Juan Bai | Materials and Structures | Women Researcher Award

Dr.  Queensland university of technology, Australia

Dr. Bai J. is an ARC DECRA Fellow and Lecturer at Queensland University of Technology, with a strong background in material physics and chemistry. Their research is centered on designing and synthesizing functional nanostructured materials for electrochemistry and energy conversion, particularly in fuel cells and electrocatalysis. Dr. Bai has published 24 papers in leading SCI journals such as Advanced Materials and ACS Energy Letters. Recognized for their contributions, they have received prestigious awards, including the Australian Research Council DECRA and Discovery Projects awards. Dr. Bai holds a Ph.D. from Shaanxi Normal University and has extensive expertise in electrochemical energy storage and conversion devices.

Professional Profiles:

 

🎓 Education

Feb. 2024 – Present:
ARC DECRA Fellow/Lecturer, School of Chemistry and Physics, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia.Apr. 2020 – Jan. 2024:
Postdoc in Electrocatalysis, School of Chemistry and Physics, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia.
Supervisors: Prof. Ziqi Sun, Jun MeiSep. 2016 – Jun. 2019:
Ph.D. in Material Physics and Chemistry, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an, China.
Supervisors: Prof. Yu Chen, Jinghui ZengSep. 2012 – Jun. 2015:
M.S. in Physical Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China.
Supervisors: Prof. Dongmei Sun, Yu Chen, Tianhong LuSep. 2008 – Jun. 2012:
B.S. in Science Education, Department of Applied Chemistry, Yuncheng University, Yuncheng, China.

🔬 Research Objectives

My research is centered on the design and synthesis of functional nanostructured materials for applications in electrochemistry and energy conversion devices. Key areas of focus include:Anodic and Cathodic Reactions of Fuel Cells: ORR, MOR, EOR, and FAORElectrocatalysts: Noble metal-based (Pt, Pd, Rh) nanoparticles for HER, OER, and NRRAs the first/co-first/corresponding author, I have published 24 papers in top-tier SCI Journals such as Advanced Materials, ACS Energy Letters, and Advanced Energy Materials.

🏆 Awards and Honors

2023: Australian Research Council Discovery Early Career Researcher Award (DECRA) – $448,407.002023: Australian Research Council Discovery Projects – $404,530.002018: National Scholarship for Graduate Students (Ph.D.)2017: Research Individual Award by Shaanxi Normal University2017: Ji-Xue Scholarship by Shaanxi Normal University2016: Yuan-Ding Scholarship by Shaanxi Normal University2015: Excellent Student Award by Nanjing Normal University

Strengths for the Award

  1. Extensive Research Experience: The candidate has a strong background in material physics and chemistry, with a focus on nanostructured materials and their applications in electrochemical energy conversion. This expertise is highly relevant to the award, as it demonstrates a deep understanding of a critical field in modern science.
  2. Publication Record: With 24 papers published in high-impact SCI journals such as Advanced Materials, ACS Energy Letters, and Advanced Energy Materials, the candidate has established herself as a leading researcher in her field. This prolific publication record underscores her ability to contribute original and significant research to the scientific community.
  3. Award and Recognition: The candidate has received prestigious awards, including the 2023 Australian Research Council Discovery Early Career Researcher Award (DECRA) and substantial research funding. These accolades reflect her recognized potential and achievements within the scientific community.
  4. Research Focus on Sustainability: The candidate’s work on electrocatalysts and fuel cells, especially in the context of sustainable energy, aligns with global priorities in renewable energy and environmental protection. This makes her research not only innovative but also socially and environmentally impactful.
  5. Professional Skills: The candidate has demonstrated a high level of expertise in experimental techniques, theoretical knowledge, and the use of advanced instrumentation. These skills are essential for conducting cutting-edge research in electrochemistry and material science.

Areas for Improvement

  1. Broader Impact and Outreach: While the candidate has an impressive academic and research background, there is limited information on her involvement in outreach activities, mentoring, or promoting women in science. Increasing visibility and engagement in these areas could enhance her candidacy for a Women Researcher Award, which often considers contributions beyond academic achievements.
  2. Interdisciplinary Collaboration: While the candidate’s research is highly specialized, further collaboration across disciplines could lead to broader applications of her work and increase its overall impact. Engaging in interdisciplinary projects or collaborations with industry could further elevate her profile.

 

✍️Publications Top Note :

Nanocatalysts for Electrocatalytic Oxidation of Ethanol
Authors: J. Bai, D. Liu, J. Yang, Y. Chen
Journal: ChemSusChem, 12(10), 2117-2132, 2019
Citations: 170
🧪 Focus: Ethanol oxidation using nanocatalysts.

Polyallylamine-Functionalized Platinum Tripods: Enhancement of Hydrogen Evolution Reaction by Proton Carriers
Authors: G.R. Xu, J. Bai, L. Yao, Q. Xue, J.X. Jiang, J.H. Zeng, Y. Chen, J.M. Lee
Journal: ACS Catalysis, 7(1), 452-458, 2017
Citations: 147
🔋 Focus: Hydrogen evolution reaction.

Bimetallic Platinum–Rhodium Alloy Nanodendrites as Highly Active Electrocatalyst for the Ethanol Oxidation Reaction
Authors: J. Bai, X. Xiao, Y.Y. Xue, J.X. Jiang, J.H. Zeng, X.F. Li, Y. Chen
Journal: ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, 10(23), 19755-19763, 2018
Citations: 145
⚗️ Focus: Platinum-rhodium alloy for ethanol oxidation.

Atomically Ultrathin RhCo Alloy Nanosheet Aggregates for Efficient Water Electrolysis in Broad pH Range
Authors: Y. Zhao, J. Bai, X.R. Wu, P. Chen, P.J. Jin, H.C. Yao, Y. Chen
Journal: Journal of Materials Chemistry A, 7(27), 16437-16446, 2019
Citations: 143
🌊 Focus: Water electrolysis using RhCo alloy nanosheets.

Au Nanowires@Pd-Polyethylenimine Nanohybrids as Highly Active and Methanol-Tolerant Electrocatalysts Toward Oxygen Reduction Reaction in Alkaline Media
Authors: Q. Xue, J. Bai, C. Han, P. Chen, J.X. Jiang, Y. Chen
Journal: ACS Catalysis, 8(12), 11287-11295, 2018
Citations: 133
🧪 Focus: Oxygen reduction reaction in alkaline media.

Polyethyleneimine Functionalized Platinum Superstructures: Enhancing Hydrogen Evolution Performance by Morphological and Interfacial Control
Authors: G.R. Xu, J. Bai, J.X. Jiang, J.M. Lee, Y. Chen
Journal: Chemical Science, 8(12), 8411-8418, 2017
Citations: 115
⚛️ Focus: Hydrogen evolution through platinum superstructures.

Hydrothermal Synthesis and Catalytic Application of Ultrathin Rhodium Nanosheet Nanoassemblies
Authors: J. Bai, G.R. Xu, S.H. Xing, J.H. Zeng, J.X. Jiang, Y. Chen
Journal: ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, 8(49), 33635-33641, 2016
Citations: 96
🔬 Focus: Rhodium nanosheet for catalytic applications.

Molybdenum‐Promoted Surface Reconstruction in Polymorphic Cobalt for Initiating Rapid Oxygen Evolution
Authors: J. Bai, J. Mei, T. Liao, Q. Sun, Z.G. Chen, Z. Sun
Journal: Advanced Energy Materials, 12(5), 2103247, 2022
Citations: 87
Focus: Oxygen evolution in cobalt.

One-Pot Fabrication of Hollow and Porous Pd–Cu Alloy Nanospheres and Their Remarkably Improved Catalytic Performance for Hexavalent Chromium Reduction
Authors: S.H. Han, J. Bai, H.M. Liu, J.H. Zeng, J.X. Jiang, Y. Chen, J.M. Lee
Journal: ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, 8(45), 30948-30955, 2016
Citations: 85
🌍 Focus: Catalytic reduction of hexavalent chromium.

Glycerol Oxidation Assisted Electrocatalytic Nitrogen Reduction: Ammonia and Glyceraldehyde Co-Production on Bimetallic RhCu Ultrathin Nanoflake Nanoaggregates
Authors: J. Bai, H. Huang, F.M. Li, Y. Zhao, P. Chen, P.J. Jin, S.N. Li, H.C. Yao, J.H. Zeng
Journal: Journal of Materials Chemistry A, 7(37), 21149-21156, 2019
Citations: 84

Conclusion

The candidate is exceptionally well-suited for the Women Researcher Award, given her extensive research experience, strong publication record, and recognized achievements in the field of electrochemistry and materials science. Her work is not only innovative but also highly relevant to global challenges, particularly in sustainable energy. To further strengthen her candidacy, the candidate might consider expanding her impact through outreach, mentoring, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Tao Wang | Geopolymer materials | Best Researcher Award

Mr.  Nanjing Hydraulic Research Institute, China

The research presents a method for developing high-strength, low-carbon geopolymer mortar using fly ash and slag under ambient curing conditions. It addresses the challenge of low strength in fly ash-based geopolymers by analyzing the impact of slag content on mechanical properties. The study also investigates the correlation between microstructural and macroscopic properties using grey relational analysis and assesses the environmental and economic benefits of varying slag content. This work offers practical guidance for advancing sustainable, high-performance geopolymer materials, supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China.

Professional Profiles:

🏗️ About Our Research

🔍 Our study introduces an innovative method to develop high-strength geopolymer mortar that boasts low-carbon and environmentally friendly characteristics under ambient curing conditions. The research delves into the mechanical properties, microstructural attributes, and environmental benefits of this mortar. 🌍

🚧 Tackling the Strength Challenge

💡 Fly ash-based geopolymer mortar is celebrated for its eco-friendly benefits, but achieving high strength remains a challenge in modern structural engineering. While most studies focus on high-temperature curing, our research uniquely explores the influence of slag content on the mechanical properties of geopolymer mortar under ambient conditions.

🔬 Deep Dive: Microstructural and Mechanical Properties

📊 We conducted a thorough analysis of the microstructural performance and established a framework using the grey relational analysis method to correlate these findings with the mortar’s macroscopic mechanical properties. Additionally, we evaluated the environmental and economic impacts of varying slag content through statistical analysis.

🌱 Towards a Sustainable Future

🌱 This work provides valuable insights and practical guidance for the advancement of low-carbon, environmentally friendly, and high-performance geopolymer mortar, paving the way for future developments in sustainable construction materials.

🔗 Research Support

🏆 This research was generously supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (SN: 52171270, 51879168) and the Key Funded Projects of the National Natural Science Foundation of China-Regional Innovation and Development Joint Fund (U23A20672). We confirm that this work has not been submitted elsewhere for publication, and all authors have approved the enclosed manuscript.

Strengths for the Award

  1. Innovative Approach: The research introduces a novel method for developing high-strength geopolymer mortar under ambient curing conditions, addressing a crucial challenge in the field. The emphasis on low-carbon and environmentally friendly characteristics is timely and aligns with global sustainability goals.
  2. Comprehensive Analysis: The study offers a thorough investigation of both the mechanical properties and microstructural performance of the geopolymer mortar. The use of grey relational analysis to establish correlations between microstructural and mechanical properties adds depth to the research.
  3. Environmental and Economic Assessment: The inclusion of environmental and economic impact assessments demonstrates a holistic approach, considering not just the technical performance but also the broader implications of the material.
  4. Support from National Foundations: The research is backed by prestigious funding sources, such as the National Natural Science Foundation of China, which underscores the importance and credibility of the work.

Areas for Improvement

  1. Expansion of Application Scenarios: While the research focuses on ambient curing conditions, exploring the applicability of the developed mortar in different environmental conditions or comparing it with other curing methods could provide more comprehensive insights.
  2. Long-term Performance Evaluation: The study could benefit from a long-term performance analysis, including durability and sustainability over extended periods, to further validate the practical application of the geopolymer mortar.
  3. Broader Comparative Analysis: Including a broader range of comparisons with other high-strength construction materials could strengthen the argument for the practical adoption of geopolymer mortar in various structural engineering scenarios.

 

✍️Publications Top Note :

Development of High-strength Geopolymer Mortar Based on Fly Ash-slag: Correlational Analysis of Microstructural and Mechanical Properties and Environmental Assessment”

Authors: Wang, T., Fan, X., Gao, C.

Journal: Construction and Building Materials (2024), 441, 137515

 

“Performance of Geopolymer Paste under Different NaOH Solution Concentrations”

Authors: Wang, T., Fan, X., Gao, C., Qu, C.

Journal: Magazine of Concrete Research (2024)

 

“Shear Behavior and Strength Prediction of HFRP Reinforced Concrete Beams without Stirrups”

Authors: Gu, Z., Hu, Y., Gao, D., Wang, T., Yang, L.

Journal: Engineering Structures (2023), 297, 117030

 

“Effect of Different Loading Rates on the Fracture Behavior of FRP-Reinforced Concrete”

Authors: Liu, J., Fan, X., Wang, T., Qu, C.

Journal: Fatigue and Fracture of Engineering Materials and Structures (2023), 46(12), pp. 4743–4759

 

“The Influence of Fiber on the Mechanical Properties of Geopolymer Concrete: A Review”

Authors: Wang, T., Fan, X., Gao, C., Liu, J., Yu, G.

Journal: Polymers (2023), 15(4), 827

 

“Database-based Error Analysis of Calculation Methods for Shear Capacity of FRP-Reinforced Concrete Beams without Web Reinforcement”

Authors: Wang, T., Fan, X., Gao, C., Qu, C., Liu, J.

Journal: Journal of Southeast University (English Edition) (2023), 39(3), pp. 301–313

 

“Size Effect Theory on Shear Strength of RC Cantilever Beams without Stirrups”

Authors: Jin, L., Wang, T., Du, X.-L.

Journal: Jisuan Lixue Xuebao/Chinese Journal of Computational Mechanics (2020), 37(4), pp. 396–404

 

“Size Effect Theory on Shear Failure of RC Cantilever Beams”

Authors: Jin, L., Wang, T., Du, X.-L., Xia, H.

Journal: Gongcheng Lixue/Engineering Mechanics (2020), 37(1), pp. 53–62

 

“Size Effect in Shear Failure of RC Beams with Stirrups: Simulation and Formulation”

Authors: Jin, L., Wang, T., Jiang, X.-A., Du, X.

Journal: Engineering Structures (2019), 199, 109573

 

Conclusion

Tao Wang’s research on high-strength geopolymer mortar is innovative and impactful, addressing key challenges in the construction industry related to sustainability and strength. The study’s comprehensive analysis and consideration of environmental impacts make it a strong contender for the “Best Researcher Award.” However, expanding the research scope to include more comparative and long-term analyses could further enhance its significance.