Huiqiang Yang | Materials Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Huiqiang Yang | Materials Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Ecole Polytechnique de Montreal, Canada

Huiqiang Yang is an accomplished materials engineer with a robust background in renewable energy systems, molten salt thermophysics, and advanced energy technologies. With more than a decade of experience spanning both academia and industry, he has become a specialist in modeling and optimizing energy systems, particularly those utilizing molten salts for thermal energy storage and concentrated solar power (CSP). Currently a Ph.D. candidate in Materials Engineering at École Polytechnique de Montréal, he is contributing to cutting-edge research in thermal conductivity modeling of complex salt mixtures under the supervision of experts at the Centre de Recherche en Calcul Thermochimique (CRCT), known for the development of FACTSAGE. Huiqiang has authored several impactful publications on predictive modeling of molten salt thermophysical properties in high-impact journals such as Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells and Materials Today Energy. His diverse experiences include leading large-scale renewable energy projects as a senior project manager and developing international business strategies for green energy solutions. Fluent in Mandarin, French, and English, he seamlessly bridges technical expertise and cross-cultural collaboration. Huiqiang’s professional trajectory reflects a rare integration of scientific rigor, engineering application, and strategic foresight, making him a valuable asset to any advanced energy research and innovation endeavor.

Professional Profile

Education

Huiqiang Yang has cultivated a deep foundation in materials and energy engineering through an international academic journey. He is currently in the fourth year of his Ph.D. in Materials Engineering at École Polytechnique de Montréal, Canada, where he focuses on the thermophysical modeling of molten salts for advanced energy applications. His doctoral research, conducted at the renowned CRCT laboratory—home to the FACTSAGE thermochemical software—integrates modified kinetic theory and quasi-chemical models to predict thermal conductivity in multicomponent molten salt systems, particularly those with short-range ordering. His scholarly contributions are evidenced by first-author publications in top-tier journals including Solar Energy, Materials Today Energy, and Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells. Prior to this, Huiqiang obtained a Master’s degree in Energy Engineering in 2017 with a concentration in renewable energy. His academic roots trace back to the University of Perpignan in France, where he earned a Master’s in Solar Energy and a Bachelor’s degree in Energy and Materials between 2008 and 2012. His educational background is marked by a consistent focus on solar and thermal energy technologies, underlining his commitment to sustainable energy systems and materials innovation.

Professional Experience

Huiqiang Yang brings extensive industrial experience in renewable energy systems, particularly in molten salt thermal storage and power tower technologies. From 2013 to 2020, he worked as a Research Engineer and Senior Project Manager at Shouhang High-Tech Energy Co., Ltd. in Beijing, China. He led the design and numerical modeling of two landmark CSP projects: a 10MW pilot-scale molten salt tower with 15-hour thermal storage, and a 100MW commercial-scale facility with 11-hour (1100MWh) NaNO₃-KNO₃-based storage. His responsibilities included thermal and process modeling, material selection, equipment specification, system dimensioning, and on-site supervision during construction and commissioning. His engineering reports and P&IDs were critical for project execution. Between 2015 and 2017, he also served as a Project Manager for Shouhang European S.L. in Madrid, Spain. There, he developed European market strategies, supported engineering and procurement tasks, and oversaw project execution under tight time and budget constraints. His dual role in technical leadership and business development reflects his interdisciplinary capabilities and global perspective. Huiqiang’s experience positions him at the nexus of innovation, execution, and international collaboration in the renewable energy sector.

Research Interest

Huiqiang Yang’s research interests lie at the intersection of materials science, thermochemistry, and renewable energy engineering, with a specific focus on molten salts for high-temperature thermal applications. His current Ph.D. work explores predictive models for thermal conductivity in multicomponent molten salt mixtures—materials vital for thermal energy storage in concentrated solar power (CSP) systems and nuclear reactors. He applies advanced thermodynamic frameworks such as the Modified Quasi-chemical Model in the Quadruplet Approximation, enabling accurate modeling of short-range interactions in reciprocal salt systems. Beyond thermal conductivity, his research delves into energy-material interaction mechanisms, phase equilibria, and the integration of molten salt systems into next-generation power infrastructures. He is particularly interested in how data-driven simulations and computational thermochemistry can enhance the design and efficiency of renewable energy systems. With previous hands-on experience in CSP project execution and thermal system design, Huiqiang’s research is grounded in practical relevance and industrial scalability. His overarching aim is to develop reliable and efficient energy materials and processes that support global energy transition goals. Through interdisciplinary collaboration and scientific rigor, he seeks to bridge fundamental research and real-world energy challenges.

Research Skills

Huiqiang Yang possesses a comprehensive set of research skills that span theoretical modeling, experimental design, computational simulation, and technical reporting. He is proficient in thermodynamic and kinetic modeling of molten salt systems, particularly using the FACTSAGE software platform, for which he is actively contributing at the CRCT lab. His skill set includes developing and implementing advanced models such as the Modified Quasi-chemical Model and the kinetic theory of thermal conductivity, enabling accurate predictions of thermophysical properties in multicomponent systems. He is well-versed in numerical tools like MATLAB, Python, and COMSOL Multiphysics for process modeling and simulation. In addition, Huiqiang has deep knowledge in phase diagram analysis, energy balance calculations, and the design of thermal systems, thanks to his years of industrial experience. He is adept at preparing technical documentation, including process flow diagrams (PFDs), piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs), and engineering reports. His strong project management skills complement his technical expertise, allowing him to coordinate interdisciplinary teams and deliver on complex research and industrial objectives. Huiqiang also has experience presenting at conferences and publishing in high-impact journals, underscoring his capability in scientific communication and dissemination.

Awards and Honors

While specific awards are not detailed in the provided data, Huiqiang Yang’s profile reflects substantial recognition in both academic and professional domains. His selection into the prestigious Ph.D. program at École Polytechnique de Montréal, with research conducted at the globally recognized CRCT lab (a FACTSAGE developer), underscores his academic merit. The publication of multiple first-author articles in leading journals such as Solar Energy, Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells, and Materials Today Energy serves as an acknowledgment of the high impact and originality of his research. In industry, Huiqiang rose to the position of Senior Project Manager at Shouhang High-Tech Energy Co., Ltd., where he led the development of China’s commercial-scale CSP facilities—projects considered pioneering in molten salt technology. His transition from technical roles in China to project leadership in Spain illustrates his international credibility and leadership capacity. Moreover, his multilingual abilities and capacity to work across continents in multicultural environments are professional strengths often valued in award evaluations. Collectively, these achievements point to a professional career marked by excellence, innovation, and international impact in the renewable energy field.

Conclusion

Huiqiang Yang exemplifies the ideal fusion of technical mastery, academic innovation, and real-world engineering expertise in the domain of advanced energy systems. With an educational foundation grounded in solar and materials engineering, and hands-on experience managing large-scale molten salt thermal energy projects, he brings a unique perspective to both research and implementation. His doctoral research at École Polytechnique de Montréal is pushing the frontiers of thermal conductivity modeling for multicomponent molten salt systems—critical to the future of CSP and next-generation nuclear technologies. Huiqiang’s ability to bridge theoretical modeling and practical applications is a rare and valuable asset. His publications in reputed journals and leadership roles in international energy projects demonstrate both depth and breadth of expertise. Fluent in three languages and experienced across China, Europe, and North America, he thrives in interdisciplinary, multicultural environments. Going forward, Huiqiang aspires to contribute to the development of sustainable energy infrastructures through materials innovation and system-level integration. His trajectory reflects not only technical competence but also vision, adaptability, and a commitment to solving global energy challenges. He stands out as a promising leader in the field of sustainable energy and advanced materials science.

Publications Top Notes

Title: Extending the kinetic theory‑based thermal conductivity model to reciprocal molten salt mixtures with short‑range ordering via the Modified Quasi‑chemical Model in the Quadruplet Approximation

Authors: Huiqiang Yang, Anh Thu Phan, Aimen E. Gheribi, Patrice Chartrand
Year: 2025

Wei-Wei Yan | Chemical Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Wei-Wei Yan | Chemical Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Assistant Professor at Henan University of Technology, China

Dr. Yan Wei-Wei is a rising academic in the field of chemical engineering with a strong focus on membrane science, separation processes, and sustainable chemical technologies. She is currently an Assistant Professor (Special Appointment) at the School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering at Henan University of Technology. Dr. Yan’s academic journey spans across prestigious institutions in China and Japan, having earned her Doctor of Engineering from Hiroshima University in 2024, her Master’s from China University of Mining & Technology in 2021, and her Bachelor’s degree from Linyi University in 2018. Over the past five years, she has made notable research contributions, publishing 23 articles in SCI-indexed journals, including top-tier publications such as Journal of Membrane Science, Chemical Engineering Journal, and AIChE Journal. Her research addresses critical issues in membrane fabrication, membrane reactor design, and the purification of complex mixtures. Her scientific work has not only expanded the understanding of transport mechanisms in organosilica membranes but also advanced energy-efficient approaches for ammonia production and aromatic compound purification. As a passionate and driven scholar, Dr. Yan combines rigorous experimentation with innovative thinking, demonstrating the potential to influence the future direction of chemical engineering, particularly in the domains of green chemistry and advanced separation technologies.

Professional Profiles

Education

Dr. Yan Wei-Wei has pursued a comprehensive and international education in chemical engineering, marked by a strong foundation in both theoretical principles and practical research methodologies. Her most recent academic achievement is the completion of a Doctor of Engineering degree in 2024 from the Graduate School of Engineering at Hiroshima University, Japan. During her doctoral studies, she focused on advanced membrane technology, gaining valuable insights into organosilica membrane synthesis and transport phenomena. Prior to this, she earned her Master of Engineering in 2021 from the School of Chemical Engineering & Technology at China University of Mining & Technology, where her research addressed challenges in process optimization and membrane separation systems. Her academic foundation was laid with a Bachelor of Engineering degree in 2018 from the School of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering at Linyi University. Additionally, she undertook earlier undergraduate studies in 2016 at the School of Chemical Engineering, Qingdao University of Science & Technology, which provided her with a strong grounding in chemical engineering principles. Dr. Yan’s educational background reflects a steady and progressive deepening of expertise, from general chemical engineering to highly specialized research in membrane science. This academic path has prepared her to contribute meaningfully to both academia and industry.

Professional Experience

Dr. Yan Wei-Wei began her academic career with an appointment as an Assistant Professor (Special Appointment) at the School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Henan University of Technology, in December 2024. In this role, she has been actively engaged in teaching undergraduate and graduate courses, supervising student research projects, and developing her own research program centered on membrane technology and sustainable chemical processes. Her professional experience is characterized by a seamless transition from rigorous academic training to a dynamic research and teaching environment. At Henan University of Technology, Dr. Yan has taken a proactive role in contributing to interdisciplinary research initiatives, especially in the development of membrane reactors and their application in ammonia production. She has also participated in faculty collaborations aimed at improving laboratory facilities and integrating innovative experimental techniques into the curriculum. Prior to her current appointment, Dr. Yan was involved in various research projects during her doctoral and master’s studies, where she honed her skills in membrane fabrication, analytical techniques, and chemical process design. Her professional trajectory reflects a strong commitment to scientific advancement, collaborative research, and the mentorship of future engineers. Her current role marks the beginning of what promises to be a highly impactful academic career.

Research Interest

Dr. Yan Wei-Wei’s research interests lie at the intersection of membrane science, chemical separation, and sustainable chemical engineering. Her primary focus is on the preparation of organosilica membranes using sol-gel processes and the in-depth analysis of their transport mechanisms. She is particularly interested in how these membranes can be tailored at the molecular level to enhance selectivity and permeability for specific gas or liquid separation applications. Another key area of her research is the design and implementation of membrane reactors for ammonia synthesis. This innovative approach aims to improve energy efficiency and yield compared to conventional catalytic processes, representing a significant step toward green chemical production. Additionally, Dr. Yan is deeply engaged in the extraction and chromatographic purification of oxygen- and nitrogen-containing aromatic compounds, which are vital in the petrochemical and fine chemical industries. Her work explores how these complex mixtures can be efficiently separated using advanced membrane and chromatographic techniques. Dr. Yan’s research contributes to the development of energy-efficient, environmentally friendly, and economically viable solutions for chemical separation and synthesis. She continues to explore novel materials and process intensification strategies that align with global efforts toward sustainable industrial practices and circular economy principles.

Research Skills

Dr. Yan Wei-Wei possesses a robust set of research skills developed through years of academic training and hands-on laboratory experience. She is highly proficient in sol-gel chemistry and membrane fabrication techniques, particularly for organosilica-based materials. Her expertise extends to the characterization of membranes using advanced analytical tools such as SEM, TEM, XRD, FTIR, and TGA, allowing her to comprehensively evaluate membrane structure, thermal stability, and chemical functionality. Dr. Yan is also skilled in gas permeation and separation performance testing, which she employs to understand transport mechanisms and optimize membrane functionality. Her work with membrane reactors involves designing experimental setups for catalytic reactions under controlled conditions, including ammonia synthesis. In addition, she has experience in chromatographic purification and extraction techniques, particularly for aromatic compounds, which require precision and selectivity. Dr. Yan is well-versed in chemical process simulation software and data analysis tools, enabling her to model reaction kinetics and separation efficiencies. Her scientific writing and publication skills are evidenced by her 23 SCI-indexed journal articles, and she is adept at preparing research proposals and managing experimental workflows. These comprehensive research competencies make her an asset to any collaborative or interdisciplinary scientific environment focused on sustainable and advanced chemical engineering technologies.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Yan Wei-Wei has been recognized for her academic excellence and research contributions through multiple awards and honors throughout her academic career. While pursuing her doctoral studies at Hiroshima University, she was distinguished for her outstanding research performance in membrane science, earning accolades for several of her high-impact publications. She was frequently acknowledged by her academic advisors and peers for her dedication, innovative thinking, and perseverance in the laboratory. During her master’s and undergraduate studies in China, Dr. Yan was a recipient of various academic scholarships, including merit-based awards recognizing her strong academic standing and research potential. Her early achievements also include top rankings in departmental research presentations and poster competitions, where she demonstrated clarity in communication and deep understanding of complex chemical engineering concepts. In addition to institutional honors, her publications in highly regarded journals have positioned her as an emerging expert in the field, drawing interest from both national and international collaborators. These recognitions underscore her commitment to excellence, her capacity for independent and team-oriented research, and her potential to make significant contributions to the advancement of chemical engineering. Dr. Yan continues to pursue opportunities that challenge her skills and further her impact on sustainable science and technology.

Conclusion

In summary, Dr. Yan Wei-Wei stands out as a dedicated and innovative chemical engineer whose academic and research pursuits reflect a strong commitment to scientific advancement and sustainability. From her foundational education in China to her doctoral training in Japan, she has cultivated a rich knowledge base in membrane technology, separation processes, and sustainable chemical production. Her current role as an Assistant Professor at Henan University of Technology marks the beginning of a promising academic career characterized by research excellence, interdisciplinary collaboration, and impactful teaching. With 23 publications in well-regarded scientific journals, she has already contributed significantly to the field of chemical engineering, particularly in membrane science and green process design. Dr. Yan’s expertise in sol-gel membrane fabrication, reactor engineering, and purification technologies positions her to tackle some of the pressing challenges facing the chemical industry today. As she continues to build her academic portfolio, she aims to mentor students, lead collaborative research initiatives, and drive innovation in sustainable chemical engineering practices. Her passion, precision, and perseverance make her a valuable contributor to the academic community and a potential leader in advancing environmentally conscious chemical technologies.

 Publications Top Notes

1. Chemical Bond Dissociation Insights into Organic Macerals Pyrolysis of Qinghua Bituminous Coal: Vitrinite vs Inertinite

  • Authors: Shu Yan, Ning Mao, Meilin Zhu, Na Li, Weiwei Yan, Binyan He, Jing-Pei Cao, Yuhua Wu, Jianbo Wu, Hui Zhang, Hongcun Bai

  • Year: 2024

  • Citations:

2. Synergetic Polymetallic Activation: Boosting Performance of Calcium Ferrite Oxygen Carriers in Chemical Looping Combustion

  • Authors: Shu Yan, Liangliang Meng, Chang Geng, Hongcun Bai

  • Year: 2024

  • Citations: 3