Xialiang Li | Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Xialiang Li | Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Associate Professor from Shaanxi Normal University, China

Dr. Xialiang Li is an accomplished scholar and Associate Professor at the School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shaanxi Normal University, China. He serves as the chief professor and doctoral supervisor of the molecular simulation and solar energy conversion research team. His academic focus lies primarily in the intersection of chemistry and energy sciences, particularly targeting small molecule activation processes for sustainable energy applications. Dr. Li is widely recognized for his methodical approach to the synthesis and characterization of molecular complexes and solid-state materials. His work involves a balanced combination of theoretical insights and practical experimentation, aimed at resolving critical challenges in the fields of catalysis and bioinorganic chemistry. Over the years, he has built an extensive portfolio of high-impact publications in leading international journals, including the Journal of the American Chemical Society, Angewandte Chemie International Edition, and ACS Catalysis. Dr. Li’s ongoing efforts are supported by several national-level funding agencies, and he continues to contribute significantly to the academic landscape through mentoring, research leadership, and active participation in advanced scientific projects. His expertise, dedication to excellence, and forward-looking research trajectory make him a strong contender for prestigious recognitions such as the Best Researcher Award.

Professional Profile

Education

Dr. Xialiang Li has a robust academic foundation, built through successive degrees from reputable Chinese institutions. He began his academic journey at Changchun University of Science and Technology, where he earned his Bachelor’s degree from 2009 to 2013. During this period, he gained fundamental knowledge and developed an early interest in chemistry and materials science. He continued his postgraduate studies at Lanzhou Jiaotong University, where he pursued a Master’s degree from 2013 to 2016. There, he delved deeper into specialized research methodologies, analytical techniques, and experimental approaches that prepared him for advanced research. To further enhance his expertise and explore complex topics in energy conversion and catalysis, Dr. Li enrolled at Shaanxi Normal University for his doctoral studies, which he completed between 2016 and 2019. His Ph.D. research was instrumental in shaping his long-term academic trajectory, leading to significant contributions in bioinorganic chemistry and molecular catalysis. Throughout his education, Dr. Li consistently demonstrated academic excellence, innovative thinking, and a strong commitment to pushing the boundaries of scientific knowledge. His educational path reflects a well-rounded and focused progression that has equipped him with the skills and perspective necessary for high-impact research in energy-related chemical sciences.

Professional Experience

Dr. Xialiang Li has accumulated a range of academic and research experiences that underscore his professional growth and leadership in the field of chemistry. After obtaining his doctoral degree in 2019, he joined Shaanxi Normal University as a postdoctoral researcher, a position he held until 2022. During this phase, he expanded his research activities into new areas, working on high-priority projects related to small molecule activation and catalysis. His postdoctoral work solidified his expertise in cutting-edge techniques such as spectroscopic analysis, crystallography, and electrochemical testing, allowing him to produce insightful findings on catalytic mechanisms. In 2022, he was promoted to the role of Associate Professor at the same institution, a testament to his academic achievements and growing reputation as a research leader. In this capacity, he supervises doctoral candidates, coordinates interdisciplinary projects, and leads a dynamic research group dedicated to solar energy conversion. His work has been supported by major funding sources, and he continues to contribute to the university’s mission through teaching, mentoring, and scientific collaboration. Dr. Li’s professional journey demonstrates a steady and impactful progression, marked by academic rigor, leadership ability, and dedication to solving pressing energy-related challenges through innovative chemical research.

Research Interests

Dr. Xialiang Li’s research interests are centered on bioinorganic chemistry and catalysis, with a primary focus on energy-related small molecule activation. He is particularly interested in the design, synthesis, and functionalization of molecular complexes and solid-state materials that can serve as efficient catalysts for processes such as water splitting, oxygen reduction, and carbon dioxide reduction. These reactions are critical to sustainable energy conversion and storage technologies, including hydrogen production and carbon capture. At the core of his research is a desire to understand and manipulate the underlying principles of catalysis to improve efficiency and selectivity. As the head of the molecular simulation and solar energy conversion team at Shaanxi Normal University, he leads investigations that integrate experimental and computational approaches to explore structure–activity relationships. His work involves leveraging crystallographic data, electrochemical behavior, and spectroscopic signatures to derive mechanistic insights that can inform the design of next-generation catalytic systems. Dr. Li’s research not only contributes to fundamental chemical knowledge but also offers practical solutions to real-world energy challenges. By focusing on catalytic innovations with broad environmental and industrial applications, he stands at the forefront of a transformative area of modern chemistry.

Research Skills

Dr. Xialiang Li possesses a comprehensive set of research skills that position him as a leading expert in the field of catalytic energy conversion. His core competencies include the synthesis of molecular and solid-state materials, crystallographic analysis, and a range of advanced electrochemical techniques. He is proficient in the use of multiple spectroscopic methods, such as UV-Vis, FTIR, NMR, and EPR, which allow him to characterize the electronic structure and reactive behavior of catalytic systems in detail. His ability to connect structural features with catalytic performance enables him to establish precise structure–activity relationships, which are essential for rational catalyst design. In addition, Dr. Li has extensive experience in computational modeling and molecular simulation, tools that complement his experimental work by offering predictive insights into reaction mechanisms and kinetics. His methodological rigor is supported by a strong foundation in physical chemistry and thermodynamics, which he applies to optimize catalyst efficiency under practical conditions. These versatile skills empower him to tackle complex research questions, develop novel materials, and push the boundaries of what is achievable in green and sustainable chemistry. His integrated approach reflects a balance between theoretical understanding and practical application.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Xialiang Li’s scholarly excellence has been recognized through various national and institutional awards, research grants, and honors. His work has attracted funding from several prestigious organizations, including the National Natural Science Foundation of China and the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation. These grants not only reflect the innovative nature of his proposals but also his ability to deliver high-impact results in strategically important research areas. In addition to these national-level grants, Dr. Li has received internal support from Shaanxi Normal University under its Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities program, which supports cutting-edge investigations in emerging scientific fields. While he has not listed specific award titles, his publication record in top-tier journals such as Angewandte Chemie, JACS, ACS Catalysis, and Accounts of Chemical Research stands as a testament to his scholarly recognition in the global chemistry community. His research achievements have also led to his appointment as a doctoral supervisor and key faculty member within his institution. Dr. Li’s growing influence, backed by strong funding and consistent publication output, underscores his status as a rising star in the field of catalysis and sustainable chemistry.

Conclusion

Dr. Xialiang Li is a distinguished academic whose work bridges fundamental chemistry and applied energy science. His trajectory from a strong academic foundation to a leadership role in research demonstrates consistent growth, innovation, and impact. He has successfully developed a research niche in bioinorganic catalysis, tackling some of the most urgent global challenges related to clean energy and environmental sustainability. His ability to secure competitive research funding, publish in leading international journals, and lead a vibrant research team reflects his commitment to scientific advancement and academic excellence. While there is still room for expanding international collaborations and industrial applications, his current portfolio already positions him as a strong candidate for broader scientific recognition. By combining deep technical expertise with a clear vision for the future of sustainable chemistry, Dr. Li embodies the ideals of a modern scientific leader. He is highly deserving of the Best Researcher Award, not only for his research contributions but also for his potential to shape future directions in catalytic science and energy conversion technologies. His continued work is expected to deliver both theoretical breakthroughs and practical innovations with long-term global relevance.

Publications Top Notes

  • Electrocatalytic Syngas Production Using Metalloporphyrins with Controllable H₂/CO Ratios
    Authors: Zhimeng Wang, Benxing Mei, Yuhan Xu, Yuze Liu, Xialiang Li, Rui Cao
    Year: 2025
  • Improving Electrocatalytic CO₂ Reduction over Iron Tetraphenylporphyrin with Triethanolamine as a CO₂ Shuttle
    Authors: Zhiyuan Yin, Mengchun Zhang, Yuchi Long, Haitao Lei, Xialiang Li, Xue-Peng Zhang, Wei Zhang, Ulf-Peter Apfel, Rui Cao
    Year: 2025
  • Revealing Significant Electronic Effects on the Oxygen Reduction Reaction with Iron Porphyrins
    Authors: Zhiyuan Yin, Yuchi Long, Haitao Lei, Xue-Peng Zhang, Xialiang Li, Rui Cao
    Year: 2025

Yang Na | Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Yang Na | Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Associate professor at University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, China

Dr. Na Yang (b. Jan 1992) is an Associate Professor at the School of Materials and Energy, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 🇨🇳. She earned her Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering and Technology from Chongqing University and completed postdoctoral research under Prof. Zhongwei Chen at South China Normal University and the University of Waterloo 🇨🇦. Her research focuses on density functional theory (DFT)🧠, ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD)🧪, catalyst design🧲, and electrochemical mechanisms⚡. With an H-index of 15, Dr. Yang has published in high-impact journals like Angewandte Chemie, Advanced Materials, and ACS Energy Letters 📚. She has contributed significantly to the fields of CO₂ reduction, oxygen reduction reactions, and nitrogen fixation catalysis 🌱.

Publication Profile

Scopus Profile

Research Fields

Dr. Yang Na’s research spans several cutting-edge areas in materials science and energy technology ⚙️⚡. Her primary expertise lies in density functional theory (DFT) and ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD), which she uses to model and simulate material behavior at the atomic level 🧬💻. She is deeply involved in the design and screening of catalysts for various energy applications, focusing on improving efficiency and stability 🔍🔋. Dr. Yang also works on the preparation of new highly active catalysts, utilizing advanced synthesis techniques to enhance catalytic performance 🧪⚗️. Another key area of her research is the exploration of electrochemical catalytic mechanisms, where she investigates fundamental reaction pathways to optimize energy conversion processes such as hydrogen evolution and oxygen reduction 🌱⚡. Through these interdisciplinary approaches, Dr. Yang contributes significantly to the development of sustainable and high-performance energy materials for a greener future 🌍🔧

🎓 Educational Background

Dr. Yang Na earned her Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering and Technology from Chongqing University, Chongqing, China, where she studied from September 2014 to June 2020 🧪🎓. Under the expert mentorship of Professor Li Li, she developed a strong foundation in advanced chemical engineering principles and materials research 🔬📘. Her doctoral studies involved in-depth exploration of catalyst design, electrochemical energy conversion, and computational modeling, laying the groundwork for her current contributions to energy materials and catalysis research 💡⚙️. The rigorous academic environment at Chongqing University provided her with both theoretical knowledge and hands-on research experience, enabling her to tackle real-world energy challenges with innovative scientific approaches 🌍💻. Dr. Yang’s time at Chongqing University was instrumental in shaping her expertise in computational chemistry, materials synthesis, and electrochemical systems, which continue to define her career as a forward-thinking and impactful researcher in the field of materials science and energy technology ⚛️🔋.

💼 Professional Experience

From September 2020 to September 2022, Dr. Yang Na undertook postdoctoral research that significantly advanced her expertise in materials and energy science 🌱🔬. She began her postdoctoral journey at the School of Information and Optoelectronic Science and Engineering, South China Normal University, Guangdong, China, where she worked under the mentorship of Prof. Zhongwei Chen 📡🧠. During this period, she focused on optoelectronic materials and their applications in energy systems.

Simultaneously, Dr. Yang continued her postdoctoral research at the School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada 🍁⚗️. Under the same mentorship of Prof. Chen, she deepened her research into electrocatalysis and advanced energy storage materials, contributing to cutting-edge developments in sustainable energy technologies 🔋🌍. These international and interdisciplinary experiences enriched her research perspective and equipped her with global insights into innovation and collaboration in the materials science domain 🌐🧪.

Research Focus

Dr. Yang Na specializes in cutting-edge research within the fields of catalysis, energy materials, and sustainable chemistry ⚗️🔋. Her work spans a diverse range of topics including electrocatalysis, chemical looping reforming, CO₂ photoreduction, and ammonia synthesis. Using advanced techniques like density functional theory (DFT) and ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD), she designs and screens highly active catalysts for clean energy conversion 🌱🌍. Her contributions to perovskite-based and polymer dielectric materials show a strong interdisciplinary approach, connecting materials science, environmental engineering, and green chemistry ♻️🧪. Dr. Yang’s research plays a vital role in promoting efficient energy solutions.

Conclusion

Dr. Yang Na’s exceptional research in renewable energy, particularly her work on catalytic mechanisms and material design for electrochemical reactions, positions her as an outstanding candidate for the “Best Researcher Award.” Her contributions to both theoretical and practical aspects of energy research make her a leader in the field, and her continued work promises to bring lasting impacts to sustainable energy solutions.

Publication Top Notes

  • 🔬 Tailoring active lattice oxygen in CeO₂-Based oxygen carriers for enhanced chemical looping dry reforming of methane – Journal of the Energy Institute, 2025  📄

  • ⚡ NiFe-based arrays with MnO₂ enhance chloride blocking for durable alkaline seawater oxidation – Journal of Colloid and Interface Science, 2025 | 1 citation 💧

  • 🌞 Rational Design of Methylated Triazine-Based Polymers for CO₂ Photoreduction with Water – Advanced Materials, 2025  📘

  • 🧪 Durable, Super-Resilient Polyurethane Elastomers via Hydrogen Bond Cross-Linking – Macromolecules, 2025 🧵

  • 🧫 Axial Cl-Induced Symmetry-Breaking Iron SAC for Electrochemical Ammonia Synthesis – ACS Catalysis, 2025 ⚗️

  • 🔌 All-organic dielectric PP-based polymer with high breakdown strength – Polymer, 2025  ⚡

  • 🧴 Mini-review: Indium-oxide based catalysts for CO₂ to methanol – 2025  📚

  • 💡 Lattice Oxygen Redox in Zeolite-Encapsulated CsPbBr₃ Perovskites for OER – Advanced Science, 2025 🌐

  • 🔄 Real-Time Detection in KNixFe₁₋ₓF₃ Perovskites for Water Oxidation – Small, 2025 | 1 citation 🔍

  • 💧 Water dissociation via bimetallic phosphide & Mn oxide for alkaline HER – Nano Research, 2025  🌊

Danning Xing | Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Danning Xing | Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Associate Researcher from Shandong Institute of Advanced Technology, China

Dr. Danning Xing is an associate researcher at the Shandong Institute of Advanced Technology. She has a strong academic background, having earned her Ph.D. from the State Key Laboratory of Crystal Materials at Shandong University. Her research primarily focuses on the structural design and development of π-d conjugated metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) for applications in photocatalysis and electrocatalysis, which have important implications for sustainable energy and environmental protection. Dr. Xing has published 17 SCI-indexed papers in renowned journals such as Advanced Materials, Small, and Applied Catalysis B: Environmental, and holds one authorized patent. Her research has attracted increasing attention, evidenced by a citation index of 649. Dr. Xing also collaborates with leading scholars in the field, such as Prof. Biaobiao Huang, further expanding her research network and impact. She has received funding from prestigious grants, including the Natural Science Youth Foundation of Shandong Province and the Postdoctoral Science Foundation of China. Her continuous pursuit of innovative approaches positions her as a rising star in materials science.

Professional Profile

Education

Dr. Danning Xing completed her Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from Shandong University, where she laid the foundation for her future research career. Following her undergraduate studies, she pursued a Ph.D. at the State Key Laboratory of Crystal Materials at Shandong University, where she focused on advanced materials science, specifically in the field of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). Throughout her doctoral studies, she honed her skills in material design, catalysis, and structural characterization, preparing her for a career in cutting-edge research. Her educational journey has provided her with a deep understanding of chemistry, material science, and engineering, which she applies in her current research endeavors.

Professional Experience

Dr. Danning Xing’s professional career is marked by her transition from academia to research in applied science. After completing her doctoral studies, she took on the role of associate researcher at the Shandong Institute of Advanced Technology, where she continues to advance her work in MOF-based photocatalysis and electrocatalysis. She has been actively involved in securing research funding, including two major grants from the Natural Science Youth Foundation of Shandong Province and the Postdoctoral Science Foundation of China. Dr. Xing’s collaborations with notable scholars, such as Prof. Biaobiao Huang, highlight her ability to engage in high-level research projects and establish connections with leading figures in her field. Her work in research positions has enabled her to make significant strides in both academic and practical applications of materials science.

Research Interests

Dr. Danning Xing’s primary research interests lie in the design, synthesis, and application of π-d conjugated metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) for energy-related applications, particularly photocatalysis, electrocatalysis, and water splitting. Her work aims to address the challenges posed by traditional MOFs, such as poor conductivity and limited stability. She is focused on developing MOFs with enhanced electronic properties, stability, and efficiency. By incorporating small-molecule intercalation and hydrogen bond reinforcement, Dr. Xing has created MOFs with exceptional catalytic activity and long-lasting stability, making them promising candidates for sustainable energy production and environmental applications. Additionally, her work in optimizing electronic coupling through the construction of bimetallic sites represents a significant step forward in enhancing the performance of MOFs in electrocatalysis.

Research Skills

Dr. Danning Xing possesses a comprehensive set of research skills that have supported her successful career in materials science. She is skilled in the design and synthesis of advanced materials, particularly metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), and has a strong command of techniques for characterizing these materials at the molecular level. Her expertise includes the use of various analytical tools to measure the physical and chemical properties of materials, such as X-ray diffraction, spectroscopy, and electron microscopy. In addition to her technical expertise, Dr. Xing excels in experimental design, data analysis, and problem-solving. Her ability to collaborate with leading researchers and secure research funding further demonstrates her capability in conducting high-impact scientific research.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Danning Xing has earned recognition for her contributions to materials science and catalysis, particularly for her innovative work in π-d conjugated metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). Her research has been supported by prestigious grants, including the Natural Science Youth Foundation of Shandong Province and the Postdoctoral Science Foundation of China, highlighting her potential as a rising researcher. Additionally, her work has been published in top-tier scientific journals, such as Advanced Materials, Small, and Applied Catalysis B: Environmental, which speaks to the impact of her research. While she has yet to receive specific academic awards or honors, her growing citation index and the success of her collaborations demonstrate her increasing recognition in the research community.

Conclusion

Dr. Danning Xing is an emerging researcher with a promising future in the field of materials science, particularly in the design of advanced metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) for energy applications. Her innovative contributions to photocatalysis, electrocatalysis, and water splitting have the potential to significantly impact sustainable energy production and environmental protection. With 17 publications in high-impact journals, one authorized patent, and ongoing collaborations with renowned scholars, Dr. Xing is steadily making her mark in the research community. Her research, supported by competitive funding, demonstrates her capability and ambition to tackle pressing challenges in catalysis and materials science. As her career progresses, Dr. Xing is likely to receive more recognition for her groundbreaking work, making her an excellent candidate for future awards.

Publications Top Notes

  • Platinum modification of metallic cobalt defect sites for efficient electrocatalytic oxidation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural
    Authors: Haoyu Zhan, Baixue Cheng, Yankun Lu, Tao Wang, Peng Zhou
    Journal: Journal of Energy Chemistry
    Year: 2025
    Citations: 7