Yun Liu | Material Science | Research Excellence Award

Ms. Yun Liu | Material Science | Research Excellence Award 

Ms. Yun Liu | Beihua University | China

Yun Liu is a materials researcher affiliated with Beihua University, specializing in wood protection, wood anatomy, and weather-resistant material modification. With a strong academic foundation supported by a Master’s degree in Materials and Chemical Engineering, Yun Liu has developed expertise in material characterization, performance testing, and advanced analytical techniques used to evaluate structural, chemical, and aesthetic changes in lignocellulosic materials. A key contribution of Yun Liu’s work is the innovative investigation into the dynamic weathering behavior of heat-treated wood. This research integrates continuous monitoring of visual and structural degradation with in-depth chemical analysis, offering a holistic framework for understanding the durability of modified wood materials. By correlating changes in color, gloss, and surface properties with transformations in lignin, extractives, and microstructural features, the study provides essential insights into how heat treatment influences early-stage weathering. Importantly, the findings reveal that heat treatment adjusts the degradation pathways of lignin, contributing to enhanced color stability rather than merely slowing chemical deterioration. This mechanistic understanding supports the development of targeted modification strategies for improving the long-term service life and aesthetic performance of outdoor wood products. Yun Liu has published as first author in the journal Polymers, where the study on dynamic weathering of heat-treated Chinese fir highlights the scientific and practical relevance of this research. This work establishes a foundation for future advancements in sustainable wood protection technologies and environmentally conscious material engineering. Committed to academic integrity and professional growth, Yun Liu maintains active research links through recognized scholarly platforms and contributes to the broader scientific community through collaboration and knowledge dissemination. With a focus on innovation, material durability, and eco-friendly wood modification, Yun Liu aims to advance high-impact research aligned with the standards of the Research Excellence Award category.

Profile: Orcid

Featured Publications

Liu, Y., Gao, C., Wang, Q., Hadili, B., Miao, Y., Cui, X., & Matsumura, J. (2025). Dynamic weathering behavior of heat-treated Chinese fir: Surface properties, chemical composition, and microstructure. Polymers, 17(23), 3143. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17233143

siguo xiao | Material Science | Best Researcher Award

Prof. siguo xiao | Material Science | Best Researcher Award

Prof. siguo xiao | Xiangtan University | China

Dr. Siguo Xiao is a distinguished Professor and Doctoral Supervisor specializing in optoelectronic technology and semiconductor physics. He teaches core courses such as Optoelectronic Technology and Semiconductor Physics, fostering innovation and practical expertise among graduate and doctoral students. His research focuses on solid-state luminescence, luminescent materials, and advanced optoelectronic applications, with interests spanning nanomaterials, optical glass and ceramics, and semiconductor optoelectronic technologies. Over his prolific career, Prof. Xiao has led or participated in more than ten major research projects, including the National Program, the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC), and key initiatives supported by the Hunan Provincial Department of Science and Technology and the Department of Education. His project leadership includes notable NSFC-funded studies on semiconductor oxide/rare earth fluoride micro-nano composites and broadband quantum cutting luminescent materials Prof. Xiao has made significant scholarly contributions, authoring over 80 SCI/EI-indexed papers in high-impact journals such as Physical Review Letters, Optics Letters, Journal of Applied Physics, and RSC Advances. His research has achieved an impressive academic footprint, with 1,578 citations from 1,412 documents, 110 total publications, and an h-index of 23 — underscoring both the depth and influence of his scientific output. He is also an accomplished inventor with over ten national invention patents, including A Blue Up-Conversion Luminescent Material and Its Preparation Method and A Silicate Yellow Long-Lasting Phosphor and Its Preparation Method. Four of his patented technologies have been successfully transferred for industrial application, highlighting his commitment to translational research and technology commercialization. In recognition of his outstanding scientific achievements, Prof. Xiao received the Third Prize of the Hunan Provincial Science and Technology Progress Award. His mentorship has guided graduate students to notable accolades, including one Provincial Excellent Graduate Thesis and two Xiangtan University President’s Awards.

Profile: Scopus

Featured Publications

Li⁺ and B³⁺ Co-Doping Induced Near-Infrared Emission Enhancement of Ga₁.₆Sc₀.₄O₃:Cr³⁺. (2025). ECS Journal of Solid State Science and Technology.

Long-Wavelength Broadband Near-Infrared ZrTe₃O₈:Cr³⁺, Ti⁴⁺ Phosphor of High Luminescence Quantum Yield and Excellent Thermal Stability. (2025). ACS Applied Optical Materials.

Luminescence Improvement via Site Environment Adjustment and Site Occupancy Regulation of Eu²⁺ in Ca₈MgSi₄O₁₆Cl₂. (2025). Optical Materials.

Pure Near-Infrared Up-Conversion Emission of Tm³⁺ Sensitized by Ni²⁺ in MgGa₂O₄. (2024). Journal of Physical Chemistry C.

Broadband Near-Infrared Emission in Cr³⁺, Yb³⁺, Li⁺ Tri-Doped In₂TeO₆. (2024). Materials Research Bulletin.