Mengqiang Li | Material Science | Best Applied Science Award

Mr. Mengqiang Li | Material Science | Best Applied Science Award

Mengqiang Li from Chungnam National University | South Korea

Li Meng Qiang is a dedicated researcher currently pursuing a Ph.D. at Chungnam National University, specializing in the development of advanced organic optoelectronic materials and perovskite solar cells. His work bridges fundamental material design with practical device applications, aiming to enhance efficiency, stability, and commercialization potential in next-generation photovoltaic and optoelectronic devices. Over the course of his academic journey, Li has demonstrated exceptional productivity, contributing to more than 12 SCI-indexed publications in highly regarded journals such as Advanced Functional Materials, Advanced Science, Materials Today Energy, and ACS Energy Letters. His research interests extend into π-conjugated molecular design, organic photodetectors, and interface engineering strategies that optimize device performance. With an h-index of 5, total citations of 57, and multiple collaborative projects involving leading institutions in Korea and China, Li has established himself as a promising scientist in his field. His contributions include the development of ionic liquid additives, nonfullerene acceptors, and novel quinone-terminal organic semiconductors, which have been recognized with honors such as the BK21 Outstanding Researcher Award and the Korean Industrialization Society Outstanding Presentation Award. Li’s research is fueled by a strong commitment to innovation, scientific rigor, and the translation of laboratory breakthroughs into viable industrial solutions.

Professional Profile

Scopus | ORCID | Google Scholar

Education

Li Meng Qiang’s academic path reflects a deep commitment to materials science and device engineering. He is currently enrolled in the Ph.D. program at Chungnam National University, Republic of Korea, where his research focuses on organic optoelectronic materials and perovskite solar cells. This doctoral training has provided him with advanced expertise in molecular design, synthesis, thin-film fabrication, and device characterization. His work integrates both experimental and theoretical approaches, ensuring a well-rounded understanding of how material properties translate into device performance. Prior to his doctoral studies, Li acquired a strong foundation in chemistry, materials science, and electronic engineering through rigorous undergraduate and postgraduate coursework, where he developed early interests in π-conjugated systems and their optoelectronic applications. His educational experience has been enriched by collaborations with interdisciplinary research teams, which have exposed him to global research standards and cross-cultural scientific exchange. Through seminars, workshops, and international conferences, Li has continuously expanded his academic horizons, keeping pace with the rapidly evolving landscape of organic electronics. His education not only equipped him with technical knowledge but also fostered a mindset oriented toward problem-solving, innovation, and the practical application of scientific discoveries.

Professional Experience

Although currently engaged in full-time doctoral research, Li Meng Qiang has accumulated valuable professional experience through his active involvement in high-impact research projects and collaborations. At Chungnam National University, he has led and contributed to multiple funded projects focusing on the synthesis and application of organic semiconductors, interface engineering for perovskite solar cells, and the development of near-infrared organic photodetectors. His work is characterized by a hands-on approach, from material synthesis to device fabrication and performance optimization. Li’s professional contributions extend beyond laboratory work; he has authored and co-authored over 12 SCI-indexed journal articles, often serving as a key contributor in experimental design, data analysis, and manuscript preparation. His international collaborations with research groups in Korea and China have further broadened his professional scope, allowing him to work on projects that combine material innovation with scalable manufacturing processes. Li has also been actively involved in presenting his research at international conferences, where he has earned recognition for his clarity in communication and the novelty of his findings. Through these experiences, he has developed a professional identity as a skilled experimentalist, an effective communicator, and a collaborative team member dedicated to advancing optoelectronic technologies.

Research Interest

Li Meng Qiang’s research interests lie at the intersection of materials chemistry, nanotechnology, and device engineering, with a particular focus on organic optoelectronic materials and perovskite solar cells. His scientific curiosity is driven by the need to improve the efficiency, stability, and scalability of next-generation energy conversion devices. Central to his work is the design and synthesis of π-conjugated molecules, nonfullerene acceptors, and novel electron acceptors with unique quinone-terminal groups for enhanced optoelectronic performance. Li is also deeply engaged in exploring ionic liquid additives and surface passivation strategies to mitigate defects, suppress nonradiative recombination, and enhance device operational stability. His research extends into organic photodetectors, especially those capable of near-infrared detection, which hold significant promise for applications in sensing, imaging, and communication. By combining molecular engineering with advanced device architecture, Li seeks to develop materials that can be seamlessly integrated into high-performance, cost-effective, and environmentally sustainable electronic systems. His long-term vision is to bridge the gap between laboratory-scale innovations and industrial-scale applications, enabling the commercialization of high-efficiency solar cells and multifunctional optoelectronic devices that contribute to global clean energy solutions.

Research Skills

Li Meng Qiang possesses a diverse set of research skills spanning molecular design, material synthesis, device fabrication, and performance characterization. In synthetic chemistry, he is proficient in designing and producing π-conjugated molecules, nonfullerene acceptors, and organic semiconductors with targeted optoelectronic properties. His expertise in thin-film deposition techniques, such as spin-coating and vacuum evaporation, enables him to fabricate high-quality active layers for perovskite and organic solar cells. He is adept at employing interface engineering methods, including surface passivation and additive incorporation, to optimize device efficiency and stability. Li is also skilled in the characterization of materials and devices using UV-vis spectroscopy, photoluminescence spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and current-voltage (J-V) measurements. His analytical skills allow him to interpret complex datasets and derive meaningful correlations between molecular structure, film morphology, and device performance. Additionally, Li has experience with collaborative research management, manuscript preparation, and peer-reviewed publishing. His strong presentation skills, honed through international conferences, enable him to effectively communicate technical concepts to diverse audiences. Overall, his research toolkit is both comprehensive and adaptable, supporting his goal of advancing the frontiers of organic optoelectronic materials and device engineering.

Awards and Honors

Li Meng Qiang’s research excellence has been recognized through several prestigious awards and honors, reflecting both the quality and impact of his scientific contributions. Among his notable accolades is the BK21 Outstanding Researcher Award, which honors outstanding achievements in graduate-level research and innovation. This award underscores his commitment to advancing knowledge in organic optoelectronics and his ability to deliver high-quality, impactful scientific work. He also received the Korean Industrialization Society Outstanding Presentation Award, acknowledging his skill in effectively communicating complex research findings and their industrial relevance. These honors are complemented by his strong publication record in leading journals such as Advanced Functional Materials and ACS Energy Letters. Beyond formal awards, his work has garnered attention through invitations to present at international conferences and participate in collaborative projects with top research groups in Korea and China. His recognition is not only a testament to his technical expertise but also to his dedication, perseverance, and ability to translate research into meaningful technological advancements. These achievements highlight his potential as a future leader in the field of optoelectronic materials and sustainable energy technologies.

Publications Top Notes

Title: Passivating detrimental grain boundaries in perovskite films with strongly interacting polymer for achieving high-efficiency and stable perovskite solar cells
Year: 2023
Citations: 25

Title: Recent progress in semitransparent organic solar cells: photoabsorbent materials and design strategies
Year: 2024
Citations: 10

Title: Enhanced chemical interaction between ionic liquid and halide perovskite to improve performance of perovskite solar cells
Year: 2024
Citations: 7

Title: Interlayer molecular doping to enhance efficiency in tin perovskite solar cells
Year: 2024
Citations: 5

Title: Critical role of the end-group acceptor in enhancing the efficiency of indacenodithiophene-benzothiadiazole-linked nonfullerene organic solar cells through morphology optimization
Year: 2024
Citations: 5

Conclusion

In summary, Li Meng Qiang is an emerging scientist whose work in organic optoelectronic materials and perovskite solar cells stands at the forefront of clean energy research. Through rigorous doctoral training at Chungnam National University, he has developed expertise that spans the entire spectrum from molecular design to device fabrication and performance optimization. His scientific output—comprising more than 12 SCI-indexed publications, an h-index of 5, and over 57 citations—reflects a consistent commitment to quality, innovation, and impact. His contributions to π-bridge engineering, ionic liquid additives, and novel electron acceptors have significantly advanced the understanding and performance of optoelectronic devices. Honors such as the BK21 Outstanding Researcher Award further validate his potential and achievements. Looking forward, Li aims to continue bridging academic research with industrial applications, focusing on scalable, high-performance, and environmentally sustainable solutions. With a foundation built on technical excellence, collaborative engagement, and a forward-looking research vision, he is poised to make substantial contributions to global energy challenges and the future of optoelectronic technology.

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