Xiao Yan | Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Xiao Yan | Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

Jiangsu Normal University, China

Prof. Xiao Yan, Ph.D., is a distinguished Professor and Dean of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at Jiangsu Normal University, widely recognized for his contributions to advanced energy materials and sustainable technologies. He received his Ph.D. through the Master-PhD program at the School of Physics, Jilin University (2009–2014), and later conducted postdoctoral research at the Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Process Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (2014–2016). Over the past decade, Prof. Xiao has built a strong academic career supported by major research grants, including multiple projects from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) and provincial funding bodies, serving as Principal Investigator for more than ten funded projects. His primary research interests lie in lithium/sodium-ion batteries, lithium-sulfur batteries, and the recycling and reuse of waste lithium-ion batteries, areas critical for sustainable energy development. With over 50 publications indexed in SCI journals, including leading outlets such as Angewandte Chemie International Edition, Nano Letters, and ACS Nano, he has accumulated 1,451 citations and an h-index of 22, demonstrating significant global impact. He also holds six authorized patents and has collaborated with international teams, reflecting both scientific innovation and applied relevance. Prof. Xiao’s research skills span advanced materials synthesis, electrochemical performance evaluation, battery recycling methods, and interdisciplinary project leadership, ensuring a balance between theoretical and applied science. In addition to his research, he has been a dedicated mentor, guiding students to national-level recognition, including a Special Prize in the Challenge Cup (2024) and awards in the National Undergraduate Chemical Engineering Competition. His achievements have earned him several honors, notably the Provincial Outstanding Doctoral Dissertation Award (2015) and the Jiangsu Military-Civilian Integration Science and Technology Innovation Award (2018). In conclusion, Prof. Xiao exemplifies academic excellence, innovation, and leadership in materials science, and his ongoing work positions him as a key figure driving advancements in clean energy technologies and sustainable practices with lasting global impact.

Profiles: Scopus | ORCID

Featured Publications

  1. Cai, J., Li, Y., Xu, S., Li, Y., Wang, Z., Liu, J., Yang, S., & Yan, X. (2025). A review on the insights into redox-based regeneration strategies for LiFePO4 batteries. Nanoscale. Advance online publication.

  2. Xu, S., Cai, J., Liu, T., An, G., Li, Y., Wang, Z., Liu, J., Li, Y., & Yan, X. (2025). A review on electrochemical recycling of spent lithium-ion batteries electrode materials: Technology innovation-driven resource closed-loop systems and sustainable development. Separation and Purification Technology. Advance online publication.

  3. Li, Y., Chen, Q., Wang, Z., Liu, J., Cai, J., Gu, H., Liu, Z., Wang, M., Long, Z., & Yan, X. (2025). Reverse modulation of carbon-interface electron density via s-d block high-entropy-alloys boosts Li–S batteries. Angewandte Chemie International Edition. Advance online publication.

  4. Li, Y., Chen, Q., Wang, Z., Liu, J., Cai, J., Gu, H., Liu, Z., Wang, M., Long, Z., & Yan, X. (2025). Reverse modulation of carbon-interface electron density via s-d block high-entropy-alloys boosts Li–S batteries. Angewandte Chemie. Advance online publication.

  5. Liu, J., Long, Z., Cai, J., Gu, H., Li, Y., & Yan, X. (2025). Breaking electronic symmetry via axial asymmetric coordination at Co site in dual-channel catalyst boosts high-performance Li–S batteries. Nano Letters. Advance online publication.

Jacob Olchowka | Materials Science | Innovative Research Award

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Dr. Jacob Olchowka | Materials Science | Innovative Research Award

ICMCB (Institute of Condensed Matter Chemistry of Bordeaux), France

Dr. Jacob Olchowka is a French CNRS researcher in the field of material science with a specialization in electrochemical energy storage, particularly Na-ion/Li-ion batteries, hybrid supercapacitors, and direct recycling of lithium-ion batteries. He earned his Ph.D. in Material Science with very honorable mention through a joint program between the University of Lille, France, and the University of Siegen, Germany, following a Master’s degree in Chemistry, Energy, and Environment and a Bachelor’s degree in Physical Chemistry from the University of Lille, and more recently completed his Habilitation (HDR) at the University of Bordeaux in 2025. His professional career includes international postdoctoral experiences at the University of Geneva, Switzerland, and the University of Siegen, Germany, before securing a permanent CNRS position at ICMCB in 2017. His research interests cover synthesis and nanostructuration of electrode materials, surface modifications, operando and in-situ characterizations, crystallochemistry, and the regeneration of end-of-life electrodes. Skilled in advanced synthesis methods (solid-state, sol-gel, ionothermal, molten salt), particle morphology control, structural characterizations (XRD, Raman, IR, UV-vis, SEM, XAS), and electrochemical testing, he combines fundamental and applied expertise to address energy challenges. His contributions include 56 peer-reviewed publications, 4 patents, more than 900 citations, an h-index of 18, and leadership in major projects such as ANR NANO-INSPIRE, REGENERATE, and H-BAT, alongside supervision of Ph.D. and postdoctoral researchers, teaching commitments at the University of Bordeaux, and involvement in European programs such as Battery 2030+ and H2020 NAIMA. He has received notable honors, including the ANR Young Researcher Grant, Fondation Roi Baudouin – Solvay Grant, and recognition for his research presentations, while being an active member of RS2E, Alistore, and the French Chemical Society. With his strong international collaborations, scientific leadership, and commitment to mentoring, Dr. Olchowka has established himself as an influential researcher whose work significantly advances sustainable energy storage and positions him as a future leader in the global transition toward greener technologies.

Profile: Scopus | ORCID | LinkedIn

Featured Publications

Croguennec, L., Duttine, M., Grebenshchikova, A., Lyonnard, S., Olchowka, J., Simonin, L., & Stievano, L. (2027). Multi-scale multi-techniques investigations of Li-ion batteries: Towards a European Battery Hub [Dataset]. European Synchrotron Radiation Facility.

Grebenshchikova, A., Olchowka, J., Simonin, L., Yaroslavtsev, S., Duttine, M., Fauth, F., Stievano, L., Masquelier, C., & Croguennec, L. (2025). Na₂Fe₃(SO₄)₄: A zero‐strain sustainable positive electrode material for Na‐ion batteries. Angewandte Chemie International Edition. Advance online publication.

Grebenshchikova, A., Olchowka, J., Simonin, L., Yaroslavtsev, S., Duttine, M., Fauth, F., Stievano, L., Masquelier, C., & Croguennec, L. (2025). Na₂Fe₃(SO₄)₄: A zero‐strain sustainable positive electrode material for Na‐ion batteries. Angewandte Chemie. Advance online publication.

Grebenshchikova, A., Olchowka, J., Simonin, L., Duttine, M., Weill, F., Suard, E., Masquelier, C., & Croguennec, L. (2025). NaSICON NaFe₂PO₄(SO₄)₂ revisited: Insights into the crystal structure and electrochemical performance. ACS Applied Energy Materials. Advance online publication.

Hayagan, N., Guillou, P., Olchowka, J., Ercicek, F., Lecoutre, C., Nguyen, O., Aymonier, C., Marre, S., Erriguible, A., & Philippot, G. (2025). Understanding the role of pressurized CO₂ in the direct recycling process of Li-ion battery positive electrode. Journal of CO₂ Utilization, 103, 103080.