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.

Suranjana Mayani | Material Science | Applied Research Award

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Prof. Dr. Suranjana Mayani | Material Science | Applied Research Award

Professor & Head of Marwadi University Rajkot, India

Prof. (Dr.) Suranjana V. Mayani is an innovative and accomplished chemist with over two decades of expertise spanning heterogeneous catalysis, environmental remediation, and nanocomposite materials. Born on December 27, 1978, and holding M.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees from Gauhati University, she has dedicated her career to advancing green chemistry and sustainable material science. Her doctoral work on catalytic wet oxidation of phenols laid the foundation for her later research in mesoporous catalysts and nano‑structured composites. She has held major academic and research positions internationally—serving as Postdoctoral Fellow at Hoseo University (Korea), Research Professor at Dongguk University, and currently as Professor and Head of Chemistry at Marwadi University, India. Prof. Mayani has over 40 journal publications, eight book chapters, and numerous conference presentations. As a reviewer for prestigious international journals and an active member of chemical societies, she contributes actively to the scientific community. Her leadership in innovation is demonstrated by her roles in student start-up initiatives, core membership at Marwadi University’s research centre, and facilitation of funded projects in environmental and energy technology. Passionate about mentoring and sustainable science, she bridges fundamental research with applied solutions for global challenges.

Professional Profile

Education

Prof. Mayani completed her B.Sc. (Chemistry, Physics, Math, English) at B. Borooah College under Gauhati University in 2000, followed by an M.Sc. in Physical Chemistry with first class distinction in 2002 from the same university. Awarded a Ph.D. in Chemistry in 2009 from Gauhati University under the guidance of Prof. K. G. Bhattacharyya, her thesis focused on catalytic wet oxidation of phenol and related compounds, emphasizing environmental cleanup via heterogeneous chemistry. Additionally, in 2004, she earned an A‑grade Diploma in Cheminformatics from the Institute of Cheminformatics Studies, Noida. Her academic journey reflects a robust foundation in physical and organic chemistry, advanced analytical techniques (AAS, FTIR, UV–Vis, GC, GC‑MS, PXRD, TGA, SEM‑EDS, TEM, ICP‑OES, TOC), and computational chemistry tools. This strong educational background underpins her current research in nanocomposite materials, silica‑carbon hybrids, and green catalytic processes aimed at environmental and biotechnological applications. From fundamental science to interdisciplinary innovation, her qualifications showcase a blend of traditional chemistry expertise and modern scientific methodologies.

Professional Experience

Prof. Mayani’s career spans over 20 years, beginning with early roles at Gauhati University as Project Assistant (2004–2005), Junior Research Fellow (2005–2006), and Research Assistant (2006–2009), where she honed synthesis and characterization of mesoporous catalysts and developed advanced analytical skills. In 2009, she served as Visiting Research Scholar at CSIR‑CSMCRI, India. From 2010 to 2011, she was a Postdoctoral Fellow at Hoseo University, Korea, researching porous carbon frameworks and hybrid nanocomposites. Subsequently, she joined Dongguk University (2011–2018) as Assistant/Research Professor, leading work on metal‑impregnated SBA‑15, porous carbons, and composite catalysis. In 2018 she returned to India as Associate Professor at Marwadi University, teaching and managing projects in nanocomposites, azo-arylation, and coordination nanoparticle catalysis. Since July 2024, she has been Professor and Head of the Department of Chemistry, overseeing research in bionanocomposites, wound-healing bioformulations, biogas production, and plant‑based skincare. She has guided numerous funded research initiatives under SSIP and NewGen IEDC schemes, engaging students in projects from defluoridation techniques to sustainable coatings and energy materials. Her leadership, teaching, and research have continuously fostered academic excellence and innovation.

Research Interests

Prof. Mayani’s research centers on the design, synthesis, and application of advanced materials for sustainable science. Her key interests include nanocomposites, nanoparticles, organic–inorganic hybrid materials, and mesoporous structures. She develops silica–carbon frameworks and explores their catalytic functions and adsorption capabilities. Her environmental focus involves wastewater treatment strategies, utilizing heterogeneous catalysis and adsorption techniques to remediate pollutants like phenols, dyes, fluoride, and microplastics. She emphasizes valorization of agricultural and industrial wastes, converting them into functional materials. Additionally, she is investigating polymer composite systems for biomedical and environmental applications. Recent interests include bio-functionalized composites for wound healing, plant-extract-based skin formulations, and biogas-enhancing methods. Her multidisciplinary approach intersects materials chemistry, environmental engineering, and biotechnology, aiming to scale lab results into real-world solutions for clean water, renewable energy, and eco-friendly health products.

Research Skills

Prof. Mayani brings deep expertise in catalyst synthesis and a suite of analytical and characterization technologies: AAS, FTIR, UV‑Vis, GC, GC‑MS, PXRD, TGA, SEM‑EDS, TEM, ICP‑OES, CHNS analysis, TOC, and nitrogen adsorption–desorption isotherms. She excels in fabricating metal‑supported mesoporous frameworks (MCM‑41, SBA‑15) and porous carbon materials—achieving precise control over composition and structure. Her skills include green oxidation, catalytic reduction, azo-arylation, adsorption, photocatalysis, and composite formulation. She is proficient with cheminformatics tools (ChemDraw, Microcal Origin) and data analysis software. Her project management capabilities span grant writing, student mentorship, and cross-disciplinary collaboration. She integrates experimental methods with environmental monitoring techniques for air, water, and soil analysis, demonstrating rigorous data interpretation and sustainable deployment of technologies.

Awards and Honors

  • Recipient of the prestigious WISE-SCOPE Fellowship (DST, Government of India) for eco-friendly heavy-metal adsorption research—includes fellowship, research grant, field‑work support, and equipment funding.

  • Awarded seed grant from Marwadi University’s SSIP and NewGen IEDC schemes for projects on water defluoridation, fluoride removal, biogas production enhancement, silky‑skin formulations, and nanocomposite coatings (INR 2–2.5 million funding each).

  • Recognized as an invited reviewer and session chair/speaker at ISGST 2024, Malaysia.

  • Member of prestigious academic bodies: American Chemical Society, Korean Chemical Society, and Catalysis Society of India.

  • Serves on editorial and review boards of high-impact journals: Chemical Engineering Communications, CLEAN, Environmental Monitoring & Assessment, Ecotoxicology, ACS Omega, Nature’s Scientific Reports, among others, reflecting her leadership and scholarly prominence.

Conclusion

Prof. (Dr.) Suranjana V. Mayani exemplifies an academic leader whose work bridges groundbreaking research, effective teaching, and impactful innovation. With deep expertise in nanostructured catalysts, environmental remediation, and sustainable materials, she drives transformative projects and mentors future scientists. Her international experience, strong publication record, and active professional engagement underscore her dedication to advancing chemical science. Under her guidance, her department continues to flourish as a hub for interdisciplinary research, nurturing start-ups and delivering real-world solutions. A visionary educator and innovator, Prof. Mayani remains committed to leveraging science for societal benefit—pursuing excellence in education, research, and sustainable technology.

 

Publications Top Notes

1.
Title: Catalytic wet oxidation of 2-chlorophenol, 2,4-dichlorophenol and 2,4,6-trichlorophenol in water with Mn(II)-MCM41
Authors: S. Chaliha, K.G. Bhattacharyya
Year: 2008
Citations: 121

2.
Title: Wet oxidative method for removal of 2,4,6-trichlorophenol in water using Fe(III), Co(II), Ni(II) supported MCM41 catalysts
Authors: S. Chaliha, K.G. Bhattacharyya
Year: 2008
Citations: 76

3.
Title: Fe(III)-, Co(II)- and Ni(II)-impregnated MCM41 for wet oxidative destruction of 2,4-dichlorophenol in water
Authors: S. Chaliha, K.G. Bhattacharyya
Year: 2009
Citations: 63

4.
Title: A non-chromatographic method for the separation of highly pure naphthalene crystals from pyrolysis fuel oil
Authors: V.J. Mayani, S.V. Mayani, Y. Lee, S.K. Park
Year: 2011
Citations: 32

5.
Title: Catalytic destruction of 4‐chlorophenol in water
Authors: S. Chaliha, K.G. Bhattacharyya, P. Paul
Year: 2008
Citations: 29

6.
Title: Using Mn(II)−MCM41 as an Environment-Friendly Catalyst to Oxidize Phenol, 2-Chlorophenol, and 2-Nitrophenol in Aqueous Solution
Authors: S. Chaliha, K.G. Bhattacharyya
Year: 2008
Citations: 29

7.
Title: A sustainable nanocomposite Au(Salen)@CC for catalytic degradation of eosin Y and chromotrope 2R dyes
Authors: V.J. Mayani, S.V. Mayani, S.W. Kim
Year: 2017
Citations: 19

8.
Title: Synthesis and characterization of metal incorporated composite carbon materials from pyrolysis fuel oil
Authors: S.V. Mayani, V.J. Mayani, S.K. Park, S.W. Kim
Year: 2012
Citations: 19

9.
Title: Development of nanocarbon gold composite for heterogeneous catalytic oxidation
Authors: V.J. Mayani, S.V. Mayani, S.W. Kim
Year: 2012
Citations: 17

10.
Title: Catalytic wet oxidation of phenol and its derivatives with Fe₂O₃ and MnO₂
Authors: S. Chaliha, K.G. Bhattacharyya
Year: 2006
Citations: 16