Assistant Professor at Henan University of Technology, China
Dr. Yan Wei-Wei is a rising academic in the field of chemical engineering with a strong focus on membrane science, separation processes, and sustainable chemical technologies. She is currently an Assistant Professor (Special Appointment) at the School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering at Henan University of Technology. Dr. Yan’s academic journey spans across prestigious institutions in China and Japan, having earned her Doctor of Engineering from Hiroshima University in 2024, her Master’s from China University of Mining & Technology in 2021, and her Bachelor’s degree from Linyi University in 2018. Over the past five years, she has made notable research contributions, publishing 23 articles in SCI-indexed journals, including top-tier publications such as Journal of Membrane Science, Chemical Engineering Journal, and AIChE Journal. Her research addresses critical issues in membrane fabrication, membrane reactor design, and the purification of complex mixtures. Her scientific work has not only expanded the understanding of transport mechanisms in organosilica membranes but also advanced energy-efficient approaches for ammonia production and aromatic compound purification. As a passionate and driven scholar, Dr. Yan combines rigorous experimentation with innovative thinking, demonstrating the potential to influence the future direction of chemical engineering, particularly in the domains of green chemistry and advanced separation technologies.
Professional Profiles
Education
Dr. Yan Wei-Wei has pursued a comprehensive and international education in chemical engineering, marked by a strong foundation in both theoretical principles and practical research methodologies. Her most recent academic achievement is the completion of a Doctor of Engineering degree in 2024 from the Graduate School of Engineering at Hiroshima University, Japan. During her doctoral studies, she focused on advanced membrane technology, gaining valuable insights into organosilica membrane synthesis and transport phenomena. Prior to this, she earned her Master of Engineering in 2021 from the School of Chemical Engineering & Technology at China University of Mining & Technology, where her research addressed challenges in process optimization and membrane separation systems. Her academic foundation was laid with a Bachelor of Engineering degree in 2018 from the School of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering at Linyi University. Additionally, she undertook earlier undergraduate studies in 2016 at the School of Chemical Engineering, Qingdao University of Science & Technology, which provided her with a strong grounding in chemical engineering principles. Dr. Yan’s educational background reflects a steady and progressive deepening of expertise, from general chemical engineering to highly specialized research in membrane science. This academic path has prepared her to contribute meaningfully to both academia and industry.
Professional Experience
Dr. Yan Wei-Wei began her academic career with an appointment as an Assistant Professor (Special Appointment) at the School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Henan University of Technology, in December 2024. In this role, she has been actively engaged in teaching undergraduate and graduate courses, supervising student research projects, and developing her own research program centered on membrane technology and sustainable chemical processes. Her professional experience is characterized by a seamless transition from rigorous academic training to a dynamic research and teaching environment. At Henan University of Technology, Dr. Yan has taken a proactive role in contributing to interdisciplinary research initiatives, especially in the development of membrane reactors and their application in ammonia production. She has also participated in faculty collaborations aimed at improving laboratory facilities and integrating innovative experimental techniques into the curriculum. Prior to her current appointment, Dr. Yan was involved in various research projects during her doctoral and master’s studies, where she honed her skills in membrane fabrication, analytical techniques, and chemical process design. Her professional trajectory reflects a strong commitment to scientific advancement, collaborative research, and the mentorship of future engineers. Her current role marks the beginning of what promises to be a highly impactful academic career.
Research Interest
Dr. Yan Wei-Wei’s research interests lie at the intersection of membrane science, chemical separation, and sustainable chemical engineering. Her primary focus is on the preparation of organosilica membranes using sol-gel processes and the in-depth analysis of their transport mechanisms. She is particularly interested in how these membranes can be tailored at the molecular level to enhance selectivity and permeability for specific gas or liquid separation applications. Another key area of her research is the design and implementation of membrane reactors for ammonia synthesis. This innovative approach aims to improve energy efficiency and yield compared to conventional catalytic processes, representing a significant step toward green chemical production. Additionally, Dr. Yan is deeply engaged in the extraction and chromatographic purification of oxygen- and nitrogen-containing aromatic compounds, which are vital in the petrochemical and fine chemical industries. Her work explores how these complex mixtures can be efficiently separated using advanced membrane and chromatographic techniques. Dr. Yan’s research contributes to the development of energy-efficient, environmentally friendly, and economically viable solutions for chemical separation and synthesis. She continues to explore novel materials and process intensification strategies that align with global efforts toward sustainable industrial practices and circular economy principles.
Research Skills
Dr. Yan Wei-Wei possesses a robust set of research skills developed through years of academic training and hands-on laboratory experience. She is highly proficient in sol-gel chemistry and membrane fabrication techniques, particularly for organosilica-based materials. Her expertise extends to the characterization of membranes using advanced analytical tools such as SEM, TEM, XRD, FTIR, and TGA, allowing her to comprehensively evaluate membrane structure, thermal stability, and chemical functionality. Dr. Yan is also skilled in gas permeation and separation performance testing, which she employs to understand transport mechanisms and optimize membrane functionality. Her work with membrane reactors involves designing experimental setups for catalytic reactions under controlled conditions, including ammonia synthesis. In addition, she has experience in chromatographic purification and extraction techniques, particularly for aromatic compounds, which require precision and selectivity. Dr. Yan is well-versed in chemical process simulation software and data analysis tools, enabling her to model reaction kinetics and separation efficiencies. Her scientific writing and publication skills are evidenced by her 23 SCI-indexed journal articles, and she is adept at preparing research proposals and managing experimental workflows. These comprehensive research competencies make her an asset to any collaborative or interdisciplinary scientific environment focused on sustainable and advanced chemical engineering technologies.
Awards and Honors
Dr. Yan Wei-Wei has been recognized for her academic excellence and research contributions through multiple awards and honors throughout her academic career. While pursuing her doctoral studies at Hiroshima University, she was distinguished for her outstanding research performance in membrane science, earning accolades for several of her high-impact publications. She was frequently acknowledged by her academic advisors and peers for her dedication, innovative thinking, and perseverance in the laboratory. During her master’s and undergraduate studies in China, Dr. Yan was a recipient of various academic scholarships, including merit-based awards recognizing her strong academic standing and research potential. Her early achievements also include top rankings in departmental research presentations and poster competitions, where she demonstrated clarity in communication and deep understanding of complex chemical engineering concepts. In addition to institutional honors, her publications in highly regarded journals have positioned her as an emerging expert in the field, drawing interest from both national and international collaborators. These recognitions underscore her commitment to excellence, her capacity for independent and team-oriented research, and her potential to make significant contributions to the advancement of chemical engineering. Dr. Yan continues to pursue opportunities that challenge her skills and further her impact on sustainable science and technology.
Conclusion
In summary, Dr. Yan Wei-Wei stands out as a dedicated and innovative chemical engineer whose academic and research pursuits reflect a strong commitment to scientific advancement and sustainability. From her foundational education in China to her doctoral training in Japan, she has cultivated a rich knowledge base in membrane technology, separation processes, and sustainable chemical production. Her current role as an Assistant Professor at Henan University of Technology marks the beginning of a promising academic career characterized by research excellence, interdisciplinary collaboration, and impactful teaching. With 23 publications in well-regarded scientific journals, she has already contributed significantly to the field of chemical engineering, particularly in membrane science and green process design. Dr. Yan’s expertise in sol-gel membrane fabrication, reactor engineering, and purification technologies positions her to tackle some of the pressing challenges facing the chemical industry today. As she continues to build her academic portfolio, she aims to mentor students, lead collaborative research initiatives, and drive innovation in sustainable chemical engineering practices. Her passion, precision, and perseverance make her a valuable contributor to the academic community and a potential leader in advancing environmentally conscious chemical technologies.
Publications Top Notes
1. Chemical Bond Dissociation Insights into Organic Macerals Pyrolysis of Qinghua Bituminous Coal: Vitrinite vs Inertinite
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Authors: Shu Yan, Ning Mao, Meilin Zhu, Na Li, Weiwei Yan, Binyan He, Jing-Pei Cao, Yuhua Wu, Jianbo Wu, Hui Zhang, Hongcun Bai
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Year: 2024
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Citations: 1
2. Synergetic Polymetallic Activation: Boosting Performance of Calcium Ferrite Oxygen Carriers in Chemical Looping Combustion