧵 from the same university in 1993. His educational path equipped him with diverse expertise in polymer science and materials engineering, laying a strong foundation for his esteemed career as a professor and researcher in the field of carbon composites and organic materials.

Experience

Byoung-Suhk Kim has held a distinguished career path, currently serving as a Professor 🎓 at Jeonbuk National University, Republic of Korea 🇰🇷 since March 2012. His global experience includes roles such as Visiting Researcher 🌍 at the University of Pennsylvania, USA 🇺🇸 (2019-2020), Global COE researcher 🌐 at Shinshu University, Japan 🇯🇵 (2008-2012), and Principal Researcher at the Kumho Petrochemical R&BD Center 🧪 in Daejeon, Republic of Korea 🇰🇷 (2007-2008). He has also been a distinguished Alexander von Humboldt Research Fellow 🌐 at the Max-Planck Institute for Polymer Research in Germany 🇩🇪 (2003-2005) and held postdoctoral positions at the University of Connecticut, USA 🇺🇸, and Sogang University, South Korea 🇰🇷.

Research Focus

Byoung-Suhk Kim’s research focuses on advanced materials for energy and biomedical applications 🧬⚡️. His work prominently features electrospun nanofibers, exploring their synthesis and applications in supercapacitors and biomaterials. He investigates polymer blends, nanocomposites, and functional coatings, emphasizing properties like water stability, electrocatalytic activity, and mechanical performance. Kim’s contributions extend to scalable synthesis techniques for nanohybrids, enhancing devices such as flexible electrodes and biosensors. His interdisciplinary approach integrates polymer science with nanotechnology to address challenges in energy storage, sensing, and tissue engineering, aiming to develop sustainable and high-performance materials for diverse technological needs.