Tarek Ahasan | Photocatalytic Water Splitting for Hydrogen Production | Best Researcher Award

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Mr Tarek Ahasan | Photocatalytic Water Splitting for Hydrogen Production | Best Researcher Award

Graduate Research Assistant, New Mexico State University, United States

Tarek Ahasan is an accomplished Ph.D. candidate in Environmental Engineering at New Mexico State University, specializing in sustainable energy and water treatment technologies. With a strong academic foundation, including dual master’s degrees in Environmental Engineering and Environmental Science, Tarek focuses on innovative solutions for green hydrogen production and advanced water desalination. His research integrates photocatalysis and electromagnetic field applications to address global energy and water security challenges. Recognized for his contributions, Tarek has received prestigious awards, published in high-impact journals, and filed a patent for his groundbreaking work in photocatalytic systems. He is an active member of professional organizations and a leader in academic communities, dedicated to advancing sustainable technologies for a decarbonized future.

Professional Profile

Orcid

Scopus

Education 🎓

Tarek Ahasan is pursuing a Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering at New Mexico State University (NMSU), expected to graduate in Fall 2025, with a concurrent Master of Science in Environmental Engineering (CGPA: 4.00/4.00). He holds a Master of Science in Environmental Science (CGPA: 3.92/4.00) and a Bachelor of Science in Soil, Water, and Environment (CGPA: 3.57/4.00) from the University of Dhaka, Bangladesh. His academic journey reflects a strong focus on sustainable energy, water treatment, and environmental systems, equipping him with the expertise to drive innovative research in green technologies.

Experience 🔬

As a Graduate Research Assistant at NMSU, Tarek has led groundbreaking projects on photocatalytic hydrogen production and electromagnetic field-enhanced desalination. He developed a novel Ag-G-TiO2 nanocomposite photocatalyst, achieving 97% dye degradation efficiency and 191 μmoles g⁻¹ h⁻¹ hydrogen production. Additionally, he optimized electromagnetic field pretreatment for membrane scaling control, achieving 51.3% water recovery. Previously, at the University of Dhaka, he advanced sustainable coagulation techniques for dye effluent treatment and conducted nationwide soil health assessments to address climate change impacts on agriculture. His work bridges research and practical applications, contributing to global sustainability goals.

Awards and Honors 🏆

Tarek has been recognized with multiple awards, including the 2023-2024 New Mexico Water Resources Research Institute (NM WRRI) student grant and the National Science and Technology Fellowship (2019-20) from the Government of Bangladesh. He earned Second Place for Outstanding Poster Presentation at the 20th Annual RMSAWWA/RMWEA Student Conference (2024) and the Texas Desal Annual Conference (2023). His research has been featured in the NMWRRI Online Newsletter, highlighting his contributions to sustainable energy and water technologies.

Research Focus 🔍

Tarek’s research centers on developing sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels, focusing on green hydrogen production through advanced photocatalysis and innovative water treatment technologies. His work includes synthesizing nanocomposite photocatalysts for visible light-driven hydrogen production and optimizing electromagnetic field applications for membrane scaling control in desalination. By integrating renewable energy systems with water security solutions, Tarek aims to address global decarbonization and resource sustainability challenges, contributing to a cleaner, more resilient future.

Publication Top Notes 📚

  1. Ahasan, T., Xu, P., & Wang, H. (2024). Dual-Function Photocatalysis in the Visible Spectrum: Ag-G-TiO2 for Simultaneous Dye Wastewater Degradation and Hydrogen Production. Catalysts, 14(8), 530.
  2. Ahasan, T., Edirisooriya, E. M. N. T., Senanayake, P. S., Xu, P., & Wang, H. (2025). Advanced TiO2-Based Photocatalytic Systems for Water Splitting: Comprehensive Review from Fundamentals to Manufacturing. Molecules, 30(5), 1127.
  3. Du, X., Perera, H., Ahasan, T., Wang, Y., Shu, F., Wang, H., Yuan, K., Anovitz, L. M., Ben Ishai, P., & Xu, P. (2025). Mechanisms of Electromagnetic Field Control on Mineral Scaling in Brackish Water Reverse Osmosis: Combined Homogenous and Heterogeneous Nucleation. Separation and Purification Technology, 355(B), 129630.

Conclusion 🌍

Tarek Ahasan is a visionary researcher dedicated to advancing sustainable energy and water treatment technologies. Through his innovative work in photocatalysis and desalination, he is paving the way for a greener, more sustainable future. His achievements in research, publications, and professional recognition underscore his commitment to addressing global energy and water challenges. Tarek’s contributions exemplify the transformative potential of environmental engineering in achieving decarbonization and resource security.

 

Baolin Liu | Electrochemical energy storage | Best Researcher Award

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Dr Baolin Liu | Electrochemical energy storage | Best Researcher Award

Postdoctor, Southern University of Science and Technology, China

Baolin Liu is a dedicated researcher with a strong academic background in chemistry and physics. He holds a Doctor of Science in Chemistry from Xinjiang University and is currently a post-doctoral fellow at the Southern University of Science and Technology. His research focuses on advanced materials for energy storage and conversion, particularly in sodium-ion batteries, supercapacitors, and catalytic applications. With over 30 publications in high-impact journals, Baolin has made significant contributions to the field of materials science. His work emphasizes the development of nanostructured materials, defect engineering, and heterostructures to enhance electrochemical performance. Baolin is also an active member of the scientific community, contributing to various collaborative projects and mentoring students.

Professional Profile

Orcid

Scopus

Education 🎓

  • 2024.01-Present: Post-doctoral Fellow, Physics, Southern University of Science and Technology, China.
  • 2019.09-2023.12: Doctor of Science, Chemistry, Xinjiang University, China.
  • 2016.09-2019.06: Master of Science, Chemistry, Xinjiang University, China.
  • 2014.09-2015.06: Bachelor of Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, China.
  • 2012.09-2016.06: Bachelor of Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Tarim University, China.

Experience 💼

  • Post-doctoral Research: Focused on advanced materials for energy storage and conversion, including sodium-ion batteries and supercapacitors.
  • Doctoral Research: Specialized in catalytic materials for CO oxidation and coal liquefaction, with expertise in nanostructured materials and defect engineering.
  • Collaborative Projects: Worked on interdisciplinary projects involving nanomaterials, electrochemistry, and catalysis.
  • Mentorship: Guided graduate and undergraduate students in research methodologies and experimental techniques.

Awards and Honors 🏆

  • Scopus Author ID: Recognized for high-impact publications in materials science and chemistry.
  • Research Excellence: Multiple papers published in top-tier journals like Journal of Colloid and Interface Science, Small, and Chemical Engineering Journal.
  • Collaborative Achievements: Contributed to projects funded by national and institutional grants.
  • Academic Recognition: Received accolades for innovative research in energy storage and catalytic materials.

Research Focus 🔬

Baolin Liu’s research focuses on the design and synthesis of advanced materials for energy storage and conversion. His work includes:

  • Sodium-ion Batteries: Developing high-performance anode materials using nanostructured composites and defect engineering.
  • Supercapacitors: Exploring carbon-based materials and heterostructures for enhanced electrochemical performance.
  • Catalysis: Investigating catalytic materials for CO oxidation, hydrogenation, and environmental applications.
  • Nanomaterials: Engineering nanostructured materials with tailored properties for energy and catalytic applications.

Publication Top Notes 📚

  1. 2D heterostructural Mn2O3 quantum dots embedded N-doped carbon nanosheets with strongly stable interface enabling high-performance sodium-ion hybrid capacitors
  2. Construction of WS2/NC@C nanoflake composites as performance-enhanced anodes for sodium-ion batteries
  3. Enhancing sodium-ion battery performance through crystalline water-assisted Zn2V2O7 anode material
  4. High quality bifunctional cathode for rechargeable zinc-air batteries using N-doped carbon nanotubes constrained CoFe alloy
  5. Metal-electronegativity-induced sulfur-vacancies and heterostructures of MnS1-x/ZnS-NC@C with dual-carbon decoration for high-performance sodium-ion storage
  6. Nano-bowl-like carbon confined 1T/2H-MoS2 hybrids as anode for high-performance sodium-ion storage
  7. Remarkable upgrade of hydrogen evolution activity up to 40.8 folds and mechanistic investigation of expediting charge transfer achieved by Bi2O3-modified TiO2 photocatalyst
  8. Structure and Defect Engineering of V3S4−xSex Quantum Dots Confined in a Nitrogen-Doped Carbon Framework for High-Performance Sodium-Ion Storage
  9. Synergistic promotion for the performance of photocatalytic carbon dioxide reduction by vacancy engineering and N-doped carbon nanotubes
  10. Bi@C sandwiched carbon nanolayers enables remarkable cyclability at high current density for lithium-ion batteries
  11. Construction of oxygen vacancies and heterostructure in VO2-x/NC with enhanced reversible capacity, accelerated redox kinetics, and stable cycling life for sodium ion storage
  12. Honeycomb carbon obtained from coal liquefaction residual asphaltene for high-performance supercapacitors in ionic and organic liquid-based electrolytes
  13. Oxygen self-doped hierarchical porous carbons derived from coal liquefaction residue for high-performance supercapacitors in organic and ionic liquid-based electrolytes
  14. Sulfur-Bridged Bonds Heightened Na-Storage Properties in MnS Nanocubes Encapsulated by S-Doped Carbon Matrix Synthesized via Solvent-Free Tactics for High-Performance Hybrid Sodium Ion Capacitors
  15. Constructing ultrafine Cu nanoparticles encapsulated by N-doped carbon nanosheets with fast kinetics for high-performance lithium/sodium storage
  16. Phosphorus/sulfur co-doped hard carbon with a well-designed porous bowl-like structure and enhanced initial coulombic efficiency for high-performance sodium storage
  17. Solid-State Construction of CuOx/Cu1.5Mn1.5O4 Nanocomposite with Abundant Surface CuOx Species and Oxygen Vacancies to Promote CO Oxidation Activity
  18. Copper-based catalysts for CO oxidation, 用于CO氧化的铜基催化剂研究进展
  19. In-situ impregnation of β-FeOOH on coal by solid-state reaction toward direct coal liquefaction
  20. Insight into the Crystal Structures and Surface Property of Manganese Oxide on CO Catalytic Oxidation Performance
  21. A “two-pronged” strategy: Boosting electrocatalytic oxygen reduction reaction property based on the Ni–MnO synergistic effect and high conductivity of rod-like Ni–MnO/N–C composites prepared via simple solution-free route
  22. Engineering CuOx–ZrO2–CeO2 nanocatalysts with abundant surface Cu species and oxygen vacancies toward high catalytic performance in CO oxidation and 4-nitrophenol reduction
  23. The solid-state in situ construction of Cu2O/CuO heterostructures with adjustable phase compositions to promote CO oxidation activity
  24. Fe3O4 Nanoparticles Supported on Modified Coal toward Catalytic Hydrogenation of Coal to Oil
  25. Solvent‐Free Chemical Approach to Synthesize Co Nanoparticles Supported on N‐doped Porous Carbon for Efficient Electrocatalytic Oxygen Reduction
  26. Room-Temperature Solid-State Preparation of CoFe2O4@Coal Composites and Their Catalytic Performance in Direct Coal Liquefaction
  27. Cu/Cu2O/rGO nanocomposites: solid-state self-reduction synthesis and catalytic activity for p-nitrophenol reduction
  28. Optimum Balance of Cu + and Oxygen Vacancies of CuO x ‐CeO 2 Composites for CO Oxidation Based on Thermal Treatment
  29. V-modified Co3O4 nanorods with superior catalytic activity and thermostability for CO oxidation

Conclusion 🎯

Baolin Liu is a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His prolific publication record, innovative research contributions, and interdisciplinary expertise make him a standout researcher in materials science and chemistry. While there are areas for improvement, such as expanding international collaborations and industry engagement, his strengths far outweigh these considerations. His work has already made a significant impact, and with continued dedication, he is poised to achieve even greater heights in his research career.

Prof. Nonhlangabezo Mabuba – Photocatalytic Materials – Excellence in Research

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Prof. Nonhlangabezo Mabuba - Photocatalytic Materials - Excellence in Research

University of Johannesburg - South Africa

EARLY ACADEMIC PURSUITS

Prof. Nonhlangabezo (Bezo) Mabuba began her academic journey by obtaining a Master of Science degree in Water Science from Duisburg-Essen Universität, Germany, in 2007, followed by a Ph.D. in Natural Sciences from the same institution in collaboration with ThyssenKrupp Steel AG, Hamborn, Germany, in 2010. These early academic pursuits laid the foundation for her future contributions to the field of Analytical Chemistry, Material and Processing Science.

PROFESSIONAL ENDEAVORS

Prof. Mabuba's professional journey has been characterized by various roles in academia, research, and leadership. She currently serves as an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemical Sciences at the University of Johannesburg (UJ), where she also holds the position of Acting Deputy Dean in the Faculty of Science. Over the years, she has held key positions such as Senior Lecturer, Deputy Director for the Centre of Nanomaterial Science Research, and Deputy Head of the Department of Chemical Sciences for teaching and learning at UJ.

CONTRIBUTIONS AND RESEARCH FOCUS

Prof. Mabuba's research focuses on the development of Photocatalytic Materials for water quality monitoring and treatment. She supervises students in exploring innovative applications of nanomaterials in (bio)sensors, (bio)adsorbents, and piezocatalytic materials. Her research is dedicated to advancing methods for efficient and sustainable wastewater quality monitoring and treatment, aligning with global efforts towards environmental sustainability.

IMPACT AND INFLUENCE

Prof. Mabuba's international visibility in the scientific community is evidenced by her high H-index on Google Scholar and Scopus. Her research outputs have contributed significantly to the field of Analytical Chemistry and Nanomaterial Science, with implications for water treatment technologies and environmental conservation efforts.

ACADEMIC CITATIONS

Prof. Mabuba's research findings have been cited extensively, reflecting their impact and relevance in the scientific community. Her work has garnered attention from peers, researchers, and professionals in the field, further solidifying her reputation as a leading expert in Photocatalytic Materials and water treatment.

LEGACY AND FUTURE CONTRIBUTIONS

Prof. Mabuba's legacy lies in her continued dedication to research excellence, mentorship, and community development. Through her leadership roles, collaborative efforts, and academic contributions, she aims to inspire future generations of researchers and make lasting contributions to the field of Photocatalytic Materials and environmental science.

PHOTOCATALYTIC MATERIALS

Prof. Mabuba's research expertise and focus revolve around Photocatalytic Materials, which play a crucial role in water quality monitoring and treatment. By leveraging nanomaterials and innovative approaches, she aims to develop efficient and sustainable methods for addressing water pollution and ensuring access to clean water resources. Through her research, Prof. Mabuba contributes to advancements in environmental science and sustainable development, with implications for global health and well-being.

NOTABLE PUBLICATION

Design of New Schiff-Base Copper(II) Complexes: Synthesis, Crystal Structures, DFT Study, and Binding Potency toward Cytochrome P450 3A4.  2021 (78)

Coupling cathodic electro-fenton with anodic photo-electrochemical oxidation: A feasibility study on the mineralization of paracetamol.  2020 (68)