Rawdah Whba | Energy Sustainability | Research Excellence Award

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Dr. Rawdah Whba | Energy Sustainability | Research Excellence Award

Dr. Rawdah Whba | Taiz University & Inonu University | Yemen

Dr. Rawdah Abduh Ghaleb Whba is an Assistant Professor of Chemistry at the Faculty of Applied Sciences, Taiz University, Yemen, and currently a Postdoctoral Researcher at İnönü University, Malatya, Türkiye. She specializes in energy storage and conversion, with a strong research focus on polymer electrolytes, electrode materials, and advanced electrochemical systems including solid-state lithium-ion batteries, sodium-ion batteries, and supercapacitors. Dr. Whba completed two bachelor’s degrees in Chemistry from Taiz University with first-class honours, earning two Presidential Awards of Yemen for academic excellence (2006, 2008). She received an English and computer diploma from NODS (2007) and joined Taiz University as a lecturer in 2009. She obtained her MSc (2017) and PhD (2022) in Chemistry from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) under prestigious scholarships from the Yemeni Government and the Islamic Development Bank. She later served as a research assistant at UKM before receiving the Türkiye Scholarships Postdoctoral Award (2023–2024), completing a fellowship at Istanbul Medeniyet University. Currently, Dr. Whba works on Na-ion full-cell development, specializing in high-performance cathode materials, pre-sodiation strategies, interfacial engineering, operando analysis, and DFT-supported materials optimization. Her broader expertise includes polymer synthesis, grafted polymers, thin-film membrane fabrication, organic/inorganic materials synthesis, electrochemical characterization, kinetic studies, and materials evaluation for next-generation rechargeable batteries. Dr. Whba has authored numerous Q1 and Q2 Web of Science journals, including publications in Journal of Power Sources, Electrochimica Acta, Ionics, ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, Langmuir, Advanced Sustainable Systems, Energy Technology, and International Journal of Biological Macromolecules. She has also published impactful review articles and collaborative works involving operando XAS, DFT studies, and biomass-derived electrode materials. She is an active scientific reviewer, contributing to Springer, Elsevier, ACS, Ionics, Carbon Letters, and multiple high-impact journals, reviewing more than 30 manuscripts, book chapters, and conference submissions. Dr. Whba has also provided academic service at Taiz University as Secretariat of the Department and Examination Committee Member and has represented academic staff in the University Syndicate since 2014. A dedicated educator, she has taught a wide range of undergraduate chemistry courses—General, Inorganic, Organic, Analytical, Physical, Biochemistry, and Pharmaceutical Analysis—at Taiz University and other institutions in Yemen. Dr. Whba is a member of several professional bodies including the American Chemical Society (ACS), the International Society of Electrochemistry (ISE), the Polymer Ionic Group (Malaysia), and the Taiz University Staff Syndicate. Her research continues to make significant contributions in polymer chemistry, electrochemistry, and sustainable energy materials, with ongoing work advancing the performance, stability, and scalability of sodium- and lithium-ion energy storage technologies.

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Featured Publications

Dogan, E., Maiga, A., Whba, R., Harfouche, M., Ozturk, Z. R., Farhan, A., Altin, E., Duygulu, Ö., Ipek, S., Kartal, R., et al. (2026). Influence of iron doping on α-NaMnO₂ lattice symmetry: Insight from operando X-ray absorption, ex-situ structural analysis, and electrochemical performance using chestnut shell-derived hard carbon. Journal of Power Sources. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpowsour.2025.238602

Ateş, M. N., Zengin, F., Whba, R., Tunaboylu, B., Aydemir, U., Peighambardoust, N. S., Karslıoğlu, N. G., Malkoç, H. C., Demiryürek, R., Güleryüz, Ö., et al. (2025). Mechanistic insights into cathode-driven capacity degradation of NMC111/graphite pouch cells under long-term cycling. Electrochimica Acta. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.electacta.2025.147611

Whba, R., Altın, S., Serin, S., Whba, F., Nakir, M. Y., & Sahinbay, S. (2025). Synergistic behavior of epoxidized natural rubber grafted di(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate-based solid polymer electrolytes: Experimental and density functional theory (DFT) study. Journal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jiec.2025.11.038

Whba, R., Sahinbay, S., Whba, F., Nakir, M. Y., & Altin, S. (2025). Unlocking the potential of epoxidized natural rubber (ENR)-based polymer electrolytes: Key strategies, bibliometric insights, and future directions. Langmuir. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.langmuir.5c00631

Dogan, E., Whba, R., Altin, E., Moeez, I., Chung, K. Y., Stoyanova, R., Koleva, V., Aktas, A., Altin, S., & Sahinbay, S. (2025). Optimized performance of Na₀.₆₇Mn₀.₅Fe₀.₅O₂@TiO₂ and presodiated hard carbon (Pre-SHC) full-cells using direct contact method. Journal of Power Sources. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpowsour.2025.236327

Whba, R., Su’ait, M. S., Whba, F., & Ahmad, A. (2024). Research progress on polyacrylonitrile-based polymer electrolytes for electrochemical devices: Insight into electrochemical performance. Journal of Power Sources. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpowsour.2024.234539

Xinping Duan | Green Chemistry | Research Excellence Award

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Prof. Xinping Duan | Green Chemistry | Research Excellence Award

Prof. Xinping Duan | Xiamen University | China

Prof. Xinping Duan of Xiamen University, China, is an internationally recognized researcher in catalysis, materials chemistry, and sustainable chemical transformations. With a distinguished academic career spanning nearly two decades, he has established himself as a leading figure in the fields of heterogeneous catalysis, CO₂ conversion, selective hydrogenation, photocatalysis, and advanced nanomaterials. His research contributions have significantly advanced the understanding of catalytic mechanisms, metal–support interactions, and rational catalyst design for energy-efficient and environmentally friendly chemical processes. Prof. Duan’s scientific impact is reflected in his outstanding publication metrics: over 72 papers, an H-index of 33, and more than 3,318 citations. His work consistently appears in top-tier journals, including Science, Nature Communications, Science Advances, ACS Catalysis, Chemical Engineering Journal, Journal of Catalysis, and Chemical Science. Several of his landmark papers—such as those on copper–silica nanocatalysts, selective CO₂ hydrogenation, and novel metal oxide interfaces—have received exceptional citation counts and have influenced both academic research and industrial catalyst development. A hallmark of Prof. Duan’s research is his ability to integrate advanced nanostructures, metal phosphides, metal carbides, and polyoxometalates to achieve high catalytic selectivity and stability. His studies on hydrogenolysis, hydrogenation, and biomass-derived oxygenate conversion have contributed to the development of greener pathways for producing fuels, fine chemicals, and value-added intermediates. He has also explored cutting-edge topics such as oxygen vacancy engineering, interfacial electron localization, spillover effects, and ambient-pressure catalytic processes. Through his rigorous research approach and sustained scientific productivity, Prof. Xinping Duan has earned a strong reputation as a catalyst innovation leader in China and abroad. His work continues to shape modern heterogeneous catalysis, clean energy conversion, and sustainable chemical engineering, positioning him as a prominent contributor to global scientific advancement.

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Featured Publications

Lin, H., Liang, X., Wen, Z., Jiao, W., Wang, R., Lian, Y., & Duan, X. (2025). The superiority of W⁶⁺ overturns the CO₂ hydrogenation selectivity of iridium. Chemical Communications. https://doi.org/10.1039/D5CC02796A

Cheng, T., Liu, Y., Miao, F., Duan, X., & Liu, Y., & Jiao, W. (2025, July). Catalytic ozonation degradation of sulfamethoxazole by high gravity coupled monolithic catalyst Ce–Co/CH: Efficacy, mechanism, pathways and toxicity. Chemical Engineering Journal. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2025.163553

Duan, X., Zhao, Y., Chou, H.-L., Zuo, J., Wang, R., Jiao, W., Fang, H., Zheng, Y., Lin, H., Ye, L., et al. (2025, March 7). Reversible spillover wakens reactivity of dormant modular hydrochlorination catalysts. ACS Catalysis. https://doi.org/10.1021/acscatal.4c06661

Duan, X., Zuo, P., Li, N., Lu, J., Zhang, J., Wen, Z., Fang, H., Jiao, W., Wang, R., & Lin, H. (2024, October 22). Collective redox-shuttling properties of nanoalloys boost water electrolysis of nitrides [Preprint]. https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-5236379/v1

Ji, X., Zhang, J., Li, N., Qiu, L., Zhang, G., Duan, X., & Wang, R. (2024, May 13). Accelerated “electron converter” characteristics of NiCo-LDH for a CdS-carbide photocatalytic system with a dual heterointerface. ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering. https://doi.org/10.1021/acssuschemeng.4c00778

Ji, X., Zhang, J., Zhang, G., Li, N., Wang, R., Lin, H., & Duan, X. (2024, April). Dual interfacing with metallic cobalt boosts the electron shuttle of CdS-carbide nanoassemblies. Journal of Colloid and Interface Science. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcis.2024.01.142

Getahun Ayele Tessema | Energy Sustainability | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Getahun Ayele Tessema | Energy Sustainability | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Getahun Ayele Tessema | Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee (IITR) | India

Getahun Ayele Tessema is an emerging researcher and PhD Candidate at the Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee (IITR), specializing in energy efficiency and sustainable built environments. He holds a B.Tech and Master’s degree with distinction and previously served as a Lecturer at Adama Science and Technology University, where he earned the Best Teacher Award for his academic excellence. Currently supported by the prestigious ICCR Africa PhD Scholarship from the Government of India, he continues to advance impactful research in the Built Environment Lab at IIT Roorkee. His academic and professional journey reflects consistent excellence, with active engagement in research, teaching, and community-oriented scientific contributions. He has completed or is working on five research projects, published two journal papers, and maintains a growing citation record accessible through Google Scholar. His collaborative work spans international and institutional partnerships, and he holds memberships in two professional organizations aligned with his research areas. Getahun’s research focuses on energy-efficient buildings, energy modelling, energy-use behaviour, and energy analysis. His contributions offer significant insights into the determinants of household energy-saving behaviour in Ethiopian urban settings. By integrating personal norms with the Theory of Planned Behaviour, he has developed a comprehensive framework that helps understand and influence energy-conscious behaviour. This work supports the development of national energy conservation strategies and provides a scientific basis for formulating building energy codes—an urgent need for sustainable urban growth in Ethiopia. His findings aim to guide policymakers, enhance occupant awareness, and contribute to cleaner energy access through practical, community-responsive solutions. Through his multidisciplinary research, academic leadership, and commitment to sustainable development, Getahun exemplifies innovation, scholarly excellence, and societal impact. His work aligns strongly with the vision of promoting energy-efficient built environments and positions him as a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

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Featured Publications

Tessema, G. A., Chani, P. S., & Rajasekar, E. (2025). Analysis of residential electricity consumption in Ethiopian condominiums: Leveraging cluster analysis for targeted electrification interventions. In 2025 IEEE 13th International Conference on Smart Energy Grid Engineering (SEGE). IEEE.

Tessema, G. A., Chani, P. S., & Rajasekar, E. (2025). Modelling energy-saving behaviour in Ethiopian urban households: Integrating personal norms and demographic moderators to the theory of planned behaviour. Energy and Buildings, —, 116709.

Prof. Dr. Zhifei Li | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award | 2605

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Prof. Dr. Zhifei Li | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Zhifei Li | Pearl River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangzhou | China

Zhifei Li is a distinguished researcher known for advancing aquaculture science, environmental engineering, and sustainable fisheries. His work spans freshwater pond healthy aquaculture, industrial recirculating aquaculture systems, ecological treatment of aquaculture tailwater, and large-water-area ecological fisheries. He has taken on significant scientific and advisory responsibilities within research institutions, engineering technology centers, and regional environmental governance bodies. His contributions are recognized through leadership roles in aquaculture pollution remediation, rural science and technology service, and expert consultation for large-scale aquaculture improvement initiatives. Zhifei Li has led numerous national and provincial research programs, including foundational research projects, key R&D initiatives, and regional technological innovation schemes. He has also collaborated on multiple multidisciplinary projects involving biofilm regulation, quorum sensing mechanisms, engineered bacteria, and low-temperature wastewater treatment systems for aquaculture. His research emphasizes practical and scalable solutions for improving water quality, enhancing aquaculture system efficiency, and promoting ecological fisheries development. Scientifically, his contributions are well-documented. He has authored 120 research documents, accumulating 1,756 citations from 1,362 citing documents, and holds an h-index of 23, reflecting strong academic influence. His publication record includes articles in recognized international journals, as well as contributions to several academic books. His innovation output features multiple authorized invention patents, software copyrights, and ongoing patented technologies with domestic and international relevance. Zhifei Li is also active in consultancy and industry-linked projects, providing technical solutions to aquaculture enterprises and environmental management programs. His collaborations extend to engineered microbial systems for wastewater treatment and biofilm regulation. Professionally, he serves in important roles within committees related to aquaculture environment and wastewater treatment and contributes to the development of future researchers as a supervisor in advanced academic programs.

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Featured Publications

Li, J., Ma, J., Li, Z., Xie, J., Zhang, Y., Yu, M., Xia, Y., Gong, W., Zhang, K., Wang, G., et al. (2025). C4-HSL drives rapid biofilm formation in low-temperature aquaculture effluent: Strengthening structural stability of biofilm and improving nitrogen removal efficiency. Environmental Research. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envres.2025.122408

Li, J., Ma, J., Li, Z., Xie, J., Zhang, Y., Yu, M., Xia, Y., Gong, W., Zhang, K., Wang, G., et al. (2025). C4-HSL drives rapid biofilm formation in low-temperature aquaculture effluent: Strengthening structural stability of biofilm and improving nitrogen removal efficiency. SSRN. https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.5237275

Zhang, W., Ji, M., Wang, B., Xie, J., Wang, G., Gong, W., Li, H., Xia, Y., Zhang, K., Li, Z., et al. (2025). Comparative analysis of muscle metabolomics and gut microbiome provides new insights into the high fat intolerance mechanism of juvenile grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella). Aquaculture Reports. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aqrep.2025.102864

 Zhang, K., Luo, Y.-M., Xie, J., Gong, W.-B., Li, Z.-F., Xia, Y., Xie, W.-P., Tian, J.-J., Li, H.-Y., Wang, G.-J., et al. (2025). Effect of complex carbon sources on the vertical distribution and exchange flux of nitrogen nutrient at the sediment–water interface. SSRN. https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.5098069

Tian, J., Wang, B., Ji, M., Gong, W., Li, H., Xia, Y., Zhang, K., Li, Z., Xie, W., Wang, G., et al. (2025). Effects of berberine combined with Pennisetum sinese Roxb meal on growth, hepatic lipid metabolism, and intestinal health of grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella). Aquaculture Reports. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aqrep.2025.102702

 Wang, Z., Xie, J., Wang, G., Li, Z., Zhang, K., He, Z., Tian, J., Xie, W., Li, H., & Xia, Y., et al. (2025). Effects of Clostridium butyricum or Chinese herbal preparation on hepatic antioxidant capacity, immune function, and gut microbiota of bullfrog tadpoles and froglets (丁酸梭菌或中草药制剂对牛蛙蝌蚪和幼蛙肝脏抗氧化能力、免疫功能及肠道菌群的影响). Chinese Journal of Animal Nutrition. https://doi.org/10.12418/CJAN2025.438

Xue Li | Energy Sustainability | Best Researcher Award

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Ms. Xue Li | Energy Sustainability | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Xue Li | Wuhan Institute of Technology | China

Dr. Li Xue received her Ph.D. in Thermal Engineering from Dalian University of Technology in 2021. She is currently a faculty member at the School of Optical Information and Energy Engineering, Wuhan Institute of Technology. Her core research focuses on the near-wall collisions of microscale particles and the fundamentals of particle dynamics. She investigates how microscale interactions influence fluid flow, heat transfer, and energy conversion processes. Her studies contribute to advancing knowledge in microfluidics, aerosol science, and particulate system behavior. By integrating theoretical modeling with experimental validation, she addresses key challenges in microscale transport phenomena. Her work aims to improve the design of energy systems with higher efficiency and better control of particle interactions. She is also interested in the application of microscale particle research in thermal management and engineering systems. Through her academic contributions, she supports interdisciplinary advancements bridging thermal engineering and energy science. Dr. Xue continues to expand her research portfolio while mentoring students in innovative areas of energy and particle engineering.

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Featured Publications

Li, X., Xie, J., Dong, M., Chen, S., & Dong, W. (2024). Could the rebound characteristics of oblique impact for SiO₂ particles represent the ash particles? ACS Omega, 9(9), 10564–10574.

Li, X., Dong, M., Zhang, H., Li, S., & Shang, Y. (2020). Effect of surface roughness on capillary force during particle-wall impaction under different humidity conditions. Powder Technology, 369, 253–261.

Li, X., Dong, M., Jiang, D., Li, S., & Shang, Y. (2020). The effect of surface roughness on normal restitution coefficient, adhesion force and friction coefficient of the particle-wall collision. Powder Technology, 361, 311–320.

Li, X., Dong, M., Li, S., & Shang, Y. (2019). Experimental and theoretical studies of the relationship between dry and humid normal restitution coefficients. Journal of Aerosol Science, 130, 67–76.

Dong, M., Mei, Y., Li, X., Shang, Y., & Li, S. (2018). Experimental measurement of the normal coefficient of restitution of micro-particles impacting on plate surface in different humidity. Powder Technology, 334, 52–60.

Dong, M., Li, X., Mei, Y., & Li, S. (2018). Experimental and theoretical analyses on the effect of physical properties and humidity of fly ash impacting on a flat surface. Journal of Aerosol Science, 117, 121–131.

Asif Khan | Clean Energy | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Asif Khan | Clean Energy | Best Researcher Award 

Dr. Asif Khan | University of Science and Technology Bannu kpk | Pakistan

Asif Nawaz Khan is a committed physicist and lecturer at the University of Science and Technology Bannu, with extensive experience in teaching and research at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. He is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Physics and has developed strong expertise in computational and theoretical physics, particularly in the design and analysis of 2D and 3D perovskite materials. His research encompasses structural, optical, thermoelectric, elastic, and thermodynamic properties, alongside solar cell device performance, phonon calculations, and molecular dynamics simulations. Proficient in advanced simulation software and machine learning techniques, he actively supervises students in both experiments and computational modeling, contributing significantly to the advancement of materials science.

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Featured Publications

Khan, A., Khan, N. U., Nawaz, A., & Ullah, K., & Manan, A. (2024). A DFT study to explore structural, electronic, optical and mechanical properties of lead-free Na2MoXO6 (X= Si, Ge, Sn) double perovskites for photovoltaic and optoelectronic applications. Computational and Theoretical Chemistry, 1240, 114834.

Hosen, A., Mousa, A. A., Nemati-Kande, E., Khan, A. N., Abu-Jafar, M. S., … (2025). Systematic computational screening and design of double perovskites Q2LiMH6 (Q= K, Rb; M= Ga, In, Tl) for efficient hydrogen storage: A DFT and AIMD approach. Surfaces and Interfaces, 106608.

Khan, A. N., Rabhi, S., Jehangir, M. A., Charif, R., Khan, N. U., Begagra, A., … (2025). Evaluating A2SrGeI6 (A= K and Rb) lead-free double perovskites: Structural, elastic, and optoelectronic insights for clean energy. Inorganic Chemistry Communications, 174, 113949.

Khan, N. U., Ghani, U., Khan, A., Khan, A. N., Ullah, K., Ali, R., & Fadhali, M. M. (2025). Theoretical insight into stabilities and optoelectronic properties of RbZnX3 (X= Cl, Br) halide perovskites for energy conversion applications. Optical and Quantum Electronics, 57(1), 109.

Rabhi, S., Khan, A. N., Chinoune, O., Charif, R., Bouri, N., Al-Qaisi, S., Sadaf, S., … (2025). Insight into NaSiCl3: A lead-free perovskite for the next generation revealed by DFT and SCAPS-1D. Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics, 27(25), 13490–13507.

Hosen, A., Sadeghi, A., Abdulhussein, H. A., Nemati-Kande, E., Khan, A. N., … (2025). First-principles insights into NaScQH6 (Q= Fe, Ru, Os): Promising high-density hydrogen storage materials. International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, 177, 151392.

Khan, A. N., Khan, N. U., Khan, A., Ali, R., & Fadhali, M. M. (2025). Lead-free, stable, and effective double Ca2TiXO6 (X= Ge, Sn) perovskites for photovoltaic application. Journal of Sol-Gel Science and Technology, 1–13.

Khan, A. N., Kaleem, M., Khan, N. U., Nasir, A., Khan, A., & Abbasi, M. Z. (2026). Multi-functional DFT and SCAPS-1D analysis of lead-free Z2MgGeI6 (Z= Na, K) double perovskites for optoelectronic, photo-catalytic, and photovoltaic applications. Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells, 294, 113922.

Khan, A. N., Khan, N. U., Kaleem, M., Tanzeel, M., Nasir, A., Hosen, A., Akremi, A., … (2025). Lead-free X2MgGeI6 (X= Rb, Cs) double perovskites for multi-functional energy applications: A DFT and SCAPS-1D perspective. Solid State Sciences, 108049.

Khan, Z., Manan, A., Khan, N. U., Khan, A. N., Khan, A., & Liu, G., … (2025). Exploring Sn-based vacancy-ordered halide double perovskites Na2Sn(Cl/Br)6 for optoelectronic, thermoelectric, and solar-driven hydrogen reduction applications. Chemical Papers, 1–21.

Khan, Z., Manan, A., Khan, N. U., Khan, A. N., Khan, A., Joifullah, S., Al Yeamin, M., … (2025). DFT-driven pressure-induced modulation in K2TIYCl6: Unlocking pressure-responsive physical and photo-catalytic properties. Optical and Quantum Electronics, 57(7), 1–32.