Sanae Zriouel | Materials Science | Women Research Award

Prof. Sanae Zriouel | Materials Science | Women Research Award

Cadi Ayyad University | Morocco

Prof. Sanae Zriouel is an accomplished physicist with a strong research footprint, boasting 18 documents, 188 citations, and an h-index of 9. Her research encompasses graphene and related materials, physics of two-dimensional nanostructures, topological insulators, chalcopyrite semiconductors, perovskite structures, mathematical physics, and quantum and statistical physics, employing advanced numerical simulations including ab-initio calculations, DFT, Green functions, Monte Carlo, and molecular dynamics. She currently serves as Associate Professor of Physics at Cadi Ayyad University, Morocco, after holding positions as Assistant Professor at Sultan Moulay Slimane University and Researcher at Mohammed V University. Prof. Zriouel has a PhD in Mathematical Physics and a Habilitation Universitaire (HDR), complemented by engineering and bachelor degrees in electro-mechanics, physical sciences, and English studies. She has been recognized with numerous awards including full membership in OWSD and multiple national and international research honors. Prof. Zriouel has supervised over 30 master’s and bachelor students, contributed extensively to academic and research committees, coordinated national and international projects, and actively participated in more than 80 conferences. Her work in quantum materials, nanostructures, and simulations has significantly advanced theoretical and applied physics, reflecting her impact in the scientific community through research, mentorship, and collaborative projects worldwide.

Profiles : Scopus | Orcid | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Amzaoued, M., Zriouel, S., & Mabrouki, M. (2025). DFT computational modeling studies of electronic and magnetic features of transition metal doped ZnTe. Physics Open, 24, 100275.

Ahsan, J., Rather, M., Sultan, K., Zriouel, S., & Hlil, E. (2025). In-depth study of double perovskite Sr₂NiTaO₆: Structural, electronic, thermoelectric, and spintronic properties for sustainable and high-performance applications. Computational Condensed Matter, 43, e01026.

Zriouel, S., Mhirech, A., Kabouchi, B., Bahmad, L., Fadil, Z., Husain, F., & Raorane, C. (2025). Investigating thermodynamic and magnetic behavior of graphullerene-like nanostructure using Monte Carlo techniques. Philosophical Magazine, 1–14.

Saber, N., Zriouel, S., Mhirech, A., Kabouchi, B., Bahmad, L., & Fadil, Z. (2023). Magnetic properties and magnetocaloric effects of the graphullerene-like 4−(Mg₄C₆₀) nanostructure: A Monte Carlo study. Modern Physics Letters B, 38, 2350199.

Zriouel, S., & Jellal, A. (2022). Engineering quantum tunneling effect of carriers in silicene field-effect transistors. arXiv preprint arXiv:2212.06072.

Zriouel, S. (2021). Phase transitions and critical dielectric phenomena of janus transition metal oxides. Materials Science and Engineering B, 267, 115087.

Zriouel, S., et al. (2020). Effect of p−d hybridization on half-metallic properties of some diluted II−IV−V₂ chalcopyrites for spintronic applications. Physica Scripta, 95, 045809.

Zriouel, S. (2020). Phase transitions and compensation behavior of graphene-based Janus materials. Journal of Magnetism and Magnetic Materials, 493, 165711.

Taychour, B., Zriouel, S., & Drissi, B. (2018). Half-metallic ferromagnetic character in ZnXP₂ (X = Ge, Si) chalcopyrites doped with Mn. Journal of Superconductivity and Novel Magnetism, 1–7.

Saidi, S., Zriouel, S., Drissi, B., & Maaroufi, M. (2018). First principles study of electronic and optical properties of Ag₂CdSnS₄ chalcogenides for photovoltaic applications. Computational Materials Science, 152, 291–299.

Saidi, S., Zriouel, S., Drissi, B., & Maaroufi, M. (2018). A DFT study of electro-optical properties of kesterite Ag₂CdSnX₄ for photovoltaic applications. Physica E, 103, 171–179.

 

Shiqing Cheng | Energy | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Shiqing Cheng | Energy | Best Researcher Award

Shanxi Datong University | China

Author Profile

Scopus

Early Academic Pursuits 🎓

Dr. Shiqing Cheng's academic journey began at Yuncheng University, where she earned her Bachelor's degree in Physics (2002–2007). Her strong foundation in physics led her to pursue a Master's degree in Optics at Hunan Normal University (2007–2010). She continued her academic development by obtaining a Doctorate in Electronic Science and Technology from Nankai University (2016–2021), where she honed her research skills in advanced materials for solar energy applications.

Professional Endeavors 💼

Dr. Cheng's professional career is marked by both teaching and research. From 2010 to 2016, she worked as a lecturer at the Department of Physics and Electronics at Shanxi Datong University, where she taught Circuit Analysis and High-Frequency Electronic Circuits. In 2018, she expanded her expertise by joining the China National Energy Group's photovoltaic company in their R&D department, specializing in the preparation of CIGS (Copper Indium Gallium Selenide) absorbers and devices. Since 2022, she has returned to Shanxi Datong University, where she lectures on Optoelectronic Detection and Optical System Design, continuing her commitment to education and research.

Contributions and Research Focus 🔬

Dr. Cheng has made substantial contributions to the field of solar energy, particularly in the optimization of CIGS solar cells. Her research focuses on improving the performance of these thin-film solar cells by exploring the effects of alkali element doping, Cs distribution in the films, and post-deposition treatments. She is proficient in using SCAPS (Solar Cell Capacitance Simulator) software, which allows her to model and simulate solar cell performance. Her work is instrumental in understanding the factors that influence the electronic structure and transport properties of CIGS solar cells.

Accolades and Recognition 🏆

Dr. Cheng's research has been recognized for its innovation and impact. She has published several influential papers in high-impact journals, such as Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells, ACS Applied Energy Materials, and Applied Surface Science. Her work on the effects of alkali doping and post-deposition treatments has been widely cited, contributing significantly to the advancement of CIGS solar cell technology. She is also actively involved in projects funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China, further solidifying her standing as a leading researcher in the field.

Impact and Influence 🌍

Dr. Cheng's research has a profound impact on the development of high-efficiency solar cells, particularly in the optimization of CIGS thin films. Her work addresses critical challenges in the solar energy industry, including enhancing cell performance, improving stability, and reducing costs. By advancing the understanding of material properties and manufacturing techniques, her contributions are helping to pave the way for more efficient and sustainable solar technologies.

Legacy and Future Contributions 🔮

Looking ahead, Dr. Cheng’s work promises to continue shaping the future of solar energy research. Her ongoing projects focus on optimizing the interface quality of CIGS solar cells and exploring new material treatments to further boost efficiency. As the demand for renewable energy solutions grows, Dr. Cheng’s research will play a crucial role in advancing solar cell technology and contributing to global efforts to reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change.

 

Publications


📜Optimizing Wide Band Gap Cu(In,Ga)Se₂ Solar Cell Performance: Investigating the Impact of “Cliff” and “Spike” Heterostructures
Authors: Shiqing Cheng, Hongmei Liu, Qiaowen Lin
Journal: Materials
Year: 2024


📜High Efficiency Wide Gap Cu(In,Ga)Se₂ Solar Cells: Influence of Buffer Layer Characteristics
Author: Shiqing Cheng
Journal: Heliyon
Year: 2024


📜Revealing Surface Modifications of Caesium Indium Selenium Treated Cu-rich Cu(In,Ga)Se₂: Suppression of Interfacial Recombination
Authors: Shiqing Cheng, Kaizhi Zhang, Jingwei Chen, Shuping Lin, Yifeng Yao, Yun Sun, Wei Liu
Journal: Applied Surface Science
Year: 2023


📜Analysis of the Heavy Alkali Element Post-deposition Treatment: Factors Determining the Electronic Structure and Transport Properties of Heterojunction in CIGS Thin Film Solar Cells
Authors: Shiqing Cheng, Kaizhi Zhang, Shuping Lin, Yunxiang Zhang, Yun Sun, Wei Liu
Journal: ACS Applied Energy Materials
Year: 2021


📜Effects of Different Cs Distribution in the Film on the Performance of CIGS Thin Film Solar Cells
Authors: Shiqing Cheng, Kaizhi Zhang, Yunxiang Zhang, Zhichao He, Baolai Liang, Qian Du, Yun Sun, Wei Liu
Journal: Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells
Year: 2021