Bramhaiah Kommula | Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

Assist Prof Dr. Bramhaiah Kommula | Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

Assist Prof Dr. Bramhaiah Kommula | St. Joseph’s University Bangalore | India

Dr. Bramhaiah Kommula is an accomplished researcher and academic currently serving as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry at St. Joseph’s University, Bengaluru. His research embodies a multidisciplinary approach at the intersection of nanomaterials, photochemistry, and sustainable energy, with a focus on developing advanced functional luminescent nanomaterials for energy conversion, storage, and environmental remediation. Dr. Kommula earned his Ph.D. in Chemistry from Mangalore University in 2018 under the supervision of Dr. Neena S. John at the Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CeNS), Bengaluru, where he investigated the “Synthesis and Properties of Graphene-Based Hybrid Materials Employing Chemical Routes.” Following his doctoral studies, Dr. Kommula pursued postdoctoral research at prestigious institutes including IISER Berhampur (2019–2022) with Dr. Santanu Bhattacharyya and IISER Mohali (2022–2024) with Prof. Ujjal K. Gautam. His postdoctoral work focused on the design and engineering of carbon-based nanostructures and their photocatalytic applications in solar fuel generation, hydrogen evolution, and selective organic transformations. He also contributed to the development of metal-free, waste-derived carbon dots and explored their photophysical properties for green hydrogen production, CO₂ reduction, and photoinduced organic catalysis. Dr. Kommula’s current research at St. Joseph’s University integrates nanomaterial synthesis, photophysical studies, and energy applications, emphasizing sustainable approaches to convert plastic waste into high-value carbon dots (CDs) and utilize them as efficient metal-free photocatalysts. Dr. Kommula has also authored several book chapters published by Springer Nature and holds a provisional Indian patent on graphitic carbon dots. Dr. Kommula’s research excellence has been acknowledged through several prestigious fellowships, including Institute Postdoctoral Fellowships from IISER Mohali and IISER Berhampur, and DST Senior and Junior Research Fellowships. His scientific leadership is evident in his ongoing supervision of three Ph.D. students and his submission of major national funding proposals under ANRF and DST schemes aimed at developing sustainable photocatalytic systems for hydrogen and value-added chemical production. Overall, Dr. Bramhaiah Kommula’s research exemplifies innovation-driven science that bridges materials chemistry and renewable energy technologies. His long-term goal is to pioneer eco-friendly nanomaterials that transform environmental waste into useful resources, contributing significantly toward achieving sustainable energy solutions and carbon-neutral technologies for the future.

Profiles: Orcid | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Kommula, B., & Sriramadasu, V. K. (2025). Room temperature red phosphorescence enabled by alkali treatment in niobium carbide-derived carbon dots. Journal of Luminescence, 274, 121591. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jlumin.2025.121591

Roy, R. S., Sil, S., Mishra, S., Banoo, M., Swarnkar, A., Kommula, B., De, A. K., & Gautam, U. K. (2025). Layer width engineering in carbon nitride for enhanced exciton dissociation and solar fuel generation. ACS Materials Letters, 7(4), 1385–1393.

Mandal, R., Biswal, J. R., Kommula, B., & Bhattacharyya, S. (2025). 2,2′:5′,2″:5″,2‴‐Quaterthiophene nanoparticles and single-walled CNT composite: An organic nanohybrid for solar H₂ production and simultaneous photoreformation of plastic wastes. ChemCatChem, 17(3), e202500307.

Kommula, B., & Gautam, U. K. (2025). A two-step strategy for residue-free chemical conversion of plastic waste to carbon dots: Upscaling and solvent recycling prospects. Carbon, 234, 119960.

Dutta, B., Kommula, B., Kanwar, K., Gautam, U. K., & Sarma, D. (2025). Oxygen-harvesting carbon dot photocatalysts for ambient tandem oxidative synthesis of quinazolin-4(3H)-ones. Green Chemistry, 27(1), Article D5GC00962F.

Kommula, B., Kanwar, K., & Gautam, U. K. (2024). Waste polyethylene-derived carbon dots: Administration of metal-free oxidizing agents for tunable properties and photocatalytic hyperactivity. ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, 16(31), 39470–39481.

Weiguang Ran | Optical Materials | Best Researcher Award | 13659

Mr. Weiguang Ran | Optical Materials | Best Researcher Award

Qufu Normal University | China

Dr. Ran Weiguang is a distinguished young associate professor at the School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Qufu Normal University, with a dynamic research agenda at the interface of inorganic functional materials and optoelectronic technology. Since joining Qufu Normal University in September 2019, Dr. Ran has made notable strides in teaching, research, and project leadership. His teaching portfolio spans courses such as Polymer Material Processing and Molding, Materials Chemistry, Physical Chemistry Experiment, and postgraduate-level literature analysis and industrial analytical technologies. In research, Dr. Ran’s interests are both deep and broad: he leads in the design and performance regulation of inorganic luminescent materials (including rare-earth and non-rare-earth phosphors), the development of LED lighting and display devices (narrow-band phosphors, efficient emitters), optical temperature sensing (ratiometric and near-infrared upconversion sensors), green synthesis and scale-up of organic small molecules, and wet electronic chemical materials—including applications in industrial wastewater treatment. Regarding scholarly output, Dr. Ran maintains a robust publication record. He has accumulated approximately 2233 citations by 1842 documents and achieved an h-index of 29. This reflects his strong influence across his work, especially as a relatively young researcher. Many of his publications appear in high-impact venues, contributing significantly to the fields of luminescent materials and optoelectronic devices. His portfolio demonstrates both depth—through targeted work on functional luminescent systems—and breadth—spanning synthesis, scale-up, device integration, and environmental applications. In the trajectory of his career, Dr. Ran Weiguang stands out for his balanced integration of fundamental materials science, device engineering, and applied environmental technologies. His ability to straddle multiple domains—optics, materials chemistry, environmental science—reflects maturity beyond his years. With substantial funding success, a growing citation footprint, and an expanding scope of research challenges ahead, Dr. Ran is well positioned to emerge as a leading international figure in functional materials and optoelectronics.

Profiles: ScopusOrcid

Featured Publications

Ran, W., Zhang, Z., Wang, F., Jiang, H., Shao, Y., Ma, X., Geng, J., & Yan, T. (2025). Theoretical and experimental investigation of BaY₂(MoO₄)₄:xSm³⁺ phosphors. Journal of Luminescence, 277, 120968.

Ran, W., Geng, J., Zhou, Z., Zhou, C., Wang, F., Zhao, M., & Yan, T. (2024). Narrow-band green phosphor RbK₂Na(Li₃SiO₄)₄:Eu²⁺ with excellent thermal stability and high efficiency for wide color gamut displays. Journal of Materials Chemistry C, 12(47), 19148–19155.

Zhang, Z., Ran, W., Wang, F., Jiang, H., & Yan, T. (2024). Enhancement of photoluminescence properties in Na⁺ doped K₂BaPO₄F:Sm³⁺ phosphors. Ceramics International, 50(3, Part B), 5614–5623.

Ran, W., Zhang, Z., Ma, X., Shao, Y., Wang, F., Jiang, H., Gong, W., Guan, K., & Yan, T. (2024). Small Stokes shift and high thermostability in Ce³⁺ doped K₂BaPO₄F phosphors. Materials Research Bulletin, 170, 112574.

Song, M., Zhou, W., Wang, J., Wang, M., Zhao, J., & Ran, W. (2024). Full color luminescence and high efficient optical thermometric performance of Eu³⁺ and Sm³⁺ in self-activated Na₂LuMg₂V₃O₁₂ garnet. Journal of Rare Earths. Advance online publication.

Ran, W., Zhang, Z., Ma, X., Sun, G., & Yan, T. (2023). A novel optical temperature sensor based on Boltzmann function in BiZn₂PO₆ phosphor. Journal of Luminescence, 255, 119562.

 

 

Njemuwa Nwaji | Energy Materials | Best Researcher Award

Assist Prof Dr. Njemuwa Nwaji | Energy Materials | Best Researcher Award

Assistant Professor at Institute of Fundamental Technological Research, Polish Academy of Science, Poland.

Njemuwa Nwaji Njoku, a distinguished chemist, holds a Ph.D. in Chemistry from Rhodes University, South Africa, and an M.Sc. in Organic Chemistry from the University of Central Lancashire, UK. Currently serving as an Assistant Professor at the Institute of Fundamental Technological Research, Polish Academy of Science, Njemuwa has also held prominent positions at esteemed institutions globally. His research interests encompass nanomaterial synthesis, photoelectrochemical hydrogen production, and energy storage supercapacitors, showcasing a commitment to innovative solutions for pressing global challenges. Through teaching and mentoring experiences, he actively contributes to shaping future scientists. Njemuwa’s dedication to scientific exploration and collaboration underscores his impactful contributions to advancing knowledge in chemistry.

Professional Profiles:

Education

Njemuwa Nwaji Njoku has a strong academic background in chemistry, with advanced degrees from prestigious institutions. He earned his Ph.D. in Chemistry from Rhodes University in South Africa, completing his studies between 2016 and 2018, and was awarded his doctorate in April 2019. Prior to that, he obtained a Master of Science degree in Organic Chemistry from the University of Central Lancashire in the United Kingdom, where he studied from 2012 to 2013 and received his degree in March 2014. His foundational education in chemistry was established with a Bachelor of Technology in Industrial Chemistry from the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria, which he completed between 2002 and 2006, graduating in October 2006. Additionally, Njemuwa has demonstrated proficiency in various IT skills, including operating systems and software, with an excellent command of both Windows and Mac OS, as well as vector graphic and photo editing tools. He is also fluent in English, with all his degrees taught and assessed in this language, complementing his native fluency in Igbo. 🎓🌍💻

Professional Experience

Njemuwa Nwaji Njoku boasts an extensive and varied professional background in chemistry and academia. Since January 1, 2024, he has been an Assistant Professor at the Institute of Fundamental Technological Research, Polish Academy of Science in Warsaw, Poland. Previously, he served as a Research Professor at the Institute of Material Chemistry, Chungnam National University, South Korea, from 2021 to 2023. His international experience is further highlighted by his tenure as a Senior Research Fellow at the International Academy of Optoelectronics, South China, between 2020 and 2021, and as a Postdoctoral Research Associate at the same institution from 2019 to 2020. During his academic career, Njemuwa also contributed as a Teaching Assistant at Rhodes University in South Africa from 2016 to 2018, and as a Lecturer at Alex Ekwueme Federal University in Nigeria from 2014 to 2017. His roles have involved extensive teaching, supervision, and mentoring of both undergraduate and postgraduate students, as well as conducting and publishing significant research. His professional journey underscores his commitment to advancing chemical education and research across different global contexts. 🌐🧪📚

Research Interest

Njemuwa Nwaji Njoku’s research interests are centered on three primary areas within the field of chemistry. Firstly, he focuses on nanomaterial synthesis, developing innovative synthetic procedures to create novel functional nanostructures for next-generation electronic and energy applications. Secondly, he is deeply involved in photoelectrochemical hydrogen production, employing tailored design approaches to enhance charge separation in nanostructures, thereby improving the efficiency of hydrogen production in water splitting. Lastly, his research includes energy storage supercapacitors, where he utilizes diverse synthetic approaches to prepare nanostructured materials with enhanced capacity for use as electrode materials in energy storage devices. Njemuwa’s research endeavors are driven by the goal of advancing sustainable and efficient energy solutions through cutting-edge chemical technologies. 🔬⚛️💡

Award and Honors

Njemuwa Nwaji Njoku has received several prestigious awards and honors throughout his academic and professional career, reflecting his contributions and excellence in the field of chemistry. His accolades include the Award for Excellence Scheme at the University of Oxford in 2023, which recognized his outstanding performance and resulted in a salary increment. In 2022, he also received the Award for Excellence Scheme from the same institution, along with a monetary reward of £1272. Additionally, he earned a Recognition Award for Leadership from the University of Oxford in both 2021 and 2022, each accompanied by a £200 prize. Njemuwa’s exceptional presentation skills were acknowledged with the Best Talk Prize at the Recent Appointees in Polymer Science (RAPS) conference in 2022, and he was honored with the Crown Packaging Ltd. Recognition Award for his significant contributions in 2017. His early achievements include winning the Best Talk Prize at the University of Bath Postgraduate Chemistry Symposium in 2016, securing the CO2 Utilisation Conference Poster Prize in 2016, and the CO2 Faraday Discussions Poster Prize in 2015. Moreover, he triumphed in the 3-Minute Thesis Presentation Competition at the University of Bath in 2015, and received the AstraZeneca Award for his top exam results at Imperial College London in 2007. 🏆🎖️🌟

Research Skills

Njemuwa Nwaji Njoku possesses a diverse range of research skills acquired through his extensive academic and professional experiences in the field of chemistry. He is proficient in various laboratory techniques and methodologies essential for conducting advanced research in organic chemistry, nanomaterial synthesis, and photoelectrochemical hydrogen production. His expertise includes the design and execution of synthetic procedures for generating novel functional nanostructures, as well as the development of tailored approaches to enhance charge separation in nanostructures for efficient hydrogen production through water splitting. Njemuwa has demonstrated proficiency in analyzing and interpreting experimental data, utilizing advanced instrumentation such as spectroscopic methods and electron microscopy. Additionally, he excels in scientific writing and communication, evident from his numerous publications in reputable journals and his ability to effectively disseminate research findings through presentations at conferences and seminars. Njemuwa’s research skills are further complemented by his collaborative nature and his aptitude for mentoring and supervising students in both academic and laboratory settings. 🧪🔬📊

Publications

  1. Advances in All-Solid-State Lithium–Sulfur Batteries for Commercialization
    • Authors: Gicha, B.B., Tufa, L.T., Nwaji, N., Hu, X., Lee, J.
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: 172
  2. Emerging potentials of Fe-based nanomaterials for chiral sensing and imaging
    • Authors: Nwaji, N., Gwak, J., Nguyen, M.-C., Chen, H., Lee, J.
    • Year: 2024
  3. Electric-Field-Assisted Synthesis of Cu/MoS2 Nanostructures for Efficient Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
    • Authors: Yonas, S., Gicha, B.B., Adhikari, S., Gonfa, B.A., Tufa, L.T.
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: 1
  4. Dimeric Ni–Co single-atom anchored on ultrathin N-doped 2D molybdenum carbide boosted performance in solid-state supercapacitor
    • Authors: Nwaji, N., Zewdie, G.M., Gwak, J., Shin, H., Lee, J.
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: 1
  5. MAPbBr3/Bi2WO6 Z-scheme-heterojunction photocatalysts for photocatalytic CO2 reduction
    • Authors: Zhang, Y., Nwaji, N., Wu, L., Qiu, T., Akinoglu, E.M.
    • Year: 2024
  6. Rugged Forest Morphology of Magnetoplasmonic Nanorods that Collect Maximum Light for Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting
    • Authors: Goddati, M., Nguyen, H.-Q., Kang, S., Gwak, J., Lee, J.
    • Year: 2023
    • Citations: 3
  7. Defect-Engineered Fe3C@NiCo2S4 Nanospike Derived from Metal-Organic Frameworks as an Advanced Electrode Material for Hybrid Supercapacitors
    • Authors: Nwaji, N., Gwak, J., Goddati, M., Singh, N., Lee, J.
    • Year: 2023
    • Citations: 8
  8. Surface Modulation of Fe3O4 Confined in Porous Molybdenum-Based Nanoplatform for Enhanced Hydrogen Production
    • Authors: Nwaji, N., Akinoglu, E.M., Lin, Q., Giersig, M., Lee, J.
    • Year: 2023
    • Citations: 1
  9. Sulphur vacancy induced Co3S4@CoMo2S4 nanocomposites as a functional electrode for high performance supercapacitors
    • Authors: Nwaji, N., Kang, H., Goddati, M., Singh, N., Lee, J.
    • Year: 2023
    • Citations: 14
  10. Ni-based ultrathin nanostructures for overall electrochemical water splitting
    • Authors: Molla, C.F., Gonfa, B.A., Sabir, F.K., Tufa, L.T., Lee, J.
    • Year: 2022
    • Citations: 11