Junming Zhang | Electrocatalysis | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Junming Zhang | Electrocatalysis | Best Researcher Award

Associate professor at Shanxi Normal University, China

Mr. Junming Zhang is an Associate Professor at Shanxi Normal University, with expertise in nanomaterials and electrocatalysis. He earned his Ph.D. from Xiamen University under the supervision of Prof. Shigang Sun. His research focuses on the structure–activity relationships and surface-interface mechanisms of nanocatalysts, with applications in fuel cells, electrolytic cells, and zinc-air batteries. He has led multiple research projects funded by the China Postdoctoral Science Fund, Shanxi Province, and Shanxi Normal University.

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Summary of Suitability for Research for Best Researcher Award

Mr. Junming Zhang demonstrates strong potential and proven excellence in nanomaterials and electrocatalysis research, with a focus on the structure–activity relationship and surface-interface science of nanocatalysts. His research has practical applications in next-generation energy devices such as fuel cells, electrolytic cells, and zinc-air batteries.

🎓 Education

  • 🧪 Ph.D. in Chemistry
    Xiamen University, China 
    Supervisor: Prof. Shigang Sun

💼 Academic & Professional Experience

  • 👨‍🏫 Associate Professor, Shanxi Normal University

  • 🧪 Postdoctoral Researcher,
    Shanxi Normal University & Kunshan Liangpin Screen Printing Co., Ltd.

  • 📚 Lecturer, Shanxi Normal University

🔬 Research Interests

  • ⚗️ Nanomaterials Construction & Electrocatalytic Performance

  • 🔍 Structure–Activity Relationship in Catalysis

  • ⚛️ Surface-Interface Reaction Mechanisms

  • Applications in Fuel Cells, Electrolytic Cells, Zinc–Air Batteries

📊 Research Projects

  • Principal Investigator for:

    • China Postdoctoral Science Fund (69th batch)

    • Shanxi Provincial Youth Natural Science Fund

    • Outstanding Doctoral Research Initiation Fund (Shanxi)

    • Shanxi Normal University Key Research Fund

    • University Teaching Reform Project

  • 🤝 Collaborator in:

    • National Key R&D Program of China

    • National Natural Science Foundation of China (NNSFC) Faceted & Regional Projects

🏆 Achievements & Honors

  • 🎖️ Led multiple provincial and institutional research grants

  • 🧠 Contributed to national-level fundamental and applied science research

  • 🧪 Known for innovative work in catalyst development for energy devices

👥 Professional Memberships

  • 🔬 Active participant in nanomaterials and catalysis research communities

📚Publication Top Notes

Controlled evolution of surface microstructure and phase boundary of ZnO nanoparticles for the multiple sensitization effects on triethylamine detection

Facile electrolysis-solvothermal synthesis of NiOx/graphene for enhanced ethanol oxidation to acetate

Fe-induced crystalline–amorphous interface engineering of a NiMo-based heterostructure for enhanced water oxidation

Gallium–indium bimetal sites in the indium–gallium metal organic framework for efficient electrocatalytic reduction of carbon dioxide into formate

Galvanic replacement-induced preparation of bloom-like Pt23Ni77 for methanol coupled efficient hydrogen production

Assist. Prof. Dr. Alex Joseph | Electrosynthesis Awards | Best Faculty Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Alex Joseph | Electrosynthesis Awards | Best Faculty Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Alex Joseph , Newman College Thodupuzha , India

Dr. Alex Joseph, born on May 25, 1982, is an accomplished chemist with extensive experience in teaching and research. He completed his Ph.D. in Material Engineering at the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, where he specialized in the synthesis and characterization of functionalized electroactive polymers for metal ion sensing. Dr. Joseph has held several academic and administrative roles, including Assistant Professor of Chemistry at Newman College Thodupuzha, and Coordinator for Indira Gandhi National Open University at the same institution. His postdoctoral research at The City College of New York focused on bimetallic transition hierarchical structures for green hydrogen synthesis. Dr. Joseph has been awarded several fellowships and awards, including the Chief Minister’s Nava-Kerala Post-Doctoral Fellowship and a research experience fellowship from the Science and Engineering Research Board, Government of India. His work has significantly contributed to the fields of organic synthesis, nanostructures, polymer synthesis, and electrochemistry.

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🎓 Education:

Alex Joseph completed his Post-Doctoral research at The City College of New York, USA, from August 2022 to February 2023, where he focused on the development of bimetallic transition hierarchical structures for green hydrogen synthesis under the guidance of Prof. George John. He earned his Ph.D. in Material Engineering from the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India, between August 2007 and December 2014. His doctoral thesis was centered on the synthesis and characterization of functionalized electroactive polymers for metal ion sensing. Prior to his doctoral studies, Alex received his Master of Science degree in Chemistry from Newman College, Thodupuzha, affiliated with Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam, Kerala, from 2002 to 2004. His dissertation explored the mechanical properties of banana fiber reinforced polystyrene composites. Additionally, he holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, and Environmental Chemistry from Newman College, Thodupuzha (1999-2002), and a Bachelor of Education in Physical Science from Mahatma Gandhi University Centre for Teacher Education, Thodupuzha (2005-2006).

🔬 Research and Projects:

Alex Joseph led a project titled “Selective Augmentation of Research and Development (SARD)” which was funded by the Kerala State Council for Science, Technology, and Environment with a budget of ₹32,00,000 from October 2016 to September 2019. Additionally, he worked on a significant project focused on the development of chemically modified electroactive polymers and nanoparticles for the electrochemical detection of heavy metal ions. This research, funded by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), received financial support amounting to ₹27,04,880 and was conducted from October 2017 to September 2020.

🏅 Fellowships and Awards:

Alex Joseph has been awarded several prestigious fellowships and recognitions throughout his academic career. In 2022, he received the Chief Ministers Nava-Kerala Post-Doctoral Fellowship and the Science International Research Experience fellowship sponsored by the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB-SIRE). He was awarded the Junior Research Fellowship by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR-JRF) in December 2007. Additionally, Alex has demonstrated academic excellence by qualifying in major competitive examinations, scoring 85.5% in the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) in February 2007, and successfully passing the National Eligibility Test (NET) in June 2007 and the State Eligibility Test (SET) in August 2007.

Publication Top Notes:

  1. “Microwave assisted green synthesis of silver nanoparticles for optical, catalytic, biological and electrochemical applications”
    • Journal: Artificial cells, nanomedicine, and biotechnology, 49(1), 438-449 (2021)
    • Cited by: 33
  2. “Synthesis and characterization of high molecular weight polyaniline for organic electronic applications”
    • Journal: Polymer Engineering & Science, 52(8), 1821-1830 (2012)
    • Cited by: 33
  3. “Lead ion sensor with electrodes modified by imidazole-functionalized polyaniline”
    • Journal: Microchimica Acta, 177, 317-323 (2012)
    • Cited by: 27
  4. “Imidazole functionalized polyaniline: synthesis, characterization, and Cu (II) coordination studies”
    • Journal: Journal of Applied Polymer Science, 123(1), 526-534 (2012)
    • Cited by: 26
  5. “Iminodiacetic acid functionalized polypyrrole modified electrode as Pb (II) sensor: synthesis and DPASV studies”
    • Journal: Electrochimica Acta, 137, 557-563 (2014)
    • Cited by: 22