Yuan Zhang | Renewable Energy Technologies | Research Excellence Award |

Assist Prof Dr. Yuan Zhang | Renewable Energy Technologies | Research Excellence Award

Shenzhen University | China

Dr. Yuan Zhang is an accomplished Assistant Professor and Research Fellow at the Department of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Shenzhen University, recognized internationally for her pioneering contributions to solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs), electrolysis technologies, and hydrogen energy systems. She earned her Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from Nanjing Tech University and completed prestigious postdoctoral training at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University and The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. Dr. Zhang’s research focuses on resolving critical thermo-mechanical and interfacial stability challenges in high-temperature electrochemical energy devices, which are major bottlenecks limiting the commercialization of solid oxide fuel cells and electrolysis systems. Through original concepts such as negative thermal expansion compensation, chemical expansion regulation, and surface/interface reconstruction engineering, she has successfully addressed electrode delamination, thermal mismatch, and catalyst poisoning under extreme operating conditions. Her work has enabled long-life, high-performance SOC operation and provided transformative design strategies applicable to a broad range of high-temperature catalytic materials and energy devices. Dr. Zhang has published over 40 SCI-indexed papers, including 17 as first or corresponding author, in leading journals such as Nature, Nature Communications, Advanced Materials, Advanced Functional Materials, and Applied Catalysis B. Her publications have received more than 3,000 citations, with one ESI Highly Cited Paper and three ESI Hot Papers, reflecting strong global influence. She has served as Principal Investigator for multiple competitive research grants, including NSFC Youth and General Programs, Shenzhen Science Foundation projects, and major industry-academia collaborations, while also acting as Co-PI on large-scale hydrogen energy system initiatives. Beyond research, Dr. Zhang actively contributes to the scientific community as an Early-Career Editorial Board Member of Energy Reviews, a reviewer for top journals, and a member of several professional committees including the Chinese Society of Rare Earths and the Shenzhen Hydrogen Energy and Fuel Cell Association. Her innovations have supported real-world applications, notably contributing to the world’s first open-sea demonstration of direct seawater hydrogen production. In recognition of her excellence, she has received multiple prestigious awards, including national and regional innovation prizes. Dr. Yuan Zhang’s work exemplifies outstanding scientific leadership, originality, and impact in clean energy research, making her a highly deserving candidate for international research recognition.

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Featured Publications

Hou-Yun Yang | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Assoc Prof Dr. Hou-Yun Yang | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award 

 

Assoc Prof Dr. Hou-Yun Yang, Anhui Jianzhu University, China

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hou-Yun Yang is a distinguished faculty member at Anhui Jianzhu University, China, specializing in engineering and sustainable energy systems. Renowned for his contributions to thermal science and renewable energy research, Dr. Yang plays a pivotal role in guiding emerging scholars and advancing practical solutions in green energy technologies. His mentorship and academic leadership continue to inspire innovation and academic excellence in the field.

Author Profile

Orcid

🌱 Early Academic Pursuits

Xuefeng Jiang began his academic journey with a deep-rooted interest in science and innovation. His early education laid a strong foundation in engineering and the natural sciences, with a particular curiosity for sustainable and renewable technologies. This early interest eventually guided him to pursue higher education at Liaoning Technical University, one of China’s notable institutions for technical education and research. As a Master’s candidate starting in 2023, Jiang chose to specialize in renewable energy systems, aligning his academic trajectory with one of the world’s most urgent challenges—sustainable development and climate resilience. His academic record demonstrates both diligence and intellectual curiosity, making him a standout among his peers.

🛠️ Professional Endeavors

Although currently a student, Xuefeng Jiang has already begun to establish a solid professional identity through academic research and innovation. His focus lies in renewable energy, with a particular emphasis on thermal storage systems and energy efficiency. His work bridges theoretical research with practical engineering applications, showing a mature understanding of how academic inquiry can translate into real-world impact.

Jiang’s most notable contribution to date is his work on phase change energy storage systems. His publication in the prestigious journal Applied Thermal Engineering reflects the level of professional maturity he has already achieved. His research paper titled, “Thermal performance analysis of a double-helix heat tube phase change energy storage system”, illustrates an innovative and technically sound approach to improving energy efficiency in storage systems—an essential area for future smart energy infrastructure.

🔬 Research Contributions and Focus

Jiang’s research primarily revolves around thermal energy storage, phase change materials (PCMs), and sustainable energy conversion systems. The core of his work focuses on optimizing the heat transfer performance within energy storage devices using advanced designs like double-helix heat tubes. His work offers a new design paradigm for engineers and scientists working on clean and efficient thermal energy storage systems.

His landmark publication not only contributes to the academic body of knowledge but also provides a roadmap for industry practitioners to enhance renewable energy storage solutions. The citation DOI https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2025.127208 stands as proof of his credibility and growing impact in the research community.

🏆 Accolades and Recognition

Though early in his career, Xuefeng Jiang’s work has already received academic validation through peer-reviewed publication in a high-impact journal indexed in SCI and Scopus. His contribution has been acknowledged by professionals and academics alike, particularly those working in thermal science, sustainable design, and renewable energy systems.

His dedication, innovation, and technical accuracy have positioned him as a strong contender for the “Best Researcher Award”, a recognition he seeks not for personal glory, but as a testament to the transformative potential of renewable technologies.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Jiang’s work addresses pressing global issues, including climate change, energy crisis, and sustainable infrastructure. By focusing on enhancing the efficiency of energy storage systems, he contributes to making renewable energy sources more viable, scalable, and adaptable. His research has the potential to influence policy formulation, industrial design, and future academic curricula in the fields of green engineering and energy management.

Moreover, as a young researcher, he inspires fellow students and junior colleagues to take up meaningful, solution-oriented research projects. His publication, mentorship under esteemed professors, and growing research footprint contribute positively to China’s and the world’s sustainable development goals.

🌟 Legacy and Future Contributions

Xuefeng Jiang envisions a future where energy systems are clean, cost-efficient, and universally accessible. As he continues his academic pursuits, he plans to expand his work into multi-phase heat transfer systems, smart thermal grids, and AI-assisted energy optimization. His ambition is not only to publish more but to collaborate with industries, policy-makers, and academic institutions globally.

He also aims to file patents, co-author books, and eventually mentor future generations of energy engineers. With his growing profile on platforms like ORCID, Jiang is gradually carving out a space for himself in the international research community.

📖Publication Top Notes


📘 Systematic study of microplastics on methane production in anaerobic digestion: Performance and microbial response

Contributors: Chen-Yu Li; Li Yu; Xin He; Xian-Huai Huang; Wei-Hua Li; Hou-Yun Yang; Tong-Zhan Xue; Jun Liu; Zhen Yan; Ying Hui Ong
Journal:  Environmental Chemical Engineering
Year: 2025

📘 Nutrient Removal and Bioelectricity Generation in a Constructed Wetland-Microbial Fuel Cell: Performance of Pyrite Anode Materials
ContributorsShu Feng; Pei Xu; Jun-Cheng Han; Hou-Yun Yang; Xian-Huai Huang; Li Yu; Jun Liu; Bin-Bin Zhang; Wei-Hua Li
Journal: Environmental Engineering Science
Year: 2025

📘 A modified two-point titration method for the determination of volatile fatty acids in anaerobic systems

ContributorsZhe-Xuan Mu; Chuan-Shu He; Jian-Kai Jiang; Jie Zhang; Hou-Yun Yang; Yang Mu
Journal: Chemosphere
Year: 2018