Zitong Fei | Environment | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Zitong Fei | Environment | Best Researcher Award

Postdoctoral at Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, China

Dr. Zitong Fei, born in August 1997, is a materials scientist specializing in the recycling and regeneration of spent lithium-ion battery cathode materials. She earned her Ph.D. in Metallurgical Physical Chemistry from Kunming University of Science and Technology in 2024, where she also completed her Master’s degree in Metallurgical Engineering in 2020. Under the supervision of Professor Yingjie Zhang, her research has focused on high-voltage LiCoO₂ cathode materials and sustainable regeneration technologies for cobalt-based electrodes.

Profile:

🎓 Educational Background:

  • Ph.D. in Metallurgical Physical Chemistry (2020.08 – 2024.06)
    Kunming University of Science and Technology
    Research Focus: Direct regeneration mechanisms of spent LiCoO₂ cathode materials
    Supervisor: Prof. Yingjie Zhang

  • M.Sc. in Metallurgical Engineering (2019.08 – 2020.07)
    Kunming University of Science and Technology
    Research Focus: High-voltage LiCoO₂ cathode material design

🧪 Research Expertise:

Dr. Fei’s work revolves around the regeneration and recycling of spent lithium-ion batteries, with a particular focus on cathode material recovery, environmental sustainability, and green chemistry applications.

🛠️ Patents (10+):

  • Targeted oxidative solvent for cathode regeneration

  • Single crystal and rapid regeneration methods for ternary materials

  • Battery disassembly and recycling devices

  • Deep eutectic solvent recovery systems

Dr. Fei holds over 10 national and international patents in advanced lithium battery recycling technologies.

📊 Citation Metrics:

  • Total Citations: 522

  • Cited by: 387 documents

  • Total Publications: 20

  • h-index: 10

Publication Top Notes:

  • Su, Y., Fei, Z., Fan, Y., Peng, X., & Dong, P. (2025). Enhanced selective lithium extraction and regeneration of spent LiNi₁/₃Co₁/₃Mn₁/₃O₂ through carbon–sulfur composite roasting. Separation and Purification Technology.

  • Liu, Q., Li, Y., Fei, Z., Peng, X., & Dong, P. (2025). Review and perspectives on direct regeneration of spent ternary cathode materials based on failure mechanisms. (Journal name not specified).

 

Adugna Nigatu Alene | Environmental remediation | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Adugna Nigatu Alene |  Environmental remediation | Best Researcher Award

Lecturer at Bahir Dar University,  Ethiopia

Adugna Nigatu Alene is a Lecturer at Bahir Dar University, Ethiopia, with an MSc in Organic Chemistry. His research centers on sustainable materials, including bio-sorbents, nanocatalysts, and biodegradable films. With extensive hands-on experience in material characterization techniques (UV-Vis, FTIR, SEM, XRD, TGA, BET, CV), Adugna’s work contributes to environmental remediation, energy sustainability, and green chemistry. He has co-authored over a dozen peer-reviewed publications and received multiple innovation awards, including the 2024 Sustainable and Affordable Energy Award by TotalEnergies. Beyond academia, he is active in community outreach, offering training on pesticide safety and supporting local education initiatives.

Profile:

🎓 Education:

  • MSc in Organic Chemistry (1st Honors), Bahir Dar University – 2018

  • BSc in Chemistry (Very Great Distinction), Ambo University – 2013

🧪 Research & Expertise:

Adugna specializes in organic synthesis, nanomaterials, biodegradable films, and bio-sorbents. His research aims to tackle global challenges in environmental remediation, drug discovery, and sustainable energy. He is skilled in materials characterization using UV-Vis, FTIR, SEM, XRD, TGA, BET, and CV techniques.

🧑‍🏫 Academic Roles:

  • Lecturer, Chemical Engineering Dept., Bahir Dar University (Since 2020)

  • Former Lecturer, Chemistry Dept., Woldia University

  • Technical roles in lab support and instruction from 2015 onward

🏆 Awards & Recognition:

  • 🥇 Power’Up Energy Award, TotalEnergies (2024)

  • 🥈 Bruh Ethiopia 2024 Business Idea Award

  • 🏅 Tatariwochu-Awash Bank Entrepreneurship Winner (2023)

🤝 Community Engagement:

  • Pesticide safety training for farmers 🌿

  • Chemical disposal consultation for EFDA 🧪

  • Lab setup support for schools 🏫

  • COVID-19 sanitizer production & free tutorials during weekends 🧼📘

📊 Citation Metrics:

  • Citations: 394 (since 2020: 393)

  • h-index: 7

  • i10-index: 6

Publication Top Notes:

  • Adsorptive Removal of Malachite Green Dye From Aqueous Solution Onto Activated Carbon of Catha edulis Stem as a Low-Cost Bio-Adsorbent

  • A Comparative Study of Acidic, Basic, and Reactive Dyes Adsorption From Aqueous Solution Onto Kaolin Adsorbent: Effect of Operating Parameters, Isotherms, Kinetics, and Thermodynamics

  • Bioadsorption of Basic Blue Dye From Aqueous Solution Onto Raw and Modified Waste Ash as Economical Alternative Bioadsorbent

  • Adsorptive Removal of Basic Green Dye From Aqueous Solution Using Humic Acid Modified Magnetite Nanoparticles: Kinetics, Equilibrium and Thermodynamic Studies

  • Utilization of a Novel Low-Cost Gibto (Lupinus albus) Seed Peel Waste for the Removal of Malachite Green Dye: Equilibrium, Kinetic, and Thermodynamic Studies

  • Biodegradable Film From Mango Seed Kernel Starch Using Pottery Clay as Filler

  • Cereal-Based Traditional Beverage of Tella Residue (Attela) as a Green Organic Pollutant Sorbent for Methylene Blue Dye Removal: Equilibrium, Kinetics, and Thermodynamic Studies

  • A Highly Stable Silver Nanoparticle Loaded Magnetic Nanocomposite as a Recyclable Catalyst

  • Studies on the Effects of Extracts of Fresh Khat/Catha edulis Leaves on the Oxidation of Niger Seed Oil

  • Development of Biodegradable Film From Cactus (Opuntia ficus-indica) Mucilage Loaded With Acid-Leached Kaolin as Filler

  • Effect of Justicia schimperiana (Acanthaceae) Roots Extract on Blood Glucose Level and Lipid Profiles in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Mice

  • Nutraceutical, Phytochemical, and Antioxidant Activities of Selected Wild Edible Fruits as Natural Foods

  • Nanocatalytic Reductive Removal of Congo-Red Dye Using Boron-Loaded Cobalt Oxide Nanocomposites From Aqueous Solutions

  • Enhanced Electrochemical Activity of Boron-Doped Cobalt Oxide Nanoparticles Towards Supercapacitor Application

 

Kazem | Water Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Mr Kazem | Water Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Western Sydney University,  Australia

Kazem Javan is a dedicated PhD student in Civil Engineering at Western Sydney University, where his research focuses on developing sustainable, acid-resistant coatings for sewer pipe rehabilitation using recycled materials such as broken glass and mining by-products. His work is aligned with circular economy principles and carbon reduction goals and is actively linked to the CRC SmartCrete project on carbon-absorbing concrete.

Profile:

🎓 Academic Background:

  • Ph.D. Student in Civil EngineeringWestern Sydney University (2024–2028)
    Focus: Development of acid-resistant, sustainable coatings for sewer pipe rehabilitation using recycled materials like broken glass and mine waste; part of CRC SmartCrete project.

  • Former Ph.D. Student in Environmental Engineering TechnologyUTS (2023–2024)
    Focused on renewable energy, waste management, and the water-energy-food-pollution nexus.

  • M.Sc. in Civil Engineering – Water EngineeringTarbiat Modares University (2008–2011)
    Research: Impact of climate change on water availability in watersheds.

  • B.Sc. in Civil EngineeringAzad Islamic University (2003–2007)
    Emphasis on sustainable infrastructure and green design.

🧪 Research & Publications:

Author of 12+ peer-reviewed journal articles in fields such as:

  • Urban stormwater systems optimization

  • Environmental pollution and sustainability

  • Climate change impacts on agriculture and water systems

  • System dynamics modeling for WEF Nexus

🏆 Awards & Memberships:

  • 🎖 SmartCrete CRC & WSU Postgraduate Research Scholarship

  • 👷 Member of:

    • Australian Water Association

    • Concrete Institute of Australia

    • Australasian Corrosion Association

    • Iran Construction Engineering Organization (Building Practitioner)

🛠️ Professional Experience:

  • Environmental & Civil Engineering ManagerArta Abnieh Dezh Part Co. (2013–2024)
    Led eco-friendly infrastructure projects and sustainable urban development.

  • Technical SupervisorIdeh Afroz Aria Co. (2011–2013)
    Specialized in hydrology, AI modeling, and water-climate infrastructure systems.

📜 Certifications:

  • HSE-MS (Health, Safety & Environmental Management)

  • Reviewer for Journal of Hydrology & Engineering Science and Technology

  • GIS in Water Engineering | Climate Forecasting | Steel Structures Inspection

  • Licensed Construction Supervisor (Iran)

💻 Technical Skills:

  • Programming & Data Analysis: R, MATLAB, Python

  • Engineering Tools: ArcGIS, QGIS, MS Project, EnergyPlus, AutoCAD

📊 Citation Metrics:

  • Total Citations: 183

  • Citations Since 2020: 139

  • h-index: 6

  • i10-index: 6 (3 since 2020

Publication Top Notes:

  1. A review of interconnected challenges in the water–energy–food nexus: Urban pollution perspective towards sustainable development

  2. Enhancing environmental sustainability in a critical region: Climate change impacts on agriculture and tourism

  3. A comparison of ANN and HSPF models for runoff simulation in Gharehsoo River watershed, Iran

  4. A comparison of ANN and HSPF models for runoff simulation in Balkhichai River Watershed, Iran

  5. The influences of climate change on the runoff of Gharehsoo River Watershed

  6. Assessment of the impacts of nonstationarity on watershed runoff using artificial neural networks: A case study in Ardebil, Iran

  7. Assessing the Water–Energy–Food Nexus and Resource Sustainability in the Ardabil Plain: A System Dynamics and HWA Approach

  8. Assessing environmental sustainability of a vital crop in a critical region: Investigating climate change impacts on agriculture using the SWAT model and HWA method

  9. Coupled SWMM-MOEA/D for multi-objective optimization of low impact development in urban stormwater systems

  10. Interrelated issues within the Water-Energy-Food Nexus with a focus on environmental pollution for sustainable development: A review

  11. Integrating circular economy and life cycle assessment in virtual water management: A case study of food consumption across economic classes in Iran