Jianhua Zhou | Solar Energy | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Jianhua Zhou | Solar Energy | Best Researcher Award

Professor | Guilin University of Electric Technology | China

Prof. Jianhua Zhou, a distinguished scholar in materials science and engineering, currently serves as a Professor at the School of Materials Science and Engineering, Guilin University of Electronic Technology. He earned his B.S. in Applied Electrochemistry, M.S. in Applied Chemistry, and Ph.D. in Materials Processing Engineering from Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, followed by a postdoctoral fellowship at Nagoya University, Japan. His professional career includes roles as Assistant Professor at the Guangzhou Institute of Energy Conversion, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lecturer, Associate Professor, and now full Professor at Guilin University of Electronic Technology. Prof. Zhou’s primary research interests focus on solar steam generation, thermoelectric conversion materials, lithium-ion batteries, and photothermal–thermoelectric hybrid systems. His research skills span advanced materials design, interfacial regulation, nanostructure engineering, and the development of sustainable energy harvesting and water treatment systems. He has led and participated in multiple prestigious projects funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China, the Guangxi Science Foundation for Distinguished Young Scholars, and other national programs, advancing fundamental understanding and applications in renewable energy. Prof. Zhou has published 107 SCI/Scopus-indexed papers in leading international journals and conferences, authored the book Fundamentals of Functional Materials and Devices, and holds 12 granted patents with 20 under review. He also serves on the editorial boards of Nano Materials Science, Green Carbon, and Eco Energy, and actively contributes to international collaborations, student mentorship, and professional platforms, demonstrating both academic leadership and community engagement. His contributions have been recognized through funded research awards and professional memberships, reflecting his commitment to advancing renewable energy technologies for global sustainability. Prof. Zhou’s growing academic impact is reflected in 4,039 citations, 122 documents, and an h-index of 35, demonstrating his significant and sustained influence in materials science and renewable energy research.

Profiles: Scopus | ORCID | ResearchGate 

Featured Publications

1. Zhou, J., et al. (2025). Solar-driven interfacial evaporation coupling with photo-Fenton of floating Prussian blue/polypyrrole/paper film for volatile organic compounds-containing wastewater treatment. Separation and Purification Technology. Citations: 5

2. Zhou, J., et al. (2025). High-performance NiCu hydroxide self-supported electrode as a bifunctional catalyst for AOR and OER. Battery Energy. Citations: 2

3. Zhou, J., et al. (2025). Photo-Fenton catalyst embedded in photothermal aerogel for efficient solar interfacial water evaporation and purification. Green Carbon. Citations: 13

4. Zhou, J., et al. (2025). Carbon–MoS₂ composite loaded in poly(vinyl alcohol)–chitosan aerogel as dual-functional photothermal material for efficient water evaporation and thermal storage under solar irradiation. ACS Applied Polymer Materials.

5. Zhou, J., et al. (2025). Multicolor electrochromic electrodes with infrared emittance modulation based on WO₃ photonic crystal. Journal of Physics D: Applied Physics.

 

Miftah Fekadu Kedir | Bioenergy | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Miftah Fekadu Kedir | Bioenergy | Best Researcher Award

Researcher | Ethiopian Forestry Development | Ethiopia

Dr. Miftah Fekadu Kedir, a distinguished researcher at Ethiopian Forestry Development, holds a Ph.D. in Bioenergy Development and Climate Change, an M.Sc. in Tropical Forestry, and a B.Sc. in General Forestry. With extensive experience in socio-economic and policy impact assessment, climate innovation, sustainable renewable energies, and carbon management, he has significantly contributed to Ethiopia’s green energy and climate adaptation initiatives. Dr. Kedir has led and coordinated national and international projects, including the National Industrial Forest Plantation Project, the National Climate Change Adaptation Research Division, and collaborative work with the African Forest Forum, DAAD, SNV, and the Barr Foundation (USA). His research focuses on bioenergy, improved biomass cookstoves, biogas, liquid biofuels, carbon storage, and greenhouse gas emission measurement, integrating policy, technological innovation, and socio-economic assessment. He has published 22 peer-reviewed articles in reputed journals such as Frontiers in Environmental Science, JAEID, Bionatura, and Sustainable Forestry, authored one book (ISBN: 978-3-659-56185-6), and contributed to multiple consultancy and industry projects on biogas, biofuels, and cookstoves. His work has demonstrated measurable impacts on indoor air quality, carbon emissions, deforestation, and sustainable energy adoption, while identifying key challenges in liquid biofuel production and policy implementation. As a mentor and educator, he has guided students in ATVET colleges and promoted capacity-building in forestry and renewable energy sectors. Dr. Kedir is a member of professional organizations including the African Forest Forum, Association of Ethiopian Soil Society, and AEGE, reflecting his commitment to advancing research and knowledge exchange. His growing academic impact is reflected in 22 citations by 22 documents, 2 indexed publications, and an h-index of 2, demonstrating his significant and sustained influence on bioenergy and climate change research.

Profiles: Google Scholar | ScopusORCID

Featured Publications

1. Miftah, F. K., & Mutta, D. (2024). Potential markets and policies for sustainable liquid biofuel production with emphasis to Eastern Africa countries: A review. Energy, Sustainability and Society, 14(1), 1. (Citations: 15)

2. Kedir, M. F., Onchieku, M. J., Ntalikwa, J. S., & Mutta, D. (2022). Developing circular economy in Eastern Africa through liquid biofuels: Cases of Ethiopia, Kenya and Tanzania. African Forest Forum, 5. (Citations: 5)

3. Kedir, M. F. (2021). Pyrolysis bio-oil and bio-char production from firewood tree species for energy and carbon storage in rural wooden houses of southern Ethiopia. In African handbook of climate change adaptation (pp. 1313–1329). (Citations: 5)

4. Fekadu, M., Mekonnen, Z., & Tesfaye, M. (2021). Comparison of kitchen performance test on firewood consumption and emission of improved mirt and traditional three stone open cook stoves in Amaya, and Bure districts of Ethiopia. Climate Change, 7(23), 1–10. (Citations: 3)

5. Kedir, M. F. (2023). Prospects for rural transformation and socioenvironmental dilemma in the production and uses of liquid biofuels in Eastern Africa countries. In Rural Areas–Development and Transformations. (Citations: 2)

 

Ruohan Liu | Renewable Energy Systems | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Ruohan Liu | Renewable Energy Systems | Best Researcher Award

Beijing University of Chemical Technology | China

Ms. Ruohan Liu, a highly motivated researcher in solar cells and photovoltaic devices, is currently pursuing her Master’s degree in Materials and Chemical Engineering at Beijing University of Chemical Technology, holding a top rank in her cohort after earning her B.S. in Polymer Materials and Engineering from Henan University of Technology. Her research focuses on high-efficiency perovskite solar cells, with significant contributions such as developing a novel NiOₓ hole-transport layer that achieved exceptional efficiency, integrating Fe-based additives for improved UV stability, and introducing molecular interface bridges to reduce defects and boost charge extraction. She has additional experience in silica sol synthesis for fire-resistant glass, hard-carbon anodes for sodium-ion batteries, and thermochromic smart windows for energy-saving applications. Professionally, she completed internships at leading energy and materials companies, contributing to PV regulator research and development, quality assurance of smart meters, and formulation of fire-resistant hydrogels for high-temperature glazing. Ms. Liu is skilled in advanced simulation, data analysis, and chemical design software, and holds a patent on NiOₓ precursor solutions for perovskite solar cells. She has published in SCI-indexed journals, including high-impact international publications in nanomaterials and corrosion protection. Her excellence is reflected in multiple top scholarships, recognition as an outstanding student leader, and awards in both academics and athletics. Combining strong technical expertise, analytical thinking, and leadership experience, Ruohan Liu is well-positioned to advance research in renewable energy, publish in high-impact journals, foster global collaborations, and mentor future researchers, making her a deserving candidate for recognition and a promising contributor to sustainable energy innovation.

Profile: ORCID

Featured Publication

Liu, R., Yu, R., & Tan, Z. (2025). Photostability of perovskite solar cells: Challenges and strategies. Nanomaterials, 15(11), 786.