Minseong Ko | Energy | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Minseong Ko | Energy | Best Researcher Award

Pukyong National University | South Korea

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🌟 Early Academic Pursuits

Prof. Minseong Ko's journey into the world of materials science and battery technology began with a strong academic foundation. He obtained his Bachelor of Science degree from Pukyong National University in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering. His passion for advanced materials led him to pursue a Master’s degree at Gwangju Institute of Science & Technology (GIST), where he focused on enhancing the sensitivity of GMR Spin Valve Sensors. He continued his academic excellence by earning a Ph.D. in Battery Science & Technology from the Ulsan National Institute of Science & Technology (UNIST). Under the guidance of esteemed mentors, including Prof. Jaephil Cho, he gained deep insights into lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) and energy storage technologies. His academic journey culminated in postdoctoral research at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where he worked under the mentorship of Prof. Ju Li, further strengthening his expertise in nuclear science and engineering.

💼 Professional Endeavors

Currently, Prof. Minseong Ko serves as an Associate Professor in the Department of Metallurgical Engineering at Pukyong National University, Busan, Republic of Korea. His professional trajectory has been marked by his contributions to battery technology and materials science. Throughout his career, he has engaged in cutting-edge research, focusing on the synthesis and functionalization of carbon materials, modification of nanomaterials, and the development of coating equipment for mass production. His role as an educator is equally significant, having taught and mentored students in advanced energy storage materials at prestigious institutions such as UNIST and Pukyong National University.

📈 Contributions and Research Focus

Prof. Ko’s research primarily revolves around all-solid-state batteries and lithium-ion battery (LIB) materials. His pioneering work in synthesizing cathode and anode materials aims to enhance energy storage efficiency, improve fast-charging capabilities, and ensure the non-flammability of LIBs. His expertise extends to in-situ analysis of electrode materials and HPPC (Hybrid Pulse Power Characterization) testing for electric vehicles. Additionally, he has been instrumental in the development of large-scale synthesizing equipment for commercialization, bridging the gap between academic research and industrial application.

His research interests include:

  • Development of high-energy and fast-charging lithium-ion batteries
  • Synthesis and surface modification of electrode materials
  • Fabrication of electrochemical full-cells (pouch and coin-type)
  • Commercialization and mass production of battery materials

🏆 Accolades and Recognition

Prof. Ko’s contributions to battery science have been widely recognized in the academic and industrial sectors. His groundbreaking research has been published in top-tier journals, including Nature Communications, Advanced Energy Materials, ACS Nano, and Nano Letters. These publications highlight his significant contributions to the advancement of high-performance lithium-ion batteries and nanomaterial applications. His work has not only earned him academic accolades but has also positioned him as a leader in the field of energy storage technology.

🔋 Impact and Influence

Through his extensive research and publications, Prof. Ko has made a lasting impact on the field of energy storage. His studies on silicon-based anodes and high-capacity cathode materials have paved the way for more efficient and durable lithium-ion batteries, crucial for applications in electric vehicles and renewable energy systems. His collaborative approach has also contributed to global advancements in materials engineering, fostering partnerships between academia and industry to drive innovation. Beyond research, Prof. Ko is deeply committed to mentoring the next generation of scientists and engineers. His teaching philosophy emphasizes hands-on experimentation and industry collaboration, equipping students with the skills needed to tackle real-world challenges in battery technology.

🌍 Legacy and Future Contributions

Looking ahead, Prof. Minseong Ko aims to further revolutionize battery technology by developing next-generation solid-state batteries with enhanced safety and performance. His research endeavors continue to focus on improving the longevity, efficiency, and sustainability of energy storage systems. As a respected scientist and mentor, he is set to leave a lasting legacy in the fields of materials science and electrochemical energy storage. With his unwavering dedication to innovation and excellence, Prof. Ko’s contributions will undoubtedly shape the future of sustainable energy solutions, benefiting industries and societies worldwide.

 

Publications


📄 "Morphology Control of Al Oxide Coating to Suppress Interfacial Degradation in Ultra-high Nickel Cathode Materials"

  • Authors: Minseong Kim, Jiyun Park, Taewan Kim, Byeonggu Kang, Jaegeon Im, Minseong Ko, Sujong Chae

  • Journal: Electrochimica Acta

  • Year: 2025


📄 "Binder-free CNT-implanted Carbon Cloth and Carbon Felt as Cathode Modifier for Bioelectricity Generation in Sediment Microbial Fuel Cells"

  • Authors: Nurfarhana Nabila Mohd Noor, Rashida Misali, Minseong Kim, Jeongmok Park, Minseong Ko, In-Cheol Lee, Tadashi Hibino, Kyunghoi Kim

  • Journal: Journal of the Taiwan Institute of Chemical Engineers

  • Year: 2025


 

XiaoFei Zhen | Energy | Best Researcher Award

Mr. XiaoFei Zhen | Energy | Best Researcher Award

Lanzhou Jiaotong University | China

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🌱 Early Academic Pursuits

Zhen Xiaofei,  embarked on his academic journey with a strong foundation in engineering and energy sciences. His passion for renewable energy and sustainability led him to pursue a PhD, which laid the groundwork for his future research in biomass energy and distributed energy systems.

💼 Professional Endeavors

Now a professor and doctoral supervisor, Dr. Zhen serves as the director of multiple research centers at Lanzhou Jiaotong University, including the Institute of Biomass Energy and the Joint Research Center of Solar Energy and Digital Agricultural Engineering Technology. His leadership extends to guiding the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Base for New Energy Equipment and mentoring students in cutting-edge energy solutions.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Zhen's research focuses on distributed energy supply systems integrating multiple renewable energy sources, biomass energy conversion, solar thermal power generation, and green, low-carbon buildings. He has spearheaded over 20 significant research projects, including those funded by the National Natural Science Foundation and the National Key R&D Program, contributing valuable advancements in sustainable energy solutions.

🏆 Accolades and Recognition

Recognized as an Outstanding Youth Fund recipient in Gansu Province, Dr. Zhen has earned numerous accolades, including the Golden Bridge Award from the China Technology Market Association and the China Industry-University-Research Cooperation Innovation and Promotion Award. His expertise is widely acknowledged as a peer reviewer for prestigious journals like Energy, Agronomy Journal, and Acta Energiae Solaris Sinica.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Beyond academia, Dr. Zhen actively shapes the next generation of energy innovators. His mentorship has guided students to win over 30 provincial and national awards in academic competitions, fostering innovation in renewable energy and sustainable technologies. His efforts have also led to the successful approval of over 10 provincial innovation and entrepreneurship training programs for students.

🔮 Legacy and Future Contributions

With a profound commitment to sustainable energy, Dr. Zhen continues to push the boundaries of renewable energy integration and green building technologies. His research and mentorship promise to shape the future of clean energy solutions, ensuring a greener and more sustainable world for generations to come.

 

Publications


📖Analysis of Building Envelope for Energy Consumption and Indoor Comfort in a Near-Zero-Energy Building in Northwest China

 Journal: Results in Engineering
 Authors: Xiaofei Zhen, Shange Li, Jianming Peng, Zhouyang Zhao, Xu Zhang, Chuanxi Tan, Ruonan Jiao, Wenbing Wu
 Year: 2025


📖Study on Anaerobic Digestion and the Treatment of Livestock and Poultry Waste Liquid by Nanoparticles and Antibiotics in the Context of Carbon Neutrality and Microbial Ecosystems

 Journal: Agronomy
 Authors: Xiaofei Zhen, Han H. Zhan, Ke K. Li, Lei L. Feng, Tie T. Du
 Year: 2025


📖Modelling and Performance Analysis of Supercritical CO2 Pre-Cooling Cycle Solar Thermal Power Tower System

 Journal: Nongye Gongcheng Xuebao / Transactions of the Chinese Society of Agricultural Engineering
 Authors: Xiaofei Zhen, Li L. Zhang, Yongheng Y. Zhang, Zhihui Z. He
Year: 2024


📖 Robust Control of Wind Turbines to Reduce Wind Power Fluctuation

 Journal: Energy Science and Engineering
Authors: Min'an M. Tang, Wenjuan W. Wang, Xiaofei Zhen, Yaqi Y. Zhang, Yaguang Y. Yan
 Year: 2024


📖 Cost-Effective and Scalable Solar Interface Evaporators Derived from Industry Waste for Efficient Solar Steam Generation

 Journal: Langmuir
Authors: Jingxian J. He, Jianxia J. Liu, Hao H. Gou, Yongqiang Y. Kang, An A. Li
 Year: 2024


 

Reji Kumar Rajamony | Energy | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Reji Kumar Rajamony | Energy | Best Researcher Award

Universiti Tenaga Nasional | Malaysia

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Early Academic Pursuits 🎓

Dr. Reji Kumar Rajamony's academic journey began with a Diploma in Mechanical Engineering from DOTE, Tamil Nadu, India (June 1995 - May 1998). He then pursued a Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering from Anna University, India (Sep 2005 - May 2009), followed by a Master's in Thermal Engineering from the same institution (June 2009 - May 2011). His academic path culminated with a Ph.D. in Advanced Materials from Universiti Malaysia Pahang, Malaysia (September 2019 - January 2023).

Professional Endeavors 💼

Dr. Rajamony has amassed significant experience across various roles, including Post-Doctoral Researcher at the Institute of Sustainable Energy, Universiti Tenaga Nasional (UNITEN), Malaysia (May 2023 - Present); Adjunct Professor at Parul University, Gujarat, India (May 2024 - Present); Research Assistant at the Research Centre for Nano-Materials and Energy Technology (RCNMET), Sunway University, Malaysia (May 2022 - April 2023); Assistant Professor at Rajas Engineering College, India (September 2018 - August 2019); Lecturer at Bahir Dar University, Ethiopia (October 2012 - August 2018); Assistant Professor at CAPE Institute of Technology, India (June 2011 - September 2012); Lecturer at Surya Polytechnic College, India (September 2007 - August 2009); Instructor at Udaya Polytechnic College, India (July 2005 - August 2007); and Mechanical Supervisor at Ganesh Motor Works, India (March 2000 - February 2003) and Tamilnadu State Transport Corporation, India (March 1999 - February 2000)

Contributions and Research Focus 🔬

Dr. Rajamony's research spans advanced thermal energy storage materials, photovoltaic thermal systems, climate change, sustainability, and energy efficiency. His current projects include work on latent heat storage materials, nano-enhanced phase change materials, and PCM integrated PVT systems. His research aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and involves sophisticated instrumentation like FESEM, FTIR, EDS, UV-Vis Spectrum, TGA, DSC, and thermal conductivity analyzers.

Accolades and Recognition 🏆

Dr. Rajamony has received multiple awards and recognitions, including the PhD-Best Thesis Award in the Engineering Category (2023) from Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah, Malaysia, and the Best Teacher Award from Bahir Dar Institute of Technology, Ethiopia (2013)

Impact and Influence 🌟 

With over 50 publications and a cumulative impact factor of 200+, Dr. Rajamony's work significantly contributes to the fields of energy storage and thermal systems. His research has garnered 1087 citations on Google Scholar, reflecting his influence in the scientific community. He also has extensive experience in teaching (12.6 years), research (5 years), and industry (4 years).

Legacy and Future Contributions Highlight 🌟

Dr. Rajamony's commitment to sustainable energy solutions and his expertise in advanced materials position him as a key contributor to achieving zero carbon footprints and greater energy efficiency. His ongoing research and professional endeavors continue to push the boundaries of energy technology, promising significant advancements toward a sustainable future.

 

Publications 📕

📝 Experimental investigation on the performance of binary carbon-based nano-enhanced inorganic phase change materials for thermal energy storage applications

    • Authors: Rajamony, R.K., Paw, J.K.S., Pasupuleti, J., Ahmed, O.A., Kadirgama, K.
    • Journal: Journal of Energy Storage
    • Year: 2024

📝 Enhancing Thermal Energy Storage: Investigating the Use of Graphene Nanoplatelets in Phase Change Materials for Sustainable Applications

    • Authors: Muppana, V.N., Fikri, M.A., Samykano, M., Wan Hamzah, W.A., Kadirgama, K.
    • Journal: Energy Technology
    • Year: 2024

📝 Progress in research and technological developments of phase change materials integrated photovoltaic thermal systems: The allied problems and their mitigation strategies

    • Authors: Rajamony, R.K., B., K., Lagari, I.A., Soudagar, M.E.M., Khan, T.M.Y.
    • Journal: Sustainable Materials and Technologies
    • Year: 2024

📝 Emerging technologies, opportunities and challenges for microgrid stability and control

    • Authors: Satapathy, A.S., Mohanty, S., Mohanty, A., Ali, M.M., Bashir, M.N.
    • Journal: Energy Reports
    • Year: 2024

📝 A class of promising fuel cell performance: International status on the application of nanofluids for thermal management systems

    • Authors: Sofiah, A.G.N., Pasupuleti, J., Samykano, M., Sulaiman, N.F., Che Ramli, Z.A.
    • Journal: Materials Today Sustainability
    • Year: 2024