Li Song | Energy Materials | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Li Song | Energy Materials | Best Researcher Award

Deputy dean from Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology, China

Dr. Li Song is an accomplished Associate Professor at the School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nanjing University of Information Science & Technology. With a specialized focus on carbon-based materials for clean energy conversion and storage, Dr. Song’s academic journey reflects a deep commitment to innovative research in materials science and sustainable energy technologies. Her extensive research experience includes prestigious international collaborations and projects supported by leading Chinese and provincial scientific foundations. Her work revolves around designing advanced carbon-based catalytic systems, aiming for improved energy efficiency and sustainability. Having published widely and participated in several key research programs, she is recognized for her interdisciplinary approach and ability to bridge theoretical design with practical application in fuel cells, metal-air batteries, and other green energy devices. Her background includes training and research at globally respected institutions like Case Western Reserve University and SUNY Buffalo, where she collaborated with world-leading experts in electrocatalysis and material engineering. With an eye toward real-world applications, Dr. Song continues to explore the intersection of nanotechnology, catalysis, and clean energy, positioning herself as a future leader in sustainable materials research.

Professional Profile

Education

Dr. Li Song’s academic credentials reflect her dedication to the advancement of materials science, particularly in the realm of clean energy. She earned her Ph.D. in Materials Physics and Chemistry from Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics in June 2020 under the mentorship of Prof. Jianping He. Her doctoral work focused on the design of advanced carbon-based catalytic materials for green energy applications. During her Ph.D. studies, she gained valuable international exposure through a joint Ph.D. program with Case Western Reserve University (USA), where she worked under the guidance of Prof. Liming Dai, a globally recognized expert in macromolecular science and engineering. This collaboration significantly enriched her expertise in carbon nanomaterials and energy storage systems. Additionally, Dr. Song expanded her research experience as a visiting scholar at SUNY Buffalo, working with Prof. Gang Wu on highly active catalysts for fuel cells. Her academic foundation also includes dual bachelor’s degrees in Metal Material Engineering and English from Nanchang Hangkong University, completed in 2013. This multidisciplinary background not only equipped her with strong technical skills but also enhanced her communication and collaboration abilities, essential for her global research engagements and academic contributions.

Professional Experience

Dr. Li Song has cultivated a robust academic and research career rooted in innovation and international collaboration. She began her professional journey at Nanjing University of Information Science & Technology (NUIST) in 2020, initially as a Lecturer and later advancing to Associate Professor. Her current role involves leading cutting-edge research in carbon-based materials for energy conversion and storage, a field at the forefront of clean energy technology. At NUIST, she has played a central role in developing new materials and catalytic systems, contributing to the university’s reputation for advanced environmental science research. Beyond her responsibilities at NUIST, Dr. Song has gained significant global research experience. Between 2017 and 2019, she served as a joint Ph.D. researcher at Case Western Reserve University, USA, and previously as a visiting scholar at SUNY Buffalo, where she conducted high-impact research on fuel cell catalysts. These international appointments allowed her to work with leading figures in the field and exposed her to diverse, multidisciplinary methodologies. Through her academic appointments, Dr. Song has developed a deep expertise in materials science, catalysis, and sustainable energy applications, which she continues to apply in mentoring students, managing research projects, and publishing innovative scientific work.

Research Interests

Dr. Li Song’s research interests lie at the dynamic intersection of materials science, nanotechnology, and sustainable energy systems. She is particularly focused on the rational design and fabrication of carbon-based catalytic materials for clean energy conversion and storage. Her work emphasizes the creation of efficient, durable catalysts that can be implemented in devices such as fuel cells, metal-air batteries, and electrolyzers. Central to her research is the development of intrinsic active sites in carbon materials through heteroatom doping, structural modification, and topological defect engineering at the atomic scale. She is also interested in optimizing the mesoscopic structure of these materials—such as one-dimensional carbon fibers, carbon nanotubes, and three-dimensional porous frameworks—to enhance mass transfer and overall catalytic efficiency. Furthermore, Dr. Song explores the fundamental catalytic mechanisms governing these systems, aiming to correlate composition and structural features with functional performance. Her long-term goal is to design scalable, high-performance energy devices with real-world applications, thus contributing to the broader shift toward cleaner, more sustainable technologies. Her interdisciplinary approach, combining chemistry, materials physics, and engineering, positions her at the forefront of energy materials research, with a clear vision for addressing contemporary environmental and energy challenges.

Research Skills

Dr. Li Song possesses a diverse and advanced skill set that supports her innovative research in energy materials. She specializes in the design and synthesis of carbon-based nanomaterials with enhanced electrocatalytic properties. Her technical expertise includes heteroatom doping, heterostructure fabrication, and defect engineering to optimize catalytic activity at the atomic level. She is highly proficient in constructing mesoscopic architectures—such as carbon fibers, nanotubes, nanosheets, and core-shell structures—which facilitate mass transfer and improve diffusion rates in catalytic systems. Dr. Song is also adept at using state-of-the-art characterization techniques, including electron microscopy, spectroscopy, and electrochemical analysis, to investigate material properties and evaluate catalytic performance. She has strong competencies in project management and proposal writing, as evidenced by her leadership in multiple grant-funded research projects. Moreover, her international collaborations have equipped her with excellent cross-cultural communication skills and a global perspective on scientific problem-solving. Her background in English, paired with technical proficiency, further enhances her ability to disseminate research through publications, presentations, and academic exchanges. These well-rounded research capabilities make Dr. Song not only a leading scientist in her domain but also a capable mentor and team leader in multidisciplinary projects focused on sustainable technologies.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Li Song’s academic and research excellence is reflected in the prestigious grants and competitive research programs she has secured. She is the principal investigator of several notable projects, including the Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province-funded initiative on single-atom oxygen reduction catalysts (BK20210651, 2021–2024). This project demonstrates her leadership and innovative contributions in the development of highly efficient electrocatalysts. Earlier in her academic career, she led research supported by the Doctoral Thesis Innovation and Excellence Foundation of Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, where she explored the use of metal-organic frameworks in bifunctional electrocatalysis (2017–2018). Her work has also been recognized through the Graduate Research Innovation Plan of Jiangsu Province. Additionally, she contributed to a National Natural Science Foundation of China project (11575084) focused on advanced composite coatings and radiation resistance, showcasing her versatility in tackling both theoretical and application-driven challenges. These honors highlight her growing reputation as a researcher capable of securing funding and producing impactful work. Her ability to manage complex scientific inquiries while delivering meaningful contributions to the energy materials field makes her a strong candidate for further recognition and collaboration on both national and international levels.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Dr. Li Song stands out as a highly promising researcher in the field of clean energy materials. Her deep expertise in the synthesis and structural engineering of carbon-based catalysts places her at the cutting edge of sustainable energy research. Through her academic achievements, international collaborations, and leadership in grant-funded projects, she has consistently demonstrated the capacity to bridge theoretical innovations with practical applications. Dr. Song’s focus on the rational design of electrocatalysts, exploration of catalytic mechanisms, and development of scalable energy devices reflects a holistic research philosophy aligned with global sustainability goals. Her interdisciplinary skill set, coupled with strong academic training and a global perspective, equips her to make long-lasting contributions to both science and society. Furthermore, her success in securing competitive research funding and publishing in relevant areas underlines her scientific rigor and professional maturity. As clean energy becomes increasingly vital to global development, researchers like Dr. Song—who combine creativity, technical excellence, and collaborative spirit—will play an essential role. Her trajectory suggests continued innovation and leadership, positioning her as an ideal candidate for future honors and elevated academic positions in the field of materials science and environmental engineering.

Publications Top Notes

  1. Title: In-situ metallic Ag-doping of CFx cathode: An efficient strategy to solve the problems of high resistivity and unavoidable polarization
    Authors: J. Xu, Jianwen; H. Luo, Hao; J. Ma, Jun; L. Song, Li; Y. Jin, Yachao
    Year: 2025
    Journal: Electrochimica Acta

  2. Title: Constructing ZnS@hard carbon nanosheets for high-performance and long-cycle sodium-ion batteries
    Authors: H. Zhang, Huan; F. Yuan, Fengzhou; M. Zhang, Mingdao; H. Zheng, Hegen
    Year: 2025
    Journal: Chemical Engineering Journal

  3. Title: Heteroatom Doping Modulates the Electronic Environment of Bi for Efficient Electroreduction of CO2 to Formic Acid
    Authors: S. Zhao, Sirui; H. Zhou, Heng; D. Cao, Dengfeng; L. Song, Li; S. Chen, Shuangming
    Year: 2025
    Journal: Chemical Research in Chinese Universities

  4. Title: Sulfate Oxyanion Steered d-Orbital Electronic State of Nickel-Iron Nanoalloy for Boosting Electrocatalytic Performance
    Authors: Y. Jin, Yachao; X. Qu, Xijun; Z. Zhou, Zihao; W. Ma, Wenqiang; M. Zhang, Mingdao
    Year: 2025
    Journal: Small

  5. Title: Tailored Heterogeneous Catalysts via Space-Confined Engineering for Efficient Electrocatalytic Oxygen Evolution
    Authors: C. Wu, Chenxiao; C. Liu, Chuang; A. Gao, Ang; H. Guo, Haizhong; L. Gu, Lin
    Year: 2025
    Journal: Advanced Functional Materials

  6. Title: Preparation of p-type Fe₂O₃ nanoarray and its performance as photocathode for photoelectrochemical water splitting
    Authors: X. Fan, Xiaoli; F. Zhu, Fei; Z. Wang, Zeyi; J. He, Jianping; T. Wang, Tao
    Year: 2025
    Journal: Frontiers in Chemistry

  7. Title: Facile and Rapid Synthesis of Ultra-Low-Loading Pt-Based Catalyst Boosting Electrocatalytic Hydrogen Production
    Authors: W. Zhai, Wenjie; J. Wang, Jiayi; M. Zhang, Mingdao; L. Song, Li
    Year: 2025
    Journal: ChemPlusChem

  8. Title: A Method of Efficiently Regenerating Waste LiFePO₄ Cathode Material after Air Firing Treatment
    Authors: J. Ma, Jun; Z. Xu, Ziyang; T. Yao, Tianshun; L. Song, Li; M. Zhang, Mingdao
    Year: 2024
    Journal: ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces

  9. Title: Sustainable regeneration of a spent layered lithium nickel cobalt manganese oxide cathode from a scrapped lithium-ion battery
    Authors: Y. Jin, Yachao; X. Qu, Xijun; L. Ju, Liyun; L. Song, Li; M. Zhang, Mingdao
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 1

  10. Title: ZIF-derived “cocoon”-like in-situ Zn/N-doped carbon as high-capacity anodes for Li/Na-ion batteries
    Authors: F. Yuan, Fengzhou; Z. Chen, Zhe; H. Zhang, Huan; L. Song, Li; M. Zhang, Mingdao
    Year: 2024
    Journal: Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects

 

 

Tan Wang | Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Tan Wang | Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

Assistant Researcher from Qingdao Institute of Bio Energy and Bioprocess Technology Chinese Academy of Sciences, China

Wang Tan is an assistant researcher at the Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences. His expertise lies in organic photovoltaic materials and solar energy conversion. With a solid academic background in energy chemistry, he has contributed to high-impact research in polymer donor materials for solar cells. His work has been published in prestigious journals, highlighting his role in advancing renewable energy technologies. He has also secured funding for independent research projects, demonstrating his growing leadership in the field. His contributions extend beyond publications to patents, indicating a strong focus on practical applications.

Professional Profile

Education

Wang Tan obtained his Ph.D. in Energy Chemistry from Xiamen University (2015-2020), where he specialized in photovoltaic materials and device performance. He also earned a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from Xiamen University (2011-2015), providing him with a strong foundation in material science. His postdoctoral research was conducted at Shanghai Jiao Tong University (2020-2022) and the Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology, CAS (2022-2024), where he further explored organic solar cells and material synthesis.

Professional Experience

Since January 2025, Wang Tan has been an assistant researcher at the Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology, working in the Key Laboratory of Solar Photovoltaic Conversion and Utilization. His postdoctoral experience includes research at Shanghai Jiao Tong University (2020-2022) and the Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology (2022-2024). Throughout his career, he has focused on the design and synthesis of novel organic materials for solar energy applications. His experience extends to leading research projects and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams on high-efficiency photovoltaic materials.

Research Interests

Wang Tan’s research interests primarily focus on organic photovoltaic materials, solar energy conversion, and high-efficiency polymer donor materials. He is particularly interested in developing novel organic semiconductors for next-generation solar cells. His work explores molecular design strategies for enhancing the power conversion efficiency and stability of organic solar cells. Additionally, he investigates charge transfer mechanisms and optoelectronic properties of new photovoltaic materials to improve device performance. His research aims to bridge the gap between fundamental material science and practical applications in renewable energy technologies.

Research Skills

Wang Tan has expertise in the design and synthesis of organic photovoltaic materials, including deep-energy-level donor materials. He is skilled in various characterization techniques such as steady-state and transient fluorescence spectroscopy, electrochemical analysis, and charge transfer studies. His proficiency extends to device fabrication and performance evaluation of organic solar cells. Additionally, he has experience in computational modeling to study molecular interactions and charge dynamics in photovoltaic materials. His multidisciplinary skill set enables him to contribute to both theoretical and experimental advancements in organic solar energy research.

Awards and Honors

Wang Tan has received funding from the Shandong Natural Science Foundation (2023-2026) and the Qingdao Postdoctoral Funding Program (2022-2024) for his work on high-performance organic photovoltaic materials. He has co-authored publications in top-tier journals such as Science Bulletin and Nano Energy, showcasing his research impact. He has also been granted patents for novel polymer materials and conductive nanoparticles in solar energy applications. His contributions to organic solar cell development have been recognized within the scientific community through conference presentations and invited talks.

Conclusion

Wang Tan is a dedicated researcher in the field of organic photovoltaic materials and solar energy conversion. His academic background, research experience, and technical skills position him as a valuable contributor to renewable energy advancements. While he has made significant strides in securing funding and publishing influential research, he has the potential to further establish himself as an independent research leader. Strengthening his role as a principal investigator and securing national-level grants could enhance his impact in the field. His combination of innovation, technical expertise, and research productivity makes him a promising candidate for future advancements in organic solar energy technologies.

Publications Top Notes

  • HOF-Enabled Synthesis of Porous PEDOT as an Improved Electrode Material for Supercapacitor
    Authors: Z. Zhong, Zihan; Q. Shao, Qingqing; B. Ni, Baoxin; A.K. Cheetham, Anthony Kevin; T. Wang, Tiesheng
    Year: 2025