Chaojiang Fan | Material Science | Best Researcher Award

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.

Eduardo Bittencourt | Material Science | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Eduardo Bittencourt | Material Science | Best Researcher Award

Professor at Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

Prof. Eduardo Bittencourt is a distinguished academic and researcher with extensive contributions in mechanical, metallurgical, and civil engineering. Holding a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, a Master of Science in Metallurgy, and a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering, he exemplifies interdisciplinary expertise. He further enhanced his academic experience through a postdoctoral fellowship at Brown University, USA. Currently a Full Professor at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS) in Porto Alegre, Brazil—one of South America’s top-ranked universities—Prof. Bittencourt is renowned for his teaching and research in structural mechanics and material science. He lectures on structural mechanics for undergraduate students and advanced topics like plasticity and fracture for graduate students. His research is centered on computational mechanics, specifically isotropic and crystal plasticity, as well as the fracture behavior of metallic and quasi-fragile materials. With a record of mentoring over 30 M.Sc., Ph.D. students, and post-doctoral researchers, he has cultivated academic excellence across multiple levels. Prof. Bittencourt has published more than 30 peer-reviewed articles, accumulating around 800 citations. In addition to being a respected reviewer for high-impact journals, he maintains active involvement in shaping scientific standards in his fields of expertise. His career is marked by deep commitment to innovation, education, and scholarly excellence.

Professional Profile

Education

Prof. Eduardo Bittencourt has pursued a robust and interdisciplinary academic path that underscores his expertise in engineering and material science. He began his educational journey with a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, establishing a solid foundation in mechanical systems, materials, and applied mechanics. Driven by a keen interest in materials behavior, he pursued a Master of Science in Metallurgy, where he focused on the structural and mechanical properties of metals and alloys. His thesis work during this time helped bridge the gap between mechanical engineering applications and materials performance. Building upon this foundation, Prof. Bittencourt earned a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering, where he explored advanced topics such as structural analysis, fracture mechanics, and material durability in civil infrastructures. His doctoral research enabled a deeper understanding of how engineering structures behave under stress and how materials degrade over time. Further enriching his academic profile, he undertook postdoctoral research at Brown University in the United States, a globally recognized institution known for pioneering work in materials and computational mechanics. This postdoctoral tenure allowed him to collaborate with international experts and explore emerging areas in fracture and plasticity. Prof. Bittencourt’s academic trajectory reflects a continuous pursuit of interdisciplinary knowledge and a commitment to research excellence.

Professional Experience

Prof. Eduardo Bittencourt’s professional experience is defined by decades of impactful academic and research contributions. He currently serves as a Full Professor at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), a premier institution in Brazil and South America. His role encompasses undergraduate and graduate-level instruction, where he teaches courses in structural mechanics, plasticity, and fracture mechanics. In the classroom, Prof. Bittencourt is known for his rigorous and engaging teaching style that integrates theoretical depth with practical applications. Beyond teaching, he has been a prolific researcher in the field of computational mechanics and materials science. His primary research interests involve modeling isotropic and crystal plasticity and analyzing fracture behaviors in metals and quasi-fragile materials. Over the years, Prof. Bittencourt has supervised over 30 M.Sc. and Ph.D. students, as well as several post-doctoral fellows, thereby cultivating a strong academic lineage. His publication record includes more than 30 papers in prestigious journals, garnering approximately 800 citations. Additionally, he serves as a reviewer for high-impact journals like the International Journal of Plasticity and Engineering Fracture Mechanics. Through his professional roles, Prof. Bittencourt contributes significantly to both scientific progress and the education of future engineers and researchers.

Research Interest

Prof. Eduardo Bittencourt’s research interests are rooted in the intersection of computational mechanics, material science, and structural engineering. His work focuses extensively on the modeling and simulation of complex material behaviors, particularly in the realms of isotropic and crystal plasticity. He investigates how materials deform and fail under various loading conditions, aiming to enhance the accuracy of predictive models used in engineering design. A key area of his research involves the fracture mechanics of metallic and quasi-fragile materials, including their response to microstructural defects and external stresses. Prof. Bittencourt is particularly interested in developing computational tools that can simulate the initiation and propagation of cracks in these materials, contributing to safer and more efficient structural designs. His interdisciplinary approach combines principles from metallurgy, civil engineering, and mechanical analysis, providing valuable insights into how materials behave under real-world conditions. Furthermore, he applies these models to solve engineering problems ranging from aerospace to civil infrastructure. Through his research, Prof. Bittencourt seeks to bridge the gap between theoretical mechanics and practical engineering applications, fostering innovation in structural integrity assessment and materials development. His contributions not only advance academic understanding but also support industries in designing safer, longer-lasting systems.

Research Skills

Prof. Eduardo Bittencourt brings a comprehensive set of research skills that have established him as a leading figure in computational mechanics and material science. He possesses in-depth expertise in modeling isotropic and crystal plasticity, allowing him to simulate complex deformation patterns in metals and other structural materials. His proficiency in fracture mechanics enables him to predict crack initiation and propagation, critical for evaluating structural reliability. Prof. Bittencourt is highly skilled in using finite element analysis (FEA) tools and custom-developed algorithms for computational simulations, supporting both theoretical investigations and applied engineering problems. He has hands-on experience with high-level programming languages and simulation software, which he employs to create robust models for mechanical behavior. Moreover, his background in metallurgy and civil engineering equips him with the ability to interpret experimental results and integrate them into computational frameworks. His mentorship of more than 30 graduate students and postdoctoral researchers reflects his strengths in guiding research projects, designing experiments, and fostering scholarly collaboration. Prof. Bittencourt’s research skills are complemented by his ability to publish and review high-quality scientific literature, ensuring his work meets the rigorous standards of international research. These skills collectively contribute to advancing the frontiers of engineering science and education.

Awards and Honors

While specific awards and honors were not explicitly listed, Prof. Eduardo Bittencourt’s academic career is marked by recognition through various prestigious appointments and contributions to the scientific community. His position as a Full Professor at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS) signifies a high level of peer recognition and academic excellence within Brazil’s leading engineering institution. Being selected for a postdoctoral research position at Brown University, a world-renowned research university, is itself a notable accolade that reflects international acknowledgment of his scholarly potential and research capabilities. Additionally, his consistent role as a reviewer for leading scientific journals such as International Journal of Plasticity and Engineering Fracture Mechanics underscores the respect he commands within the research community. His successful supervision of over 30 graduate and postdoctoral researchers also reflects institutional trust in his mentorship and leadership. The accumulation of approximately 800 citations across more than 30 publications further demonstrates the impact and value of his research work. Although formal award titles are not detailed, Prof. Bittencourt’s achievements and appointments speak volumes about his professional standing, thought leadership, and lasting contributions to science and education.

Conclusion

Prof. Eduardo Bittencourt is an accomplished scholar whose interdisciplinary expertise and academic dedication have significantly influenced the fields of structural mechanics, computational modeling, and material science. From his foundational training in mechanical engineering and metallurgy to his advanced contributions in civil engineering and postdoctoral research at Brown University, he has demonstrated a lifelong commitment to learning and innovation. At the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, he has played a pivotal role in educating future engineers and researchers, while advancing cutting-edge studies in plasticity and fracture mechanics. His mentorship of over 30 graduate and postdoctoral students illustrates his dedication to academic development, and his contributions to scientific literature and peer review reflect his leadership in the global research community. Prof. Bittencourt’s work has bridged theoretical concepts with real-world engineering applications, contributing to safer and more efficient structural designs. Though not all his accolades may be formally listed, his academic trajectory is a testament to his influence and respect within the scientific community. His legacy lies not only in his publications and citations but also in the generations of students and professionals he has inspired and empowered through his teaching, research, and mentorship.

Publications Top Notes

  • Title: A comparison of nonlocal continuum and discrete dislocation plasticity predictions
    Authors: E. Bittencourt, A. Needleman, M.E. Gurtin, E. Van der Giessen
    Year: 2003
    Citations: 261

  • Title: Simulation of 3D metal-forming using an arbitrary Lagrangian–Eulerian finite element method
    Authors: J.L.F. Aymone, E. Bittencourt, G.J. Creus
    Year: 2001
    Citations: 78

  • Title: Finite element analysis of three-dimensional contact and impact in large deformation problems
    Authors: E. Bittencourt, G.J. Creus
    Year: 1998
    Citations: 68

  • Title: Constitutive models for cohesive zones in mixed-mode fracture of plain concrete
    Authors: L.N. Lens, E. Bittencourt, V.M.R. d’Avila
    Year: 2009
    Citations: 63

  • Title: Steel-concrete bond behavior: An experimental and numerical study
    Authors: M.P. Miranda, I.B. Morsch, D.S. Brisotto, E. Bittencourt, E.P. Carvalho
    Year: 2021
    Citations: 33

  • Title: Simulating bond failure in reinforced concrete by a plasticity model
    Authors: D.S. Brisotto, E. Bittencourt, V.M.R.A. Bessa
    Year: 2012
    Citations: 32

  • Title: On the effects of hardening models and lattice rotations in strain gradient crystal plasticity simulations
    Author: E. Bittencourt
    Year: 2018
    Citations: 27

  • Title: Interpretation of the size effects in micropillar compression by a strain gradient crystal plasticity theory
    Author: E. Bittencourt
    Year: 2019
    Citations: 24

  • Title: Dynamic explicit solution for higher-order crystal plasticity theories
    Author: E. Bittencourt
    Year: 2014
    Citations: 24

  • Title: Effective poroelastic behavior of a jointed rock
    Authors: S. Maghous, G. Lorenci, E. Bittencourt
    Year: 2014
    Citations: 14