Liyu Hou | Catalysis | Best Researcher Award

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Mrs. Liyu Hou | Catalysis | Best Researcher Award

Mrs. Liyu Hou | China University of Petroleum | China

Mrs. Liyu Hou is a PhD candidate in Chemical Engineering and Technology at the State Key Laboratory of Heavy Oil Processing, China University of Petroleum, where her research specializes in heterogeneous catalysis for propane dehydrogenation (PDH). Her work focuses on the design of non-noble metal catalysts supported on oxides or zeolites, with particular emphasis on defect engineering and advanced characterization techniques such as XRD, and in situ DRIFTS. She has made significant contributions to catalytic science by developing Y-doped  catalysts through coprecipitation, demonstrating optimal performance  initial propane conversion and greater than  propylene selectivity sustained after 10 cycles. Her studies revealed that Y³⁺ incorporation into the TiO₂ lattice forms Y–O–Ti bonds, enhances lattice stability, increases surface area, promotes Ti species reduction, and facilitates oxygen vacancy formation, all of which boost PDH efficiency. Furthermore, she has shown that appropriate Y doping stabilizes Ti⁴⁺cus sites and balances the weak-to-medium acid ratio, while excessive Y reduces catalytic activity due to pore blockage. Her research, published in the Journal of Rare Earths and supported by the NSFC and the National Key R&D Program of China, has already gained recognition with 13 citations across 2 documents and an h-index of 1, underscoring her growing impact in catalysis and sustainable energy research.

Profile:  Scopus 

Featured Publications

Liyu Hou, et al. (2025). Zr-doped TiO₂-x nano-oxide with coordinatively unsaturated Ti(Zr)-O acid-base pairs for efficient propane dehydrogenation. ACS Catalysis. Advance online publication.

 

 

Mr. Jin Zhang | Catalysis | Excellence in Research

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Mr. Jin Zhang | Catalysis | Excellence in Research

Mr. Jin Zhang | Catalysis | lecturer at Kunming University of Science and Technology, China

Dr. Jin Zhang is a Lecturer at Kunming University of Science and Technology, specializing in environmental catalysis and energy conversion. He earned his Ph.D. in Engineering from South China University of Technology, focusing on Environmental Science and Engineering. With over 12 SCI/Scopus-indexed publications, his research has been widely recognized, accumulating more than 570 citations with an H-index of 8. His work primarily revolves around air pollution control, CO and VOCs catalytic conversion, methane and CO₂ utilization, and energy catalysis. Dr. Zhang has successfully completed three major research projects and holds three patents, showcasing his commitment to innovation. His groundbreaking contributions include the development of high-performance non-precious metal catalysts that surpass traditional precious metal catalysts in efficiency. He has also introduced novel Mo@VN/V₂O₃-Co₃O₄ composite materials for potassium-oxygen batteries, demonstrating excellent catalytic performance. His extensive research and technological advancements make him a prominent figure in his field.

Professional Profile :         

Orcid

Summary of Suitability for Award:

Dr. Jin Zhang is highly deserving of the “Excellence in Research” award due to his outstanding contributions to environmental science, catalysis, and energy research. His work on air pollution control and catalytic conversion has led to groundbreaking advancements in the development of high-performance, non-precious metal catalysts that outperform traditional precious metal-based systems. With over 12 SCI-indexed publications, 570 citations, and an H-index of 8, his research has had a significant impact on the scientific community. His pioneering work in energy catalysis has led to innovative materials such as the Mo@VN/V₂O₃-Co₃O₄ composite, which has demonstrated exceptional performance in potassium-oxygen batteries. Additionally, Dr. Zhang has secured multiple research grants, published patents, and contributed to industry collaborations, further reinforcing his excellence in applied research.Dr. Jin Zhang’s exceptional research achievements, high-impact publications, and groundbreaking innovations make him a perfect candidate for the “Excellence in Research award”. His contributions to sustainable energy and environmental protection have advanced the field significantly, demonstrating both academic rigor and real-world applicability. His work aligns perfectly with the award’s criteria, recognizing researchers who push the boundaries of knowledge and innovation in their respective field.

🎓Education:

Dr. Jin Zhang pursued his Ph.D. in Engineering from South China University of Technology, specializing in Environmental Science and Engineering. During his doctoral studies, he focused on advanced catalysis for air pollution control and energy applications, contributing to sustainable environmental solutions. His research explored VOC oxidation, methane activation, and CO₂ conversion using highly efficient, low-cost catalysts. He developed novel catalytic materials and mechanisms that significantly improved environmental remediation and clean energy production. His educational background equipped him with strong expertise in catalytic reaction mechanisms, material characterization, and sustainable energy applications. He gained hands-on experience with nanostructured catalysts, reaction engineering, and electrochemical systems, allowing him to bridge the gap between fundamental research and practical industrial applications. His work has been instrumental in developing high-performance catalysts for energy storage devices, air purification systems, and emission reduction technologies, contributing to both academia and industry.

🏢Work Experience:

Dr. Jin Zhang has extensive research experience in catalysis, environmental chemistry, and energy conversion. As a Lecturer at Kunming University of Science and Technology, he has been actively engaged in teaching, mentoring students, and conducting cutting-edge research. His expertise in non-precious metal catalysts has led to significant advancements in air pollution control and energy storage technologies. He has successfully completed three major research projects focused on CO and VOCs catalytic oxidation, methane conversion, and CO₂ utilization. Additionally, he has collaborated on two industry-sponsored consultancy projects, addressing real-world environmental and energy challenges. His work has resulted in three patents, demonstrating his innovative approach to developing high-performance catalytic materials. Dr. Zhang has also contributed to editorial and peer-reviewing activities for reputed journals. His collaborations with national and international researchers have enhanced his global research impact, making him a key player in green catalysis and sustainable energy.

🏅Awards: 

Dr. Jin Zhang has received several prestigious accolades for his contributions to environmental science and catalysis research. He was honored with the Young Scientist Award for his outstanding work in air pollution control and catalytic conversion technologies. His innovative research on non-precious metal catalysts has been widely recognized, earning him Best Paper Awards in reputed journals. Additionally, he received the Outstanding Researcher Award for his advancements in energy catalysis and sustainable environmental technologies. Dr. Zhang has also been acknowledged by Kunming University of Science and Technology for his exemplary academic contributions. His work in designing high-performance catalysts has garnered industry recognition, leading to invitations as a keynote speaker at international conferences. His patents on novel catalytic materials have further cemented his reputation as a pioneering scientist in the field. His research excellence is also reflected in the high citation count of his publications, emphasizing the impact of his work.

🔬Research Focus:

Dr. Jin Zhang specializes in air pollution control and catalytic conversion technologies, focusing on the development of advanced non-precious metal catalysts for efficient oxidation reactions. His research targets the conversion of CO, VOCs, CH₄, and CO₂ into environmentally benign compounds, contributing to cleaner air and sustainable energy solutions. He has successfully developed high-performance catalysts whose oxidation efficiency surpasses that of conventional precious metal catalysts, making them cost-effective alternatives. His work in energy catalysis extends to designing novel materials for air batteries and fuel cells, enhancing their efficiency and stability. A major breakthrough in his research is the development of a Mo@VN/V₂O₃-Co₃O₄ composite material, which has demonstrated exceptional performance in potassium-oxygen batteries. His innovations hold promise for renewable energy applications and industrial-scale pollutant reduction. Dr. Zhang’s interdisciplinary approach integrates materials science, environmental chemistry, and catalysis engineering, driving impactful advancements in sustainable energy technologies.

Publication Top Notes:

Recent advances in recycle of industrial solid waste for the removal of SO₂ and NOₓ based on solid waste sorts, removal technologies and mechanism

Research progress on red mud for carbon-containing air pollution control

Insight into catalytic performance and reaction mechanism for toluene total oxidation over Cu-Ce supported catalyst

Tracking of Active Sites as Well as the Compositing Effect over a Cu/Ce-Based Catalyst with Superior Catalytic Activity

Hydrolysis of carbonyl sulfide using non-ionic surfactant-modified mesoporous γ-Al₂O₃ catalysts with high efficiency

Ultrasonic-enhanced phosphorus sludge excited O₃ coupled red mud simultaneous desulfurization and denitrification

Scalable Fabrication of Superhydrophobic Coating with Rough Coral Reef‐Like Structures for Efficient Self‐Cleaning and Oil‐Water Separation: An Experimental and Molecular Dynamics Simulation Study

Unravelling the role of oxygen species in toluene oxidation over Co₃O₄-base catalysts: In situ DRIFTS coupled with quasi in situ XPS

Static and dynamic quantification tracking of asymmetric oxygen vacancies in copper-ceria catalysts with superior catalytic activity

Effective regeneration of anode material recycled from scrapped Li-ion batteries

Direct regeneration of recycled cathode material mixture from scrapped LiFePO₄ batteries

 

Ms. AYUSHI Aggarwal | Catalysis Award | Best Researcher Award

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Ms. AYUSHI Aggarwal | Catalysis Award | Best Researcher Award

Ms. AYUSHI Aggarwal , Sant Longowal Institute of Engineering and Technology, India

Ayushi Aggarwal is a dedicated PhD Scholar at SLIET University, specializing in organic chemistry. She achieved remarkable academic success, consistently securing first class with distinction throughout her studies. Her journey began with a stellar 8 CGPA in high school and almost 92% in her class 12 examinations, leading to her admission into Delhi University, an institution renowned for its competitive admissions. Ayushi scored a commendable 698 all-India rank in JAM 2019, which further enabled her to pursue an M.Sc. in organic chemistry, where she was a distinction holder with a GPA of 9.0. Currently in her third year of doctoral research under Professor Harish Kumar Chopra, she has made significant contributions to the field, publishing three research papers in esteemed journals. Ayushi’s passion for chemistry and commitment to excellence drive her ongoing research in innovative areas of organic synthesis.

Professional Profile:

Google Scholar

Scopus

Summary of Suitability for Award:

Ayushi Aggarwal is an exemplary candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to her remarkable academic achievements and contributions to the field of organic chemistry. Her consistent performance, reflected in her high CGPA and ranks in competitive examinations, showcases her strong foundation and dedication to her studies. Ayushi’s research focus on polymer-based supported ionic liquids, synthesis of heterocyclic compounds, and other innovative areas highlights her ability to address complex scientific challenges.

🎓Education:

Ayushi Aggarwal’s educational journey is marked by excellence and determination. She completed her schooling with distinction, securing an impressive 8 CGPA in high school and achieving nearly 92% in her class 12 examinations. Her dedication led her to Delhi University, a highly competitive institution where she further honed her skills. In 2019, she attained an all-India rank of 698 in the JAM exam, which facilitated her admission to SLIET University for her M.Sc. in organic chemistry. During her postgraduate studies, Ayushi maintained an outstanding GPA of 9.0, earning the third rank in her program. Currently, she is pursuing her PhD in organic chemistry under the guidance of Professor Harish Kumar Chopra at SLIET University. Her strong academic foundation, combined with her unwavering commitment to research, positions her as a promising scholar in the field of chemistry.

🏢Work Experience:

Ayushi Aggarwal’s academic experience reflects her commitment to excellence and her passion for research in organic chemistry. Currently a PhD Scholar at SLIET University, she has built a strong foundation in her field, focusing on polymer-based supported ionic liquids and catalysis. Her undergraduate and postgraduate studies were characterized by high academic performance, as evidenced by her distinction holders and a GPA of 9.0. Throughout her academic career, Ayushi has actively participated in research projects, leading to the publication of three papers in esteemed journals, including Current Organic Chemistry and Critical Reviews in Analytical Chemistry. Additionally, she has showcased her research through presentations at international conferences, receiving recognition for her outstanding poster presentations. Ayushi’s experience extends to collaborating with peers and faculty members, enhancing her research capabilities while contributing to the academic community at SLIET University.

🏅Awards:

Ayushi Aggarwal’s dedication to her academic and research pursuits has garnered her recognition and accolades throughout her career. Notably, she was awarded the Best Poster Presentation at the International Conference on “Crossroads of Chemistry, Biology, and Atmospheric Environment: A Modern Prospective” held at Delhi University in February 2024. This honor highlighted her innovative research on “Synthesis of Benzothiazole based Merrifield resin Supported Ionic Liquids and their Catalytic Application in Organic Synthesis.” Furthermore, Ayushi’s academic achievements include consistently achieving first class with distinction in her studies, with her performance in her M.Sc. program placing her third overall. Her commitment to research excellence is reflected in her successful completion of the GATE exam in 2021 and her subsequent admission to the PhD program at SLIET University. Ayushi’s journey is marked by her relentless pursuit of knowledge and a passion for contributing to the field of chemistry.

🔬Research Focus:

Ayushi Aggarwal’s research focus lies primarily in organic chemistry, with a particular emphasis on polymer-based supported ionic liquids and their applications in catalysis. Her work investigates the synthesis of heterocyclic compounds and the development of innovative separation techniques, including gas chromatography (GC) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Ayushi is also exploring the synthesis of magnetic ionic liquids and aza-crown ether-based ionic liquids, aiming to contribute to advancements in separation science and catalytic processes. Through her research, she strives to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of chemical reactions, ultimately seeking to address challenges within the field. Her dedication to innovation is evident in her published papers, where she presents her findings and contributes to the body of knowledge in organic chemistry. As she continues her doctoral studies, Ayushi aims to further develop her expertise and make significant strides in the realm of sustainable and efficient chemical synthesis.

Publication Top Notes:

  • Publication: Merrifield Resin Supported Ionic Liquids: Catalytic Applications in Organic Synthesis
  • Publication: Cyclodextrin Functionalized Ionic Liquids: Synthesis and Application in Analytical Chemistry