Zhenghui Luo | organic solar cells | Best Researcher Award

Assoc Prof Dr. Shenzhen University, China

Dr. Luo Zhenghui, born in October 1991 in Wuhan, Hubei Province, is an Associate Professor at Shenzhen University, specializing in organic optoelectronic functional materials. He completed his PhD in Organic Chemistry at Wuhan University under the supervision of Professor Yang Chuluo, with joint training at the Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences. Dr. Luo has published over 100 SCI papers, with 26 recognized as ESI Highly Cited Papers. His research focuses on the design and synthesis of non-fullerene acceptor materials and organic photovoltaic devices. He has received multiple awards, including recognition as a Clarivate Analytics Highly Cited Scientist.

 

Professional Profiles:

Education:

PhD in Organic Optoelectronic Functional Materials, Wuhan UniversitySupervisor: Professor Yang ChuluoJoint Training: Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences (Academician Li Yongfang)Research Direction: Design, synthesis, and photovoltaic device research of non-fullerene acceptor materials

Research Focus:

Organic photovoltaic materials and devicesPreparation and optimization of organic photovoltaic devicesDesign and synthesis of non-fullerene acceptor materials

Key Achievements:

Published over 100 SCI papers since May 2016.26 papers selected as ESI Highly Cited Papers and 26 as ESI Hot Topics.Total citations exceed 8,000 (H-index: 51 on Google Scholar).First author or corresponding author on 54 papers, including top journals like Joule, Advanced Materials, Angewandte Chemie International Edition, and Energy & Environmental Science.Awarded for outstanding research contributions, including the 2020 Cell Press Chinese Scientist Best Paper Award in Material Science and selection as a Clarivate Analytics Highly Cited Scientist for multiple years.

Awards:

Top 2% of the world’s top scientists in Environment, Energy, and Sustainability journals for three consecutive years (2021-2023).Second prize winner in Guangdong Province and Shenzhen City Natural Science Award in 2022.

Strengths for the Award

1. Exceptional Publication Record: Luo Zhenghui has published over 100 SCI papers since May 2016, with 26 being selected as ESI Highly Cited Papers and 26 as ESI Hot Topics. His research output demonstrates both quality and impact, with a Google Scholar H-index of 51 and over 8,000 citations. His work in high-impact journals such as Advanced Materials, Angewandte Chemie, Joule, and Nature Communications underscores his contributions to the field of organic optoelectronic functional materials.

2. Expertise in Organic Photovoltaic Materials: Luo’s research focuses on organic photovoltaic materials and devices, particularly the design, synthesis, and application of non-fullerene acceptor materials. His innovative work in this area has led to significant advancements, including the development of polymer solar cells with efficiencies exceeding 17%. His expertise in molecular design and device engineering is evident in his numerous high-impact publications.

3. Recognition and Awards: Luo has received several prestigious awards, including the Cell Press Chinese Scientist Best Paper Award (First Place in Material Science) and the Outstanding Paper Award from Science China Chemistry. His recognition as a Clarivate Analytics Highly Cited Scientist and inclusion in the top 2% of the world’s top scientists further solidifies his standing in the scientific community.

4. Collaborative and Interdisciplinary Research: Luo has successfully collaborated with leading researchers and institutions, including joint training with the Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, and research at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. His interdisciplinary approach has contributed to his success in advancing organic optoelectronics and photovoltaic research.

Areas for Improvement

1. Diversification of Research Focus: While Luo’s focus on organic photovoltaic materials has yielded significant results, diversifying his research portfolio could enhance his contributions to other emerging areas within organic optoelectronics. Expanding into related fields such as organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) or organic semiconductors could further strengthen his overall research impact.

2. Increased Industry Collaboration: To translate his research into practical applications, Luo could benefit from increased collaboration with industry partners. Engaging in technology transfer and commercialization efforts could amplify the societal impact of his research, particularly in the development and deployment of organic photovoltaic technologies.

3. Outreach and Mentorship: Luo could consider increasing his involvement in outreach and mentorship activities. Guiding the next generation of researchers and actively participating in scientific outreach could enhance his visibility and influence within the broader scientific community.

 

✍️Publications Top Note :

Fine-tuning energy levels via asymmetric end groups – This paper reports on polymer solar cells achieving efficiencies over 17% through the fine-tuning of energy levels using asymmetric end groups. Published in Joule in 2020, it has been cited 367 times.

Improving open-circuit voltage by a chlorinated polymer donor – This study demonstrates how a chlorinated polymer donor can improve the efficiency of binary organic solar cells to over 17%. Published in Science China Chemistry in 2020, with 328 citations.

A layer-by-layer architecture for printable organic solar cells – This research addresses the challenge of module efficiency in organic solar cells by using a layer-by-layer architecture. It was published in Joule in 2020 and has 317 citations.

Precisely controlling the position of bromine on the end group – This work explores how the precise positioning of bromine on polymer acceptors can lead to solar cells with efficiencies over 15%. It was published in Advanced Materials in 2020 and has been cited 311 times.

Fine-tuning molecular packing and energy level through methyl substitution – This paper focuses on methyl substitution for fine-tuning molecular packing, leading to efficient nonfullerene polymer solar cells. Published in Advanced Materials in 2018, it has 292 citations.

Use of two structurally similar small molecular acceptors – The study shows how using two structurally similar acceptors can enable high-efficiency ternary organic solar cells. Published in Energy & Environmental Science in 2018, it has 280 citations.

Asymmetrical ladder-type donor-induced polar small molecule acceptor – This research promotes fill factors approaching 77% in high-performance nonfullerene polymer solar cells. Published in Advanced Materials in 2018, it has 273 citations.

16% efficiency all-polymer organic solar cells – The paper reports on achieving a 16% efficiency in all-polymer organic solar cells via a finely tuned morphology. Published in Joule in 2021, with 243 citations.

Simultaneous enhanced efficiency and thermal stability – This work demonstrates enhanced efficiency and thermal stability in organic solar cells using a polymer acceptor additive. Published in Nature Communications in 2020, it has 239 citations.

A nonfullerene acceptor with a 1000 nm absorption edge – This study discusses the development of a nonfullerene acceptor leading to improved efficiencies in organic solar cells. Published in Energy & Environmental Science in 2019, with 229 citations.

Conclusion

Luo Zhenghui is an outstanding candidate for the Best Researcher Award, with a proven track record of high-impact research, numerous accolades, and significant contributions to the field of organic optoelectronic functional materials. His expertise in organic photovoltaic materials, coupled with his collaborative and interdisciplinary approach, positions him as a leader in his field. While there is potential for further growth in diversifying his research focus and increasing industry collaboration, Luo’s achievements to date make him a highly deserving recipient of this prestigious award.

Dhanraj Shinde | Microbial fuel cells | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Dhanraj Shinde | Microbial fuel cells | Best Researcher Award

Dr. National Chemical Laboratory, Pune, Maharastra, India

Dr. Dhanraj B. Shinde, with over 15 years of research experience, is a Ramalingaswami fellow and Assistant Professor at the National Chemical Laboratory, India. He specializes in nanomaterials synthesis, proton conductive membranes, chemical vapor deposition, and energy storage devices. He has held postdoctoral positions at New Mexico State University, USA, and Monash University, Australia, contributing significantly to graphene production and microbial fuel cells. Dr. Shinde earned his Ph.D. in Physical and Materials Chemistry from the University of Pune, India. His numerous accolades include the Ramanujan Fellowship and the Australian Alumni Research Grant.

 

Professional Profiles:

Education🎓

Ph.D. in Physical and Materials ChemistryNational Chemical Laboratory (NCL), University of Pune, India (2008 – 2013)Thesis: “Electrochemical Synthesis and Functionalization of Carbon-based Nanomaterials”Supervisor: Dr. K. Vijayamohanan, IISER Tirupati, India🎓 M.Sc. in ChemistryYeshwant College, Department of Chemistry, Swami Ramanand Teerth Marathwada University Nanded, Maharashtra, India (May 2006)🎓 B.Sc. in ChemistryMahatma Gandhi College, Ahmedpur, Swami Ramanand Teerth Marathwada University, Nanded, Maharashtra, India (May 2004)

Fellowships and Awards

🏅 Fellowships:

Senior Research Fellowship, CSIR, New Delhi (January 2010 to December 2012)Junior Research Fellowship, CSIR, New Delhi (January 2008 to December 2009)Ramanujan Fellowship, SERB (2021)Ramalingaswami Re-entry Fellowship, DBT (2021)

🏆 Awards:

KRISHNAN AWARD for Best Published Research Paper in Physical Chemistry / Materials Science (2011 & 2013)Best Thesis Award “KEERTHI SANGORAM MEMORIAL ENDOWMENT AWARD” (2012)Young Associate Award, Maharashtra Academy of Sciences (2019)Australian Alumni Research Grant (2022)

Objective🚀

Career Goal: Intend to build a career in a leading institution with committed and dedicated people, helping to explore my potential. Willing to work as a key player in a challenging and creative environment.

Research Experience🔬

15+ Years of Research Experience:Nanomaterials synthesisProton conductive membranesChemical vapor depositionRedox flow batteriesFuel cells and energy storage devices

Current Position🏢

National Chemical Laboratory, IndiaRamalingaswami Fellow and Assistant Professor, A-CSIR (May 2021 – Present)Project: High power density microbial fuel cells: Conversion of waste into electricity and chemicalsGrant: Australian Alumni research grant to develop cost-effective microbial fuel cells (2022)

Previous Positions🌐

New Mexico State University, USAPostdoctoral Research Associate (November 2016 – 2020)Large area single crystalline graphene production using atmospheric pressure chemical vapor depositionBreakthrough proton conductive membranes based on two-dimensional materials for microbial fuel cells and redox flow battery applications🌏 Monash University, AustraliaPostdoctoral Research Associate (December 2013 – 2016)High-quality graphene manufacturing and upscaling through flow chemistry approachesLarge area graphene oxide membranes for water desalination

Strengths for the Award:

Extensive Research Experience: Over 15 years of hands-on experience in advanced material synthesis and energy storage technologies.Innovative Contributions: Pioneering work in microbial fuel cells and cost-effective solutions for renewable energy.Proven Track Record: Multiple prestigious fellowships and awards showcasing a history of excellence and significant impact in the field.Strong Academic and Professional Background: Advanced degrees and notable positions in esteemed institutions worldwide.

Areas for Improvement:

Industry Collaboration: Increasing collaborations with industry partners to translate research findings into commercial applications.Funding Acquisition: Securing additional funding to expand research capabilities and explore new avenues.Public Outreach: Enhancing efforts to communicate scientific discoveries to the general public and policymakers to foster greater understanding and support.

Conclusion:

Dr. Dhanraj B. Shinde is a highly accomplished researcher with a formidable background in nanomaterials, fuel cells, and renewable energy technologies. His extensive experience, coupled with a proven track record of innovation and excellence, makes him a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. With continued focus on industry collaboration, funding acquisition, and public outreach, Dr. Shinde is well-positioned to drive significant advancements in sustainable energy solutions.

✍️Publications Top Note :

Synergistic humidity-responsive mechanical motion and proton conductivity in a cationic covalent organic framework
Das, G., Shinde, D.B., Melepurakkal, A., El-Roz, M., Trabolsi, A.
ChemThis link is disabled.

Unique role of dimeric carbon precursors in graphene growth by chemical vapor deposition
Shinde, D.B., Chaturvedi, P., Vlassiouk, I.V., Smirnov, S.N.
Carbon Trends, 5, 100093

Exclusively Proton Conductive Membranes Based on Reduced Graphene Oxide Polymer Composites
Shinde, D.B., Vlassiouk, I.V., Talipov, M.R., Smirnov, S.N.
ACS Nano, 13(11), 13136–13143

Development of CdZn(SSe)2 thin films by using simple aqueous chemical route: Air annealing
Jagadale, S.K., Shinde, D.B., Mane, R.M., Mane, R.K., Bhosale, P.N.
Materials Today: Proceedings, 4(2), 363–368

Low temperature simple aqueous phase chemical synthesis and characterization of ZnO thin films
Shinde, D.B., Ghanwat, V.B., Khot, K.V., Mane, R.K., Bhosale, P.N.
Materials Today: Proceedings, 4(2), 119–125

Fabrication of carbon nanorods and graphene nanoribbons from a metal-organic framework
Pachfule, P., Shinde, D., Majumder, M., Xu, Q.
Nature Chemistry, 8(7), 718–724

Shear Assisted Electrochemical Exfoliation of Graphite to Graphene
Shinde, D.B., Brenker, J., Easton, C.D., Neild, A., Majumder, M.
Langmuir, 32(14), 3552–3559

Large-area graphene-based nanofiltration membranes by shear alignment of discotic nematic liquid crystals of graphene oxide
Akbari, A., Sheath, P., Martin, S.T., Bhattacharyya, D., Majumder, M.
Nature Communications, 7, 10891

Electrochemical preparation of nitrogen-doped graphene quantum dots and their size-dependent electrocatalytic activity for oxygen reduction
Shinde, D.B., Dhavale, V.M., Kurungot, S., Pillai, V.K.
Bulletin of Materials Science, 38(2), 435–442

Graphene nanoribbons as prospective field emitter
Khare, R., Shinde, D.B., Bansode, S., Pillai, V.K., Late, D.J.
Applied Physics Letters, 106(2), 023111