Aboothahir Afzal | Chemistry | Editorial Board Member

Dr. Aboothahir Afzal | Chemistry| Editorial Board Member 

Kerala Government polytechnic college kozhikode | India

Dr. Aboothahir Afzal is a highly dedicated and accomplished physicist with nearly two decades of continuous teaching, research, and academic leadership experience. Currently serving as Assistant Professor of Physics at Thunchan Memorial Government College, Tirur, Kerala (under the University of Calicut), he has been actively engaged in teaching B.Sc. and M.Sc. Physics courses since 2011, following his initial academic tenure at The New College (Autonomous), Chennai. With a strong passion for student-centered learning, he incorporates Research-Based Pedagogical Tools (RBPT) and innovative teaching strategies to enhance analytical thinking and practical skills among learners. Dr. Afzal has handled a wide range of subjects, including Quantum Mechanics, Solid State Physics, Computational Physics using Python, Mechanics, and Mathematical Physics, shaping the academic foundation of countless students over nineteen years. Dr. Afzal’s research contributions span dielectric spectroscopy, computational physics, materials science, amorphous pharmaceuticals, nonlinear optical crystals, and molecular dynamics. He has authored and co-authored impactful publications in reputed journals such as Indian Journal of Physics, Journal of Non-Crystalline Solids, Materials Today: Proceedings, Chemistry Select, and Results in Chemistry. His doctoral research at the University of Calicut centered on broadband dielectric and DFT investigations of glass-forming pharmaceutical systems. He has completed a UGC-funded Minor Research Project and continues to supervise research, including guiding a Ph.D. scholar working on ionogels for electrochemical applications. His expertise includes advanced instrumentation such as broadband dielectric spectrometers, DSC, XRD, FTIR, and UV spectroscopy, along with computational tools like Gaussian and GaussView. In addition to research, Dr. Afzal demonstrates strong administrative and leadership abilities. He has served as Head of the Department since 2020 and contributed significantly as a member of curriculum design committees, NSS Program Officer, NAAC Committee member, Program Manager for Continuing Education, and coordinator of national workshops on computational physics and astronomical data analysis. His active participation as resource person, invited speaker, and trainer at national and international events reflects his commitment to academic development. He has attended numerous refresher courses, RBPT workshops, and specialized training programs, including a prestigious national research internship at IIT Bombay. Beyond academics, Dr. Afzal is known for mentoring students, supporting higher education aspirations, and participating in community-oriented activities, including deputation as Assistant Hajj Officer in Saudi Arabia. A multilingual scholar with strong interpersonal and leadership skills, he continues to contribute meaningfully to physics education, research, and institutional development.

Profile: Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications

Hemalatha, A., Afzal, A., Muthu, S., Raja, M., Sevvanthi, S., Manonmani, J., & Senthil, S. (2023). A combined experimental and theoretical studies on non-centrosymmetric NLO single crystal of L-Norvalinium hydrogen maleate. AIP Conference Proceedings.

Baiju, S., Afzal, A., Thayyil, M. S., Al-Otaibi, J. S., & Ali, S. K. (2023). Computational studies on anticancerous Camptothecin and its derivative Camp-10 by density functional theory. Results in Chemistry, 5, 100837.

Hemalatha, A., Muthu, S., Afzal, A., Ramesh, P., Raja, M., Manonmani, J., & Senthil, S. (2023). Investigation on crystal structure, spectroscopic, electronic and NLO analysis of a non-centrosymmetric NLO single crystal: L-Leucinium hydrogen maleate (LLM). AIP Conference Proceedings.

Hemalatha, A., Afzal, A., Muthu, S., Raja, M., & Senthil, S. (2022). Growth, molecular structure and characterization of L-Isoleucinium hydrogen maleate hemihydrate (LIM) NLO single crystal by density functional theory. Materials Today: Proceedings, 56, 1–7.

Poovingal, N. N. M., Thayyil, M. S., Afzal, A., & Govindaraj, G. (2022). Thermal and dielectric studies on orientationally disordered crystal: Cyclobutanol. Indian Journal of Physics, 96, 1649–1659.

 

Davut Uzun | Chemistry | Best Research Article Award

Assoc Prof Dr. Davut Uzun | Chemistry | Best Research Article Award 

Assoc Prof Dr. Davut Uzun | Marmara University | Turkey

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Davut Uzun, an accomplished independent researcher affiliated with Marmara University, Turkey, has over two decades of expertise in material synthesis, electrochemical characterization, and battery technologies. He has led more than 12 projects, including pioneering work in lithium-ion battery infrastructure development, enabling pilot-scale production up to 60 Ah. With an h-index of 11, over 300 citations, a published book, and multiple high-impact journal articles, Dr. Uzun’s research has significantly advanced capacitor and battery applications. His innovative contributions bridge academic research and industry needs, positioning him as a leading figure in sustainable energy storage solutions.

Author Profile

Scopus | Google Scholar

Education

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Davut Uzun’s academic journey began at Marmara University, where he graduated from the Department of Chemistry. His deep interest in material science, electrochemistry, and energy storage systems shaped his early research path. From his undergraduate years, Dr. Uzun demonstrated exceptional analytical skills and a talent for experimental research. His dedication to understanding the complex interactions in electrochemical systems led him to pursue studies that bridged fundamental chemistry with applied energy technologies. This strong academic foundation prepared him for a career that would significantly influence battery and capacitor development in Türkiye and beyond.

Experience

Following his graduation, Dr. Uzun joined the TÜBİTAK Marmara Research Center, where he quickly progressed to leading critical projects in battery technology. Between 2009 and 2013, he spearheaded the design and establishment of Türkiye’s lithium-ion battery R&D infrastructure, enabling pilot-scale production of batteries up to 60 Ah capacity. He has led over 12 major research projects in material synthesis, electrode design, and electrochemical characterization, collaborating with both public institutions and private industry partners. Since 2019, Dr. Uzun has continued as an independent researcher at Marmara University, focusing on cutting-edge solutions for energy storage. His work is distinguished by its practical application potential, ensuring that laboratory innovations translate into market-ready technologies.

Research Focus

Dr. Uzun’s research spans material synthesis, electrochemical characterization, and electrode/cell production for capacitors and batteries. His expertise covers lithium-ion, sodium-ion, and supercapacitor technologies, with particular attention to transition metal hydroxides, sulfides, and doped oxide materials. His current project at Marmara University investigates carbon quantum dot-embedded reduced graphene oxide composites for high-performance electrochemical capacitors.
He has published extensively in high-impact journals indexed in SCI and Scopus, authored a key reference book “Lithium-Ion Batteries and Applications” (ISBN: 978-625-406-870-6), and contributed to industrial innovations through five industry-sponsored projects. Dr. Uzun’s 14 indexed research articles, with an h-index of 11 and over 300 citations, highlight his sustained contribution to advancing energy storage materials and systems.

Award and Recognition

While Dr. Uzun’s focus has primarily been on delivering impactful research rather than seeking awards, his scientific influence is evident in peer recognition, industry collaborations, and invitations to participate in high-profile projects. His infrastructure development work at TÜBİTAK remains a cornerstone for Türkiye’s battery research ecosystem, still actively used for material synthesis, battery design, and international-standard testing. His publications have been widely cited, reflecting the global relevance of his work. Furthermore, his latest article in Electrochemistry Communications (DOI: 10.1016/j.elecom.2025.108024) positions him as a front-runner in supercapacitor electrode development.

Impact and Influence

Dr. Uzun’s career reflects a seamless integration of academic research with industrial applications, driving advancements that extend well beyond the laboratory. He has played a pivotal role in supporting domestic battery manufacturing capabilities in Türkiye, advancing cost-effective and scalable production methods for energy storage, and facilitating the transfer of innovative technologies from research labs to industry. Through mentorship and collaboration, he has influenced and inspired a new generation of researchers and engineers. By combining expertise in materials chemistry, electrochemical engineering, and industrial design principles, Dr. Uzun has not only fostered laboratory innovation but also enhanced market competitiveness in battery technologies. His pioneering work on sodium-ion and lithium-ion cathode materials offers promising alternatives to current commercial solutions, with far-reaching environmental and economic benefits on a global scale.

Publications

The potential use of sweet sorghum as a non-polluting source of energy.

Author: Semra Türe , Davut Uzun , I.Engin Türe
Journal: Energy
Year: 1997

Boron-doped Li1. 2Mn0. 6Ni0. 2O2 as a cathode active material for lithium ion battery.

Author: SDavut Uzun
Journal: Solid State Ionics
Year: 2015

Effect of MnO2 coating on layered Li (Li0. 1Ni0. 3Mn0. 5Fe0. 1) O2 cathode material for Li-ion batteries.

Author: Davut Uzun, Mehbare Doğrusöz, Muhsin Mazman, Emre Biçer, Ercan Avci, Tansel Şener , Tevhit Cem Kaypmaz, Rezan Demir-Cakan
Journal: Solid State Ionics
Year: 2013

High performance LiFePO4/CN cathode material promoted by polyaniline as carbon–nitrogen precursor.

Author: Ercan Avci , Muhsin Mazman , Davut Uzun , Emre Biçer , Tansel Şener
Journal: Power Sources
Year: 2013

Conclusion

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Davut Uzun stands as a distinguished figure in the field of energy storage, whose dedication to material innovation, electrochemical advancement, and industrial application has significantly strengthened Türkiye’s position in battery technology research and development. His pioneering contributions—from establishing national R&D infrastructure to developing next-generation electrode materials—demonstrate a rare blend of scientific excellence and practical impact. With a career defined by innovation, mentorship, and cross-sector collaboration, Dr. Uzun continues to shape the future of sustainable energy solutions, inspiring both peers and emerging researchers worldwide. His work not only addresses current technological challenges but also lays the foundation for cleaner, more efficient, and globally competitive energy systems.

 

Pibo Liu | Chemistry | Best Researcher Award | 13553

Assoc Prof Dr. Pibo Liu | Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Assoc Prof Dr. Pibo Liu, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pibo Liu, from the Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, is a distinguished polymer chemist known for his pioneering work in precision polymerization. With a Ph.D. in Polymer Science and postdoctoral training at KAUST, he has advanced the field through the development of novel catalysts and functional materials. His research on rare-earth and Lewis acid catalysts has led to significant innovations in elastomer and fluorosilicone synthesis. With 38 SCI-indexed publications, 11 patents (4 granted), and active international collaborations, Dr. Liu’s contributions continue to shape the future of high-performance polymer materials.

Author Profile

Scopus

Education

Dr. Pibo Liu began his academic journey with a strong foundation in polymer science, earning his Ph.D. from Dalian University of Technology, one of China’s most reputable institutions for materials and chemical engineering. During his formative years, he demonstrated a keen interest in macromolecular chemistry and polymer architecture, distinguishing himself through a meticulous approach to scientific inquiry. His doctoral research laid the groundwork for a career dedicated to precision polymerization techniques, emphasizing innovation, scalability, and structural control.

Building upon this robust academic background, Dr. Liu pursued a postdoctoral fellowship at the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in Saudi Arabia. Under the mentorship of renowned polymer scientist Professor Nikos Hadjichristidis, he honed his expertise in advanced polymer synthesis methodologies. This international exposure deepened his scientific perspective, provided access to world-class research facilities, and helped establish his identity in the global polymer research community.

Experience

Dr. Liu currently serves as an Associate Professor at the Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics (DICP), Chinese Academy of Sciences, where he leads several cutting-edge research projects. His professional trajectory reflects a harmonious blend of academic excellence and applied innovation. At DICP, Dr. Liu heads two major projects: one funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Youth Program) and another under the Youth Innovation Program of the institute.

He has successfully completed three industry projects and is presently engaged in an ongoing corporate partnership, demonstrating his ability to translate academic research into practical industrial solutions. His contributions to academia and industry exemplify a dual commitment to theoretical advancements and technological applicability.

Research Focus

Dr. Liu’s research focuses on the design and development of novel polymerization techniques aimed at producing high-performance, specialty elastomer materials. He has made significant breakthroughs in catalytic polymer chemistry, particularly in the following areas:

  1. ⚙️ Rare-earth catalysts: Developed for controlling monomer sequences in cold-resistant and di-end-functionalized rubbers.

  2. 🌀 Anionic ring-opening polymerization: Devised for creating advanced fluorosilicone rubbers with improved thermal and chemical resistance.

  3. 🧲 Lewis acid catalysts: Enabled the selective ylide polymerization of complex structures like C3 polymers.

His work addresses longstanding challenges in structural control, functionality, and performance of elastomeric materials, offering viable solutions for industries ranging from aerospace to biomedical engineering. These contributions are not only academically valuable but also open pathways for commercial-scale polymer manufacturing.

Award and Recognition

Though early in his career, Dr. Liu’s work has already earned significant recognition. He has:

  • Published 38 peer-reviewed articles in top-tier journals such as Angewandte Chemie International Edition, Macromolecules, ACS Macro Letters, and Polymer Chemistry.

  • Achieved an H-index of 16 with over 569 citations according to Web of Science.

  • Filed 11 patents, out of which 4 have been granted, showcasing the patentable quality and industrial relevance of his work.

Publications

📘 Construction of PDMS-crosslinked tread composites that feature high energy-saving and anti-thermal oxidative performances – Composites Part A Applied Science and Manufacturing (2025) – Cited by 1 article.
📘 Aluminum-Mediated Polymerization of Allylic Ylides toward α,ω-Functionalized C3 Polymers with Enhanced Nontraditional Intrinsic Luminescence – Macromolecules (2024) – Cited by 1 article.
📘 Synthesis of α,ω-End Functionalized Polydienes: Allylic-Bearing Heteroleptic Aluminums for Selective Alkylation and Transalkylation in Coordinative Chain Transfer Polymerization – Angewandte Chemie International Edition (2024) – Cited by 4 articles.