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.

Günther Kain | Material Science | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Günther Kain | Material Science | Best Researcher Award

Researcher From Salzburg University of Applied Sciences, Austria

Günther Kain is an accomplished expert in wood technology, interior design, and material innovation, with extensive experience in academia, research, and consultancy. His career spans over a decade of contributions to sustainable building materials, with a particular focus on insulation solutions using tree bark. As a lecturer at Salzburg University of Applied Sciences, he supervises master theses and teaches advanced wood science topics. Kain is also a judicial assessor and a self-employed consultant specializing in wood construction, interior design, and building physics, particularly in landmarked buildings. His research has led to numerous publications and awards, showcasing his expertise in environmental sustainability and renewable building materials. Passionate about integrating innovation with tradition, Kain continues to shape the future of sustainable construction while actively engaging in educational and professional development initiatives.

Professional Profiles

Education

Günther Kain has a diverse academic background, beginning with his diploma studies in Forest Products Technology and Timber Construction at Salzburg University of Applied Sciences. He further pursued a master’s in Forest Products Technology & Management, focusing on product development. His doctoral studies at Holzforschung München, Technical University Munich, explored tree bark insulation boards, analyzing material structure and property relationships. Complementing his education, Kain attended a Graduate School program at Technical University Munich, gaining soft skills training. He also acquired specialized certifications, including a master craftsman’s diploma in carpentry and qualifications in consulting engineering for interior design, wood technology, and the timber industry. His ongoing pursuit of professional development is evident in his participation in the “Train the Trainer” seminar at the European Heritage Academy and various university courses in education counseling and school management.

Professional Experience

Kain’s professional journey encompasses academic teaching, consulting, and research. Since 2011, he has been a lecturer at Salzburg University of Applied Sciences, focusing on wood technology and material innovation. Simultaneously, he has been a judicial assessor specializing in joinery and wood products. Since 2009, Kain has operated as a self-employed consultant, providing expertise in wood construction, interior design, and building physics, particularly in historic and landmarked buildings. His technical teaching role at the Higher Technical College Hallstatt further reinforces his dedication to education. In addition to academia, Kain gained practical experience through internships at the Austrian Forest Agency, where he worked on wood quality assessment and forestry assistance. His expertise has made him a sought-after authority in sustainable construction, material science, and wood-based innovations.

Research Interests

Kain’s research interests revolve around sustainable building materials, particularly the development and application of wood-based and tree bark insulation products. His work explores the structural and thermal properties of these materials, emphasizing their potential in energy-efficient and environmentally friendly construction. Additionally, he investigates computational modeling of material properties, utilizing advanced technologies such as computed tomography to analyze insulation boards. Kain is also interested in historic building preservation, focusing on optimizing ventilation and insulation techniques to enhance energy performance while maintaining architectural integrity. His research contributes to broader discussions on climate change mitigation through sustainable materials, supporting global efforts toward ecological construction and innovative building practices.

Research Skills

Kain possesses advanced research skills in material science, structural analysis, and thermal performance evaluation. His expertise includes computed tomography for material characterization, discrete modeling of structure-property relationships, and experimental testing of wood-based insulation materials. He is proficient in statistical data analysis, employing software such as SPSS and MATLAB for quantitative research. Kain has extensive experience in academic writing and publishing, having contributed to high-impact journals in wood science and sustainable construction. Additionally, he is skilled in technical consulting, translating research findings into practical applications for industrial and architectural use. His ability to bridge theoretical research with real-world implementation highlights his multidisciplinary approach to advancing sustainable material innovations.

Awards and Honors

Kain’s contributions to wood technology and sustainable construction have earned him multiple prestigious awards. In 2009, the Chamber of Commerce Salzburg recognized him as the best alumnus of Salzburg University of Applied Sciences. He received the Science Award of the Chamber of Labour Salzburg in 2013 for his research on bark insulation materials. His work played a significant role in Austria’s winning contribution to the Solar Decathlon California, where tree bark insulation panels were featured. In 2015, he won the Ö1 Hörsaal Open Innovation Award for his advancements in tree bark insulation. Additionally, in 2019, he was awarded the GÖD BMHS Innovation Award for optimizing the historic ventilation system of the Burgtheater Vienna. These accolades underscore his impactful contributions to academia, research, and sustainable building practices.

Conclusion

Günther Kain is a distinguished researcher, educator, and consultant dedicated to advancing sustainable construction through wood technology and material science. His expertise in tree bark insulation and energy-efficient building solutions has made significant contributions to academic research and practical applications in historic preservation and innovative building materials. With a strong foundation in education, research, and industry experience, Kain continues to push the boundaries of sustainable architecture while mentoring future professionals in the field. His numerous awards and extensive publication record highlight his commitment to environmental innovation and the promotion of renewable resources in construction. As he continues his career, Kain remains focused on integrating traditional craftsmanship with modern technological advancements to shape the future of sustainable design and energy-efficient building solutions.

 Publications Top Notes

  1. “The Insulating Performance of Double Windows: Investigations in the Test Stand and in Practice”

    • Authors: Günther Kain, Friedrich Idam, Peter Hunger, Sabine Bonfert

    • Year of Publication: 2024

  2. “Beschattungsrahmen für die Fenster-Außenbeschattung im Denkmalbereich”

    • Authors: Günther Kain, Friedrich Idam, Alfons Huber

    • Year of Publication: 2023

  3. “Physical-Mechanical Properties of Light Bark Boards Bound with Casein Adhesives”

    • Authors: Johannes Urstöger, Günther Kain, Felix Prändl, Marius Catalin Barbu, Lubos Kristak

    • Year of Publication: 2023​​

    • Citations:  2