Prof. Asad Ali | Photocatalysis | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Asad Ali | Photocatalysis | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Asad Ali, Abdul wali Khan University Mardan, Pakistan

Dr. Asad Ali 🎓 is a Professor of Chemistry at Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan, Pakistan 🇵🇰, with over 11 years of teaching and research experience. He earned his Ph.D. from the University of Rostock, Germany 🇩🇪, and completed postdoctoral research at Charles University, Czech Republic 🇨🇿. Specializing in Pd(0) catalysis, GAP Chemistry, photocatalysis 🌱, and supercapacitors ⚡, his work focuses on innovative energy storage and environmental solutions. An Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (HEA) 🇬🇧, Dr. Ali’s prolific research and global collaborations highlight his leadership in advancing green chemistry, nanotechnology, and sustainable energy technologies 🌍.

Professional Profile:

Scopus

Suitability Summary

Dr. Asad Ali is highly suitable for the Best Researcher Award. With a strong academic background (Ph.D. from Germany 🇩🇪, postdoc from Czech Republic 🇨🇿), over 11 years of experience, and leadership as a Professor 👨‍🏫, he has made significant contributions to green chemistry ♻️, nanotechnology 🧬, and sustainable energy ⚡. His work in Pd(0) catalysis, GAP chemistry, photocatalysis, and supercapacitor development addresses critical challenges in energy storage and environmental sustainability 🌍. His international research collaborations and professional recognitions (like HEA 🇬🇧 Associate Fellowship) further underscore his impact and global reach.

Education and Experience 

  • 🎓 Ph.D. in Chemistry – University of Rostock, Germany (2007–2010)

  • 🧪 Postdoctoral Research – Charles University, Czech Republic (2019–2020)

  • 👨‍🏫 Professor – Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan (2021–Present)

  • 👨‍🏫 Associate Professor – Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan (2017–2021)

  • 👨‍🏫 Assistant Professor – Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan (2011–2017)

Professional Development 

Throughout his career, Dr. Asad Ali 🌟 has actively engaged in professional growth through international experiences and prestigious affiliations. As a DAAD Visiting Scholar in Germany 🇩🇪 (2016), he strengthened his global research collaborations. His recognition as an Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (HEA) 🇬🇧 in 2022 showcases his dedication to pedagogical excellence. Dr. Ali continually updates his knowledge in cutting-edge fields such as photocatalysis 🌱, nanomaterials 🧬, and energy storage ⚡. His exposure to top-tier research institutions and continuous scholarly engagement ensure that he remains at the forefront of innovation and academic leadership worldwide 🌍.

Research Focus 

Dr. Asad Ali’s 🔬 research primarily focuses on innovative chemical processes for sustainable development. His expertise covers Pd(0) catalyzed organic synthesis 🧪, Group-Assisted Purification (GAP) Chemistry ⚙️, and advanced materials for photocatalytic environmental remediation 🌱. A major part of his research involves developing high-performance supercapacitors and energy storage materials ⚡ for cleaner energy solutions. Driven by an interest in nanotechnology 🧬 and green chemistry ♻️, he is working to design new materials that not only improve energy efficiency but also contribute to environmental protection 🌍. His research bridges organic synthesis and material science to enable real-world technological advancements.

Awards and Honors 

  • 🏅 DAAD Visiting Scholar – Germany (2016)

  • 🎖️ Associate Fellow – Higher Education Academy (HEA), United Kingdom (2022)

Publication Top Notes:

1. Hierarchically porous Nb-δMnO₂@CC as anode material for exceptional high performance aqueous asymmetric hybrid supercapacitor

Authors: M. Tariq, S. Ahmad, M. Shahab, A. Ali, H. Ni
Journal: Journal of Energy Storage, 2025
Summary:
This study presents a hierarchically porous structure of Nb-doped δ-MnO₂ coated on carbon cloth (Nb-δMnO₂@CC) as a highly efficient anode material for aqueous asymmetric hybrid supercapacitors. The design promotes fast ion diffusion and enhanced electrochemical performance. The material exhibits outstanding capacity, excellent rate capability, and prolonged cycle life, making it a promising candidate for next-generation energy storage systems.

2. Double carbon matrix rGO and resorcinol formaldehyde aerogel supported mesoporous K-δMnO₂ nano-spheres as anode material for high efficacy hybrid aqueous asymmetric supercapacitor

Authors: I. Ahmad, M. Shahab, K. Khan, F. Raziq, A. Ali
Journal: Journal of Energy Storage, 2025
Summary:
The research explores a novel double-carbon matrix composed of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and resorcinol-formaldehyde aerogel to support mesoporous potassium-doped δ-MnO₂ nano-spheres. This hybrid architecture optimizes electronic conductivity and mechanical stability, resulting in enhanced charge storage performance, high specific capacitance, and stability in aqueous asymmetric hybrid supercapacitors.

3. 3D Multilayer Folding of Chiral and Achiral Targets Containing Aryl-Aryl-Alkynyl Motifs Enabled by π-π Stacking

Authors: A. Ur Rahman, N. Zarshad, S. Zhang, G. Li, A. Ali
Journal: Asian Journal of Organic Chemistry, 2025
Summary:
This article reports the development of a 3D multilayer folding technique for chiral and achiral molecules bearing aryl-aryl-alkynyl structures, driven by strong π-π stacking interactions. The study provides new insights into supramolecular organization and molecular engineering, offering potential applications in material science and organic electronics.

Conclusion:

Dr. Asad Ali’s prolific research output, innovative work in sustainable technologies, and leadership in both education and research make him an outstanding candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His work not only advances scientific knowledge but also offers practical solutions for environmental and energy challenges, embodying the true spirit of excellence in research 🏆.

Dr. Lizhen Liu | Photocatalysis | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Lizhen Liu | Photocatalysis | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Lizhen Liu, Nanyang technological University, Singapore

Dr. Lizhen Liu 🎓 is a dedicated Research Fellow at the School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 🇸🇬. With a strong academic foundation in Materials Science, she earned her Ph.D. from China University of Geosciences and undertook research at NTU and CARES lab. Her work focuses on advanced photocatalysis, CO₂ reduction, and single-atom catalysts ⚛️. Lizhen has co-authored numerous highly cited papers in Nature Communications, Angewandte Chemie, and ACS Nano 📚. She is a recipient of the NRE Young Star Researcher Gold Award 🏅 and several national-level scholarships, marking her as a rising star in energy materials. 🌟

Professional Profile:

Google Scholar

Summary of Suitability for Best Researcher Award

Dr. Lizhen Liu stands out as a promising and impactful researcher in the field of materials science and engineering, particularly in sustainable energy technologies. Her pioneering research on photocatalysis, CO₂ reduction, and single-atom catalysts directly addresses global challenges in clean energy and environmental sustainability 🌍. With a consistent record of publishing in top-tier journals (Nature Communications, Angewandte Chemie, ACS Nano), and prestigious honors like the NRE Young Star Researcher Gold Award, she demonstrates exceptional academic excellence, innovation, and leadership in research. Her collaborative work at NTU and CARES Lab further highlights her international impact.

🎓 Education & Experience 

  • 📅 2024 (Expected): Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering, China University of Geosciences 🇨🇳

  • 🔄 2022–2023: Exchange Student in Chemical Engineering, Nanyang Technological University & CARES Lab, Singapore 🇸🇬

  • 🎓 2019: Master’s in Materials Science and Engineering, China University of Geosciences 🇨🇳

  • 🎓 2018: Bachelor’s in Materials Science and Engineering, East China University of Technology 🇨🇳

  • 🧪 Current: Research Fellow, School of Materials Science and Engineering, NTU, Singapore 🇸🇬

📈 Professional Development

Dr. Lizhen Liu has actively contributed to the field of materials science through collaborative and interdisciplinary research 🌐. Her postdoctoral role at NTU has been instrumental in advancing her expertise in CO₂ photoreduction and single-atom catalysis ⚗️. She has developed strong cross-institutional ties through her time at CARES lab, and has participated in international collaborations, peer-reviewed publishing 📝, and cutting-edge laboratory techniques. Lizhen regularly engages in academic discussions, seminars, and mentorship initiatives 🎤, further enhancing her scientific acumen and network. Her career trajectory reflects a clear passion for sustainable materials and energy innovation ♻️.

🔬 Research Focus 

Dr. Liu’s research lies at the intersection of photocatalysis, CO₂ reduction, and single-atom catalysis 🔬⚛️. She engineers nanostructured and heterojunction-based materials for solar-driven energy conversion ☀️. Her innovative work explores interface tuning, surface polarization, and vacancy engineering to enhance the efficiency of CO₂ photoreduction 🌍. Lizhen’s studies integrate experimental and theoretical insights to create novel materials that contribute to clean energy and environmental sustainability ♻️. Her publications in Nature Communications, ACS Nano, and Angewandte Chemie have made significant impacts in the field, pushing the boundaries of materials science for energy applications 💡.

🏅 Awards & Honors 

  • 🥇 NRE Young Star Researcher Award (Gold Award) – 2024

  • 🎓 Graduate with Honors – Ph.D. & Bachelor’s

  • 🏆 National Scholarship – During Ph.D.

  • 🌟 National Inspirational Scholarship – During Bachelor’s

Publication Top Notes:

2D graphitic carbon nitride for energy conversion and storage
Recent advances on Bi2WO6-based photocatalysts for environmental and energy applications
Synergistic Polarization Engineering on Bulk and Surface for Boosting CO2 Photoreduction
Chemically Bonded α‐Fe2O3/Bi4MO8Cl Dot‐on‐Plate Z‐Scheme Junction with Strong Internal Electric Field for Selective Photo‐oxidation of Aromatic Alcohols
Surface sites engineering on semiconductors to boost photocatalytic CO2 reduction