Chaojiang Fan | Material Science | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Chaojiang Fan | Material Science | Best Researcher Award

Lecturer at Shaanxi University of Technology | China

Dr. Chaojiang Fan is a Lecturer and Master Supervisor at the School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shaanxi University of Technology, Hanzhong, China. His academic journey and professional expertise reflect a strong dedication to advancing energy storage technologies, particularly in the field of lithium-sulfur batteries. Dr. Fan has published more than 30 SCI papers in influential journals, with 9 as first or corresponding author, demonstrating his active role in driving research and knowledge dissemination. His research spans the design of key materials, the performance optimization of electrochemical devices, and the recycling of waste lithium-ion batteries, aligning with global efforts toward sustainable energy and environmental responsibility. Over the course of his career, he has contributed significantly to separator innovation, offering solutions to challenges such as the polysulfide shuttle effect and lithium dendrite growth, while also promoting the practical application of advanced energy devices. In addition to his publications, Dr. Fan has been involved in competitive research projects at both national and provincial levels, serving as principal investigator and co-investigator. With a commitment to innovation, mentorship, and collaborative research, he continues to shape advancements in energy storage and sustainable materials science.

Professional Profile

Scopus | ORCID

Education

Dr. Chaojiang Fan pursued his academic career at Xi’an University of Technology, where he earned degrees across three levels in materials science and engineering disciplines. He completed his Bachelor of Science in Materials Forming and Control Engineering, where his foundational studies under the guidance of Prof. Yunpeng Zhang nurtured his interest in material design and processing. Building upon this background, he pursued a Master of Science in Materials Processing Engineering under Prof. Yunhua Xu, developing advanced skills in structural design, electrochemistry, and material engineering. His master’s work introduced him to electrochemical applications, setting the stage for his later research focus. To further specialize, Dr. Fan undertook doctoral studies in Materials Science and Engineering, mentored by Prof. Rong Yang, a recognized leader in electrochemical energy systems. His doctoral research concentrated on functional membranes for lithium-sulfur batteries, exploring characteristic regulation and electrochemical performance to overcome performance limitations of next-generation energy storage systems. His thesis represents a comprehensive study integrating synthesis, modification, and performance evaluation of advanced separator materials. Across these educational milestones, Dr. Fan built a robust knowledge base in materials science while cultivating strong experimental and theoretical capabilities, positioning him as a leading scholar in energy storage research.

Professional Experience

Dr. Chaojiang Fan currently serves as Lecturer and Master Supervisor at the School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shaanxi University of Technology, where he is engaged in both teaching and research. His academic role combines classroom instruction, laboratory guidance, and the supervision of postgraduate students, contributing to the training of the next generation of researchers in materials science. In his research career, Dr. Fan has actively participated in and led numerous high-level projects, including the Doctoral Innovation Fund of Xi’an University of Technology, for which he served as principal investigator, and several nationally funded collaborative programs. His professional experience includes working on critical energy-related challenges such as improving the stability and scalability of lithium-sulfur batteries and exploring sustainable recycling methods for lithium-ion battery materials. He has successfully translated laboratory-scale innovations into applied solutions, guiding both fundamental discoveries and their technological applications. His involvement in international and domestic academic conferences, as both presenter and participant, further reflects his active engagement in scholarly exchange. With a strong record of teamwork, leadership, and innovation, Dr. Fan has developed a career that bridges research, education, and practical implementation in the field of advanced energy storage technologies.

Research Interests

Dr. Chaojiang Fan’s research interests revolve around electrochemical energy storage materials and device engineering, with a particular focus on lithium-sulfur batteries. His primary direction lies in the design and synthesis of advanced separator materials capable of suppressing the polysulfide shuttle effect and stabilizing lithium anodes. By regulating structural and surface properties, his work addresses long-standing challenges such as cycle instability and dendritic growth. Another important area of his research is the construction and performance evaluation of complete energy storage devices, spanning laboratory-scale coin cells to larger pouch cells, with the aim of bridging scientific innovation with industrial application. In addition, Dr. Fan has expanded his research toward sustainable material regeneration and battery recycling, recognizing the necessity of closed-loop solutions in the era of increasing electrification. His exploration of waste lithium-ion battery materials contributes to the development of green and efficient recycling methods, aligning with global strategies for carbon neutrality and sustainable development. With over 30 SCI-indexed publications, Dr. Fan’s research combines theoretical insights, material design, and practical applications, making significant contributions to the development of high-performance, durable, and environmentally responsible energy storage technologies.

Research Skills

Dr. Chaojiang Fan possesses a comprehensive set of research skills that enable him to carry out advanced studies in materials science and energy storage. His expertise includes the synthesis and structural modification of functional membranes, particularly through electrospinning and surface engineering techniques, which he has applied to design high-performance separators for lithium-sulfur batteries. He is proficient in electrochemical characterization methods, including cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic charge-discharge testing, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, which allow him to evaluate the kinetics, stability, and efficiency of battery systems. In addition, Dr. Fan has significant experience with advanced material characterization tools such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), which provide insights into microstructure, morphology, and chemical states. Beyond laboratory techniques, he has honed project management and academic writing skills through his extensive publication record and leadership roles in funded projects. His involvement as both investigator and co-investigator in competitive grants reflects his ability to design, coordinate, and implement complex research programs. Combining laboratory precision, analytical depth, and collaborative leadership, Dr. Fan’s skill set positions him to continue advancing the frontier of electrochemical energy storage materials and sustainable technology applications.

Awards and Honors

Throughout his academic career, Dr. Chaojiang Fan has received multiple awards and honors that recognize his innovation, leadership, and contributions to materials science research. He served as project manager for a student innovation team that won the National Silver Medal at the China International College Students Innovation Competition, a highly competitive event organized by the Ministry of Education of China. This award highlights not only his scientific contributions but also his mentorship and ability to lead interdisciplinary teams. Earlier, he was honored with the First Prize at the 6th China Innovation Challenge, hosted by the Xi’an Science and Technology Bureau, where he contributed as a co-investigator on a high-impact project. These awards demonstrate his capacity to translate scientific research into tangible technological outcomes, addressing critical challenges in energy storage and material sustainability. Beyond competitions, his active participation in conferences and research collaborations has earned him recognition among peers in the field of electrochemical energy systems. These distinctions, combined with his strong publication record and successful project leadership, underscore his standing as a promising scholar dedicated to advancing sustainable energy technologies while fostering innovation in academic and applied research environments.

Publications Top Notes

Title: Synergistic Interaction of Strongly Polar Zinc Selenide and Highly Conductive Carbon Nanoframeworks Accelerates Redox Kinetics of Polysulfides
Year: 2024
Citations: 2

Title: Engineering a Semi-Immobilized Ionic Liquid Interface Layer to Boost Li⁺ Conduction at Organic-Inorganic Interface
Year: 2025

Title: Multifunctional Integrated Separator Based on Electrospinning Structure Engineering for High-Stability Lithium-Sulfur Batteries
Year: 2025

Conclusion

In conclusion, Dr. Chaojiang Fan exemplifies a new generation of materials scientists dedicated to the advancement of sustainable energy storage technologies. His research has spanned from fundamental material design to practical device engineering and recycling, covering the entire spectrum of energy storage development. Through his work on lithium-sulfur batteries, he has contributed valuable strategies to overcome performance bottlenecks such as the polysulfide shuttle effect, enhancing both the stability and applicability of these systems. His dedication to recycling waste lithium-ion batteries further aligns his work with global sustainability and carbon-neutral goals. With a strong educational foundation, extensive research skills, and leadership in funded projects, Dr. Fan has established himself as both a capable scientist and a mentor to young researchers. The recognition he has received through awards and honors demonstrates the impact and promise of his contributions. Moving forward, he remains committed to combining academic rigor with technological innovation, aiming to bridge the gap between research and industry applications. Dr. Fan’s career reflects a balance of scholarship, practical advancement, and leadership, positioning him as an influential figure in the field of energy storage and materials science.

Liu Xiaoda | Material Genetic Engineering | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Liu Xiaoda | Material Genetic Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Associate Professor at Taiyuan University of Technology, China

Dr. Liu Xiaoda is an Associate Professor and Master’s Supervisor at the School of Artificial Intelligence, Taiyuan University of Technology (TYUT). Born in February 1982 in Houma, Shanxi Province, he has devoted his academic career to advancing research in material gene engineering and machine learning. With a strong foundation in Materials Physics and Chemistry, Dr. Liu has developed a robust interdisciplinary profile blending materials science with artificial intelligence. A member of the Jiusan Society and a Han ethnic group representative, he actively contributes to both scientific and civic communities. Over the years, he has earned a reputation for excellence in teaching, mentorship, and research. He is also an active member of prominent provincial-level research centers, including the Shanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Data Governance and Intelligent Decision-Making and the Shanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Metal Materials and Corrosion Control. A member of the China Computer Federation (CCF), Dr. Liu plays a critical role in the convergence of computer science and materials engineering. With his multifaceted expertise and forward-looking vision, Dr. Liu is committed to pushing the boundaries of intelligent materials design and digital transformation in materials research.

Professional Profile

Education

Dr. Liu Xiaoda received his doctoral degree from Taiyuan University of Technology, where he majored in Materials Physics and Chemistry. This rigorous academic training equipped him with comprehensive knowledge in the fields of materials science, computational modeling, and experimental analysis. During his Ph.D. journey, Dr. Liu focused on exploring novel methods to optimize material structures using data-driven approaches, laying the foundation for his later work in materials informatics. His academic background provided him not only with deep theoretical insights into materials behavior at the micro and nanoscale but also with practical skills in handling complex datasets, laboratory instrumentation, and simulation software. Dr. Liu’s multidisciplinary education fostered his passion for integrating artificial intelligence techniques with materials science—a relatively novel and promising frontier. The strong academic environment at Taiyuan University of Technology, known for its emphasis on research and innovation, nurtured Dr. Liu’s scholarly abilities and prepared him to tackle complex scientific challenges. Throughout his academic life, he has remained committed to lifelong learning, regularly attending workshops and technical training to stay updated on emerging trends in machine learning, computational chemistry, and big data analytics.

Professional Experience

Dr. Liu Xiaoda has accumulated extensive professional experience through his academic appointments at Taiyuan University of Technology. From 2019 to 2021, he served as a Lecturer at the School of Big Data, where he began developing interdisciplinary research on materials data science. His dedication and innovative approach led to his promotion to Associate Professor in 2022 at the School of Computer Science and Technology (formerly also the School of Big Data). In 2024, Dr. Liu transitioned to the School of Artificial Intelligence, continuing his role as an Associate Professor and broadening the impact of his research in machine learning-driven materials engineering. As a Master’s Supervisor, he has mentored numerous graduate students, guiding them through advanced topics in smart materials, data mining, and artificial intelligence applications in physical sciences. His academic responsibilities also include curriculum development, research supervision, and collaborative project leadership. Dr. Liu’s multidisciplinary insight enables him to lead initiatives that bridge traditional materials science with cutting-edge computational techniques. His commitment to academic excellence is further evidenced by his leadership roles in key research projects funded by the Shanxi Provincial Government and industrial collaborations, as well as by his involvement in multiple key laboratories and professional societies.

Research Interest

Dr. Liu Xiaoda’s research interests lie at the intersection of materials science and artificial intelligence. His primary focus is on materials gene engineering and machine learning applications in materials discovery. Through this integrated approach, Dr. Liu seeks to revolutionize how new materials are designed, optimized, and deployed. He is particularly interested in using data-driven algorithms to predict material properties and accelerate the development of functional materials for industrial and technological use. Another key area of his research is intelligent sensing, where he investigates the use of smart sensors and embedded systems for real-time material diagnostics. Additionally, Dr. Liu explores materials big data, employing high-throughput experimentation and data governance frameworks to manage, analyze, and visualize large-scale datasets effectively. His work contributes to both fundamental science and industrial applications, addressing pressing issues in materials innovation, corrosion control, and intelligent manufacturing. With a multidisciplinary lens, he collaborates across fields to enhance the reliability, efficiency, and environmental sustainability of next-generation materials. His future research aims to further integrate deep learning, digital twins, and autonomous experimentation to build intelligent platforms for materials development and application.

Research Skills

Dr. Liu Xiaoda possesses a comprehensive and versatile research skill set that enables him to lead innovative and impactful projects across disciplines. He is proficient in machine learning, particularly in applying algorithms such as random forests, neural networks, and support vector machines to predict and optimize material properties. His expertise in materials informatics allows him to manage and analyze large datasets for materials design using high-throughput simulations and computational modeling. He is also skilled in statistical analysis, data visualization, and programming languages such as Python, MATLAB, and R, which he uses to develop custom algorithms for scientific research. On the experimental side, Dr. Liu has hands-on experience with various characterization techniques, including XRD, SEM, and electrochemical testing, which are essential for validating computational predictions. Furthermore, he has developed skills in multidisciplinary project management, coordinating teams across research institutions and industries. His deep understanding of data governance, combined with practical skills in AI-driven decision-making, equips him to work at the forefront of intelligent materials research. His ability to bridge computational and experimental workflows is a hallmark of his research methodology, facilitating impactful outcomes in both academic and practical applications.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Liu Xiaoda has been recognized for his significant contributions to scientific research and academic leadership. He has successfully led eight major research projects, including the Shanxi International Collaboration Program, Shanxi Key R&D Plan, and foundational research initiatives. One of his achievements includes a technology transfer project based on a patented invention, demonstrating his ability to translate academic research into real-world applications. He has published over 30 scholarly articles, including 20+ SCI-indexed papers, of which four are in top-tier journals, affirming the high impact of his work. Dr. Liu holds one authorized invention patent, and his innovations have been instrumental in advancing the fields of materials data science and intelligent design. He is an active member of the China Computer Federation (CCF) and a core member of two Shanxi Provincial Key Laboratories, further emphasizing his influence in the scientific community. His growing reputation as a thought leader and his success in competitive research funding reflect his dedication to academic excellence and innovation. These accolades highlight both his intellectual depth and his practical influence on interdisciplinary research in materials and artificial intelligence.

Conclusion

Dr. Liu Xiaoda exemplifies the qualities of a modern interdisciplinary scientist, seamlessly integrating materials science with artificial intelligence to solve complex technological challenges. As an Associate Professor and Master’s Supervisor at the School of Artificial Intelligence, Taiyuan University of Technology, he has demonstrated leadership in education, research, and scientific collaboration. His commitment to pushing the boundaries of knowledge is evident in his prolific research output, influential patents, and successful management of high-level research projects. Dr. Liu’s work addresses key global priorities, including smart manufacturing, sustainable materials, and AI-driven innovation. Through his active involvement in academic societies and provincial laboratories, he continues to shape the future of intelligent materials research in China and beyond. His dynamic career trajectory and strong academic foundation make him a valuable asset to the scientific community. Looking ahead, Dr. Liu aims to deepen interdisciplinary collaborations, mentor the next generation of researchers, and further explore the synergy between data science and materials engineering. His professional journey is a testament to the power of combining traditional scientific rigor with modern computational intelligence.

Publications Top Notes

Title: Tailoring precipitation strengthening in Low-Alloy High-Strength Steel: The synergistic role of Ni, V, and Ti
Authors: Xiao-da Liu, Yu-shan Shi, Xi-wen Yue, Hua-yun Du, Li-feng Hou, Qian Wang, Huan Wei, Wen-feng Wang, Ying-hui Wei
Year: 2025

Title: Regulating the localized corrosion of grain boundary and galvanic corrosion by adding the electronegative element in magnesium alloy
Authors: Xiao-da Liu, Qixin Yan, Lifeng Hou, Junli Sun, Donghu Li, Jianlei Song, Qian Wang, Yinghui WeiYear: 2025
Citations: 2

Title: Grain gradient refinement and corrosion mechanisms in metals through severe plastic deformation: insights from Surface Mechanical Attrition Treatment (SMAT)
Authors: Xiao-da LiuYear: 2025
Citations: 1