Iyakutti Kombiah | Materials Chemistry | Lifetime Achievement Award

Dr. Iyakutti Kombiah | Materials Chemistry | Lifetime Achievement Award

Dr. Iyakutti Kombiah | SRM Institute of Science and Technology | India

Dr. Iyakutti Kombiah, an eminent physicist and computational materials scientist, has made outstanding contributions to condensed matter physics, nanomaterials, and energy storage research, with a career spanning over four decades. He obtained his M.Sc. and Ph.D. in Physics from the University of Madras, followed by postdoctoral research in quantum chemistry at Uppsala University, Sweden, supported by SIDA. He served as Lecturer at the University of Madras, Reader and Professor at Madurai Kamaraj University, and later as Professor Emeritus and CSIR Emeritus Scientist at SRM University. His pioneering expertise lies in computational design and experimental validation of nanomaterials for hydrogen storage, photovoltaics, and CO₂ conversion, demonstrated through his leadership of multiple AOARD and ONRG-funded international projects. A prolific scholar with over 229 publications, 1,804 citations, and an h-index of 24, his research continues to influence the fields of energy materials and quantum chemistry. Dr. Iyakutti has held visiting positions at leading institutions in Japan, Canada, and the USA, fostering global collaborations. His recent works (2020–2025) focus on graphene-based hydrogen storage, Heusler alloys, and 2D nanomaterials, combining density functional theory with experimental studies. Honored with CSIR and UGC Emeritus Fellowships, he remains a leading figure advancing computational and sustainable energy materials research in India and beyond.

Profile: ORCID  | Scopus 

Featured Publications

  • Iyakutti, K., Reji, R. P., Rajeswarapalanichamy, R., & Kawazoe, Y. (2025). DFT based computational investigation of 2D monolayer gold (Au)–the goldene. Computational Condensed Matter, 25, e01132.

  • Iyakutti, K., Reji, R. P., Jayan, S., AjayJawahar, K., Karthigeyan, A., Rajeswarapalanichamy, R., & Kawazoe, Y. (2025). Heterostructuring, electronic and hydrogen storage properties of boron, carbon, nitrogen based 2D nanomaterials – A DFT study. International Journal of Computational Materials Science and Engineering, 14(3), 2550028.

  • Iyakutti, K., Reji, R. P., Rajeswarapalanichamy, R., & Kawazoe, Y. (2025, February 26). DFT based computational investigation of 2D monolayer gold (Au)–the goldene. Preprint.

  • Kaliyaperumal, A., Periyasamy, G., Iyakutti, K., & Annamalai, K. (2024). Effect of a mesoporous NiCo₂O₄ urchin-like structure catalyzed with a surface oxidized LiBH₄ system for reversible hydrogen storage applications. RSC Advances, 14, 12345–12354.

  • Iyakutti, K., Reji, R. P., AjayJawahar, K., Lakshmi, I., Rajeswarapalanichamy, R., Surya, V. J., Karthigeyan, A., & Kawazoe, Y. (2024). Interaction of H, H₂, and MgH₂ with graphene and possible application to hydrogen storage—A density functional computational investigation. International Journal of Quantum Chemistry, 124(15), e27467.

 

 

 

Dr. Shu Tian | Surface Chemistry Award | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Shu Tian | Surface Chemistry Award | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Shu Tian, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology & Engineering, CAS , China

Shu Tian is an Assistant Professor at Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology & Engineering, CAS. he holds a strong background in materials science and engineering, having earned his bachelor’s degree from Northeastern University and completed a joint master’s program between Shanghai University and Ningbo Institute. His Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering was awarded by Tianjin University. Dr. Tian’s research focuses on developing environmentally friendly, long-lasting antifouling materials, with a particular interest in organic and functional coatings. he has contributed to various advanced protective coatings and collaborates with several prestigious research institutions. Dr. Tian has published numerous research papers and holds multiple patents for his innovations in surface chemistry and materials science.

Professional Profile:

Google Scholar

Summary of Suitability for Award:

Dr. Shu Tian is highly suitable for the “Best Researcher Award” based on his extensive contributions to the field of materials science, particularly in the area of antifouling and functional coatings. his innovative approach to designing environmentally friendly, long-lasting coatings that address significant challenges such as marine biofouling, corrosion, and surface icing highlights his leadership in research. Dr. Tian has successfully led two major research projects and contributed to over 10 others, demonstrating her ability to drive impactful, collaborative scientific advancements.

🎓Education:

Shu Tian’s academic journey began with a Bachelor’s degree from the School of Materials Science and Engineering at Northeastern University. he continued his studies as a joint graduate student between Shanghai University and Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, CAS, where he completed his Master’s degree. Dr. Tian then pursued a Ph.D. at the School of Chemical Engineering, Tianjin University, focusing on advanced materials and coatings. He is strong educational foundation has propelled his into his  current position as an Assistant Professor at Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology & Engineering, where he continues to expand his expertise in surface chemistry and material science.

🏢Work Experience:

Dr. Shu Tian’s professional experience includes serving as an Assistant Professor at Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology & Engineering, CAS, since September 2023. Prior to this, he was involved in advanced research during his doctoral studies and contributed to various research projects on functional organic coatings. As the leader of two projects and a key member of over ten others, Dr. Tian has honed his skills in materials development, particularly in antifouling and protective coatings. he has also collaborated with top research institutes like Zhejiang University of Technology, Luoyang Ship Material Research Institute, and Soochow University. his research experience spans marine biofouling, corrosion, and surface icing prevention.

🏅Awards:

Dr. Shu Tian has received several recognitions for his innovative contributions to the field of materials science, particularly for his work on antifouling and functional coatings. While specific awards and honors were not listed, his recognition is evident in the numerous citations and patents he has achieved. his research has garnered attention in several international academic and scientific communities. his work continues to advance the field, earning his respect and acknowledgment from peers and industry leaders. The publication of his research and successful patent filings further demonstrate his commitment to innovation in the material sciences.

🔬Research Focus:

Dr. Shu Tian’s research is centered on the development of environmentally friendly and durable antifouling materials. his work explores surface chemistry and functional coatings, including bio-based antibacterial coatings, integrated anticorrosion and antifouling coatings, and biomimetic anti-icing coatings. he investigates ways to improve the longevity and performance of materials in harsh environments, focusing on the prevention of biofouling, corrosion, and surface icing in marine applications. Dr. Tian’s contributions are key to addressing challenges in protective coatings, with a focus on sustainability, material innovation, and the development of smart coatings with multi-functional properties.

Publication Top Notes:

  •  A new hybrid silicone-based antifouling coating with nanocomposite hydrogel for durable antifouling properties
    Citations: 110
  •  Pro-healing zwitterionic skin sensor enables multi-indicator distinction and continuous real-time monitoring
    Citations: 99
  •  Fabrication of bio-based amphiphilic hydrogel coating with excellent antifouling and mechanical properties
    Citations: 73
  •  Amphiphilic marine antifouling coatings based on a hydrophilic polyvinylpyrrolidone and hydrophobic fluorine–silicon-containing block copolymer
    Citations: 61
  •  Force-induced ion generation in zwitterionic hydrogels for a sensitive silent-speech sensor
    Citations: 52