Lei Xia | Chemistry and Materials Science | Research Excellence Award

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Assoc Prof Dr. Lei Xia | Chemistry and Materials Science | Research Excellence Award

University of Science & Technology Liaoning | China

Dr. Lei Xia is an accomplished materials scientist and associate professor at the University of Science & Technology Liaoning, specializing in materials processing, tribology, corrosion protection, and computational simulation. He holds a PhD in Applied Chemistry from the Research Institute of Petroleum Processing, a Master’s degree in Materials Forming and Control Engineering from the University of Science and Technology Beijing, and a Bachelor’s degree from Yanshan University. Since joining USTL as a lecturer in 2019 and becoming associate professor in 2024, Dr. Xia has developed a strong research portfolio integrating experimental, theoretical, and simulation-based approaches to improve metal processing technologies. His major research areas include tribology and lubrication mechanisms in rolling processes, microstructure–property relationships in metallic materials, corrosion behavior and protective coatings, and molecular-level insights into lubricant oxidation and surface interactions using MD and QM simulations. Dr. Xia has completed and contributed to multiple national and enterprise-supported research projects, focusing on the improvement of steel, aluminum, and copper alloy processing performance. His scholarly contributions exceed 40 publications in high-impact SCI and EI journals, such as Lubricants, Metals, Materials Research Express, Tribology Letters, Rare Metal Materials and Engineering, and China Petroleum Processing & Petrochemical Technology. Many of his works investigate fatigue properties, lubricant chemistry, tribological behaviors, corrosion mechanisms, and the influence of process parameters on material performance. He has published two patents and numerous articles as corresponding or first author, demonstrating his leadership in research innovation. Dr. Xia’s contributions extend to several industrial collaborations with major enterprises such as Anshan Iron and Steel Group, Baowu Group, and Sinopec, where his work has directly supported advancements in rolling technology and surface quality control. His recognition includes selection for the prestigious Liaoning “Baiqianwan Talent Program” and the “Steel Capital Talent Plan.” Alongside his research, he serves on the youth editorial boards of multiple journals including Journal of Iron and Steel Research, Rolling Steel, Special Steel, Mechanical Engineering Newsletter, and Journal of Materials and Metallurgy. He is also an active member of professional societies such as the Chinese Mechanical Engineering Society, Chinese Materials Research Society, Chinese Chemical Society, and the China Nonferrous Metals Industry Association. Through interdisciplinary expertise, impactful publications, industrial collaborations, and major talent awards, Dr. Xia has made significant contributions to tribology, corrosion protection, and advanced materials processing, strengthening both academic research and industrial innovation.

Profile: Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Xia, L., Ma, Z., Kokogiannakis, G., Wang, Z., & Wang, S. (2018). A model-based design optimization strategy for ground source heat pump systems with integrated photovoltaic thermal collectors. Applied Energy, 214, 178–190. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apenergy.2018.02.024

Ma, Z., Xia, L., Gong, X., Kokogiannakis, G., Wang, S., & Zhou, X. (2020). Recent advances and development in optimal design and control of ground source heat pump systems. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 131, 110001. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2020.110001

Duong, H. C., Xia, L., Ma, Z., Cooper, P., Ela, W., & Nghiem, L. D. (2017). Assessing the performance of solar thermal driven membrane distillation for seawater desalination by computer simulation. Journal of Membrane Science, 542, 133–142. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.memsci.2017.08.019

Xia, L., Ma, Z., Kokogiannakis, G., Wang, S., & Gong, X. (2018). A model-based optimal control strategy for ground source heat pump systems with integrated solar photovoltaic thermal collectors. Applied Energy, 228, 1399–1412. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apenergy.2018.06.017

Chen, J., Xia, L., Li, B., & Mmereki, D. (2015). Simulation and experimental analysis of optimal buried depth of the vertical U-tube ground heat exchanger for a ground-coupled heat pump system. Renewable Energy, 73, 46–54. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.renene.2014.06.055

Qi, D., Pu, L., Ma, Z., Xia, L., & Li, Y. (2019). Effects of ground heat exchangers with different connection configurations on the heating performance of GSHP systems. Geothermics, 80, 20–30. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geothermics.2019.01.006

Xia, L., Ma, Z., McLauchlan, C., & Wang, S. (2017). Experimental investigation and control optimization of a ground source heat pump system. Applied Thermal Engineering, 127, 70–80. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2017.07.111

Gong, X., Xia, L., Ma, Z., Chen, G., & Wei, L. (2018). Investigation on the optimal cooling tower input capacity of a cooling tower assisted ground source heat pump system. Energy and Buildings, 174, 239–253. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enbuild.2018.06.021

Qingguo Ma | Chemical Engineering | Excellence in Innovation Award

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Dr. Qingguo Ma | Chemical Engineering | Excellence in Innovation Award

Taiyuan Institute of Technology | China

Dr. Qingguo Ma, an accomplished Associate Professor at the Taiyuan Institute of Technology, is a distinguished researcher specializing in advanced wastewater treatment, particularly in the catalytic degradation of formaldehyde. With a doctoral degree obtained from the School of Chemical Engineering and Technology at Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Dr. Ma has established a focused research trajectory in the development of innovative and efficient oxidation-based solutions for industrial pollutant removal. His work emphasizes the use of advanced oxidation processes employing oxidants such as hydrogen peroxide and monopersulfate in conjunction with highly efficient catalytic systems, including transition metal oxides and lanthanum-based composite metal oxide catalysts. Through this research, Dr. Ma has successfully achieved remarkable improvements in formaldehyde degradation efficiency, notably demonstrating degradation rates exceeding 90% under ambient conditions without the need for acidic, alkaline, photochemical, or electrocatalytic environments. This breakthrough shortens the oxidative degradation time by up to 12 times compared to conventional heterogeneous catalysts and provides a scalable pathway toward cost-effective and energy-efficient wastewater treatment technologies. Dr. Ma’s academic contributions are supported by a robust research profile, including five completed or ongoing research projects, eleven patents published or under application, and thirteen peer-reviewed publications indexed in SCI databases. His work has attracted growing scholarly attention, reflected in a developing citation index and engagement in two consultancy or industry-linked research initiatives. As a member of the Shanxi Provincial Society for Inspection and Testing, he actively contributes to the advancement of environmental monitoring and chemical engineering practices within the professional community. His research further explores the mechanistic pathways of formaldehyde oxidation, identifying both radical-driven and non-radical catalytic routes, which enhances scientific understanding and offers new design concepts for catalytic materials used in environmental remediation. Dr. Ma continues to expand collaborations and strengthen knowledge transfer through academic platforms, contributing meaningfully to scientific and societal progress in pollution control. With demonstrated excellence, innovation, and commitment to advancing sustainable wastewater treatment technologies, he exemplifies the qualities recognized by the Excellence in Innovation Award. Dr. Ma affirms the authenticity and accuracy of all information included in this application and acknowledges the guidelines and terms set forth for this nomination.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications

Ma, Q. (2024). Preparation of perovskite-type LaMnO₃ and its catalytic degradation of formaldehyde in wastewater. Molecules, 29(16). https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29163822

Ma, Q. (2023). Removal of formaldehyde in water with low concentration of hydrogen peroxide catalyzed by lanthanum–silicon oxide composite. Desalination and Water Treatment, 29734. https://doi.org/10.5004/dwt.2023.29734

Ma, Q. (2023). The Baeyer–Villiger oxidation of cycloketones using hydrogen peroxide as an oxidant. Catalysts, 13(1). https://doi.org/10.3390/catal13010021

Ma, Q. (2022). Removal of formaldehyde from aqueous solution by hydrogen peroxide. Journal of Water Chemistry and Technology, 44(4). https://doi.org/10.3103/S1063455X22040099

Ma, Q. (2021). Enhancing propene selectivity in methanol and/or butene conversion by regulating channel systems over ZSM-5/ZSM-48 composite zeolites. Microporous and Mesoporous Materials, 310. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.micromeso.2020.110803

Ma, Q. (2015). Baeyer–Villiger oxidation of cyclic ketones with hydrogen peroxide catalyzed by silica–VTMO–OSO₃H. Journal of Porous Materials, 22(5). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10934-015-9918-8

Ma, Q. (2015). Silica/A153-SO₃H: An efficient catalyst for the Baeyer–Villiger oxidation of cyclic ketones with hydrogen peroxide. Comptes Rendus Chimie, 18(4). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.crci.2014.09.002

Ma, Q. (2015). Sn-bentonite-induced Baeyer–Villiger oxidation of 2-heptylcyclopentanone to δ-dodecalactone with aqueous hydrogen peroxide. Research on Chemical Intermediates, 41(5). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11164-013-1342-6

Nighil Nath MP | Chemistry and Materials Science | Editorial Board Member

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Dr. Nighil Nath MP | Chemistry and Materials Science | Editorial Board Member

University of Calicut | India

Dr. Nighil Nath M. P. is a dedicated physicist and educator whose research focuses on condensed matter theory, materials science, glass-forming systems, plastic crystals, low-temperature physics, and broadband dielectric spectroscopy. With a strong foundation in both theoretical and experimental physics, he has significantly contributed to understanding the thermal and dielectric behaviors of orientationally disordered systems. His investigations using advanced techniques such as Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and temperature-controlled X-Ray Diffraction (X-RD) have shed light on the structural and phase transition dynamics of complex molecular materials. Dr. Nath earned his Ph.D. in Physics from the University of Calicut, Kerala, in 2022, where his thesis, “Thermal and Spectroscopic Investigations on Some Plastic Crystals,” provided deep insights into the thermal and dielectric relaxation mechanisms in molecular solids. His academic journey began with a B.Sc. in Physics from Zamorin’s Guruvayurappan College (2008) and an M.Sc. in Physics from CMS College, Kottayam (2012). Over the years, he has demonstrated a strong passion for advancing material characterization techniques and understanding the microscopic processes governing physical properties of crystalline and amorphous materials. Dr. Nath’s publication record reflects his rigorous approach to scientific inquiry. His works have appeared in prestigious journals such as Journal of Physics and Chemistry of Solids, Indian Journal of Physics, Journal of Molecular Liquids, and Materials Today Proceedings. Among his notable contributions are studies on tetrahedrally coordinated organic plastic crystals, phase transition dynamics in cyclohexene oxide, and dielectric relaxation in ionic liquids. These papers not only enrich the literature on material science but also open new pathways for the application of plastic crystals and related compounds in energy storage and optoelectronic devices. Beyond research, Dr. Nath is an accomplished academic mentor, having guided over 50 M.Sc. students in various experimental and theoretical projects between 2014 and 2020. Currently serving as a High School Assistant (Physical Science) at the Government Higher Secondary School, Kakkodi, Kozhikode, Kerala, since December 2022, he continues to inspire young minds with his deep scientific insight and enthusiasm for discovery. His career reflects a harmonious blend of scientific innovation, academic excellence, and educational commitment, establishing him as a promising researcher and educator in the field of condensed matter and material physics.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Kottummal, T. K., Pilathottathil, S., Thayyil, M. S., Perumal, P. M., Sreekala, K. K. N., & Nighil Nath, M. P. (2018). Dielectric relaxation and electrochemical studies on trihexyl tetradecyl phosphonium chloride ionic liquid. Journal of Molecular Liquids, 252, 488–494.

Nighil Nath, M. P., & Sulaiman, M. K., & Thayyil, M. S. (2019). Thermal and dielectric spectroscopic investigation on orientationally disordered crystal—Cyclobutanol. Materials Today: Proceedings, 18, 1620–1626.

Manal Poovingal, N. N., Thayyil, M. S., Afzal, A., & Govindaraj, G. (2022). Thermal and dielectric studies on orientationally disordered crystal: Cyclobutanol. Indian Journal of Physics, 96(7), 1991–1999.

Afzal, A., Thayyil, M. S., Mohamed, M. N. S., Nighil Nath, M. P., & others. (2025). Broadband dielectric spectroscopic studies of acemetacin, colchicine and bezafibrate during quench cooling, and in supercooled liquid phase by dielectric modulus formalism. Indian Journal of Physics, 1–11.

Nath, M. P. N., Thayyil, M. S., & Afzal, A. (2025). Phase transition dynamics and dielectric relaxations in orientationally disordered crystal: A study of cyclohexene oxide. Journal of Physics and Chemistry of Solids, 207, 112839.

Nath, M. P. N., Thayyil, M. S., & Afzal, A. (2025). Thermal and dielectric spectroscopic investigations on tetrahedrally coordinated organic plastic crystals: Aminomethylpropanediol and pentaglycerol. Journal of Physics and Chemistry of Solids, 113019.