Prof. Dr. Hengfu Shui is a renowned expert in coal chemistry and organic chemical engineering at Anhui University of Technology, China. With a Ph.D. from East China University of Science & Technology, his research spans coal liquefaction, clean utilization, and coal-derived materials. Over his distinguished career, he has served in multiple leadership roles, including Dean of the School of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering and Vice President of the university. Dr. Shui has led and participated in numerous national and international research projects, including NSFC key grants, the 863 and 973 Programs, and Sino-Japanese collaborations. His pioneering work contributes significantly to energy science and chemical engineering.
Author Profile
Education
Prof. Dr. Hengfu Shui’s academic journey began with a deep-rooted passion for energy and chemical engineering. In 1983, he entered the East China University of Science & Technology, majoring in Chemical Engineering for Energy Sources. During his undergraduate studies, he explored complex chemical processes, including molecular sieve adsorption and abruption, laying a strong foundation for his future research endeavors. After graduating in 1987, he pursued graduate education at the Anshan Research Institute for Thermal Energy (1990–1992), where he specialized in organic chemical engineering and focused on coal needle coke feedstock preprocessing techniques.
Determined to advance in research, he returned to his alma mater for his doctoral studies (1995–1997), where he developed expertise in solvent deasphalting of residues using mixed C4 solvents and in the modification of paving asphalt — a niche area crucial for the improvement of heavy oil processing and asphalt technology.
Experience
Dr. Hengfu Shui’s academic journey at Anhui University of Technology (AHUT) is a testament to his dedication and leadership in higher education. Beginning his career as a lecturer in 1987, he was promoted to associate professor in 1998 and achieved the rank of full professor by 2002. His administrative acumen and academic vision led him to occupy several key leadership positions within the university, including serving as Dean of the School of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering from 2003 to 2012, Director of the Department of Scientific Research from 2012 to 2017, Dean of the Graduate School from 2017 to 2019, and since 2019, Vice President of AHUT. Complementing his domestic achievements, Dr. Shui also broadened his academic horizons internationally through a prestigious postdoctoral fellowship at Tohoku University in Japan from 2000 to 2002. There, under the mentorship of Professor Iino Masashi, he conducted advanced research on coal structure and its aggregation behavior—critical to improving coal reactivity and conversion efficiency—thereby enhancing both his scientific perspective and international research collaborations.
Research Focus
Prof. Hengfu Shui’s research portfolio is both expansive and deeply impactful, particularly in the field of coal chemistry and clean energy transformation—an area of critical importance within China’s evolving energy and environmental framework. His primary research interests encompass coal liquefaction and clean utilization, coal tar pitch emulsification, coal needle coke production, and the study of coal structure and its aggregation behaviors. These focus areas not only address pressing scientific challenges but also offer practical pathways for optimizing fossil fuel use and minimizing environmental impact. Prof. Shui has led five major research projects funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC), including a key project, and has played a pivotal role in several high-profile national programs such as the 863 High-Tech Program, the 973 National Basic Research Program, and the Strategic Chinese-Japanese Joint Research Program. Additionally, he has contributed to an international cooperative project under Anhui Province. Through these efforts, Prof. Shui has been instrumental in advancing technologies for converting coal into cleaner fuels and high-value chemical products, thus promoting sustainable industrial practices and energy innovation.
Awards and Recognitions
Throughout his career, Dr. Shui has earned considerable recognition for his pioneering contributions. While specific individual awards are not listed, his appointments to senior leadership positions, involvement in prestigious national research programs, and invitations to participate in international collaborations are strong indicators of his academic standing and respect in the field of chemical engineering.