GAMI PRATIKSHA KANTILAL | Solid Electrolytes | Women Researcher Award

Ms. GAMI PRATIKSHA KANTILAL | Solid Electrolytes | Women Researcher Award

Pratiksha Gami is a PhD scholar in Metallurgical Engineering and Materials Science at IIT Indore, specializing in solid-state lithium metal batteries. Born on August 29, 1995, she is part of the Solid State Ionics Lab, working under Dr. Sunil Kumar. She completed her MSc in Physical and Polymer Chemistry from The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda in 2018, earning a gold medal, and her BSc in Chemical Sciences in 2016. She has experience as a Technical Assistant at IIT Indore, an Assistant Professor at Parul University, and a Subject Matter Expert at Chegg India. Her research focuses on NASICON-type electrolytes for lithium-ion conduction. She has published multiple research papers and presented at international conferences. With expertise in advanced characterization techniques and battery testing, she aims to develop next-generation energy storage materials. She has qualified GSET and GATE, reflecting her academic excellence and research capabilities.

Publication Profile

Scopus

🎓 Education

Pratiksha Gami is pursuing a PhD in Metallurgical Engineering and Materials Science at IIT Indore (2023–present), specializing in solid-state lithium metal batteries. She completed her MSc in Physical and Polymer Chemistry from The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda (2016–2018), securing a gold medal for academic excellence. During her master’s, she focused on polymer-based electrolytes for energy storage applications. She obtained her BSc in Chemical Sciences (2013–2016) from the same university, where she built a strong foundation in chemistry and materials science. Throughout her academic journey, she has gained expertise in battery materials, solid-state ionics, and electrochemical characterization. Her education has provided her with a solid background in experimental techniques such as XRD, FTIR, and SEM, essential for her research. She has also attended workshops on chromatography and spectroscopy to enhance her analytical skills. Her academic achievements and research contributions make her a promising scientist in the field of energy materials.

💼 Experience

Pratiksha Gami is currently a Technical Assistant at IIT Indore, where she contributes to research in Metallurgical Engineering and Materials Science. Previously, she worked as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry at Parul University (2018–2022), where she taught undergraduate students and supervised laboratory experiments. From 2020 to 2023, she served as a Subject Matter Expert at Chegg India Pvt. Ltd., providing solutions and explanations in chemistry. Her professional journey reflects a blend of academic teaching, research, and industry-related problem-solving. She has gained hands-on experience in battery fabrication, electrochemical testing, and solid-state electrolyte development. Her role at IIT Indore involves conducting experiments, assisting research scholars, and managing laboratory operations. With expertise in material characterization and electrochemical analysis, she plays a crucial role in advancing research on energy storage materials. Her diverse experience highlights her ability to bridge theoretical knowledge with practical applications in materials science.

🏆 Awards & Honors

Pratiksha Gami has received multiple accolades for her academic and research excellence. She qualified for the State Eligibility Test (GSET) for lectureship in Chemical Sciences in 2021, demonstrating her subject expertise. In 2020, she cleared the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) in Chemistry, showcasing her strong analytical and problem-solving skills. She was awarded a gold medal for securing the highest marks in MSc (Physical and Polymer Chemistry) at The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda in 2018. Her achievements reflect her dedication to academic excellence and research in materials science. In addition to her awards, she has actively participated in international conferences, winning recognition for her research presentations. Her commitment to scientific innovation and academic success makes her a strong candidate for research fellowships and prestigious awards. These honors highlight her potential as a leading researcher in the field of energy storage and solid-state ionics.

🔬 Research Focus

Pratiksha Gami’s research is centered on developing NASICON-type solid-state electrolytes for lithium metal batteries. Her work focuses on enhancing ionic conductivity and electrochemical stability to improve battery performance. She has published studies on Y-doped LiZr₂(PO₄)₃ composite electrolytes and mid-entropy NASICON materials. Her research explores the synthesis and structural characterization of solid electrolytes using XRD, FTIR, and SEM techniques. She investigates Li-ion transport mechanisms and interfaces in all-solid-state batteries. Her contributions to the field aim to replace liquid electrolytes with safer, high-performance solid alternatives. She has presented her findings at international conferences, including IMESD 2023 and E2M 2024. Her expertise in material characterization, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and battery assembly makes her a key researcher in energy storage technologies. By optimizing electrolyte compositions, she aims to develop next-generation lithium batteries with improved safety and efficiency for real-world applications.

Conclusion

Pratiksha Gami is a highly promising materials scientist with a strong research record, technical expertise, and academic excellence. Her achievements in solid-state ionics and materials science make her a deserving candidate for the Women Researcher Award. With additional leadership roles and international exposure, she can further elevate her contributions to the field.

Publication 

Ti-Substitution Facilitating Anionic Redox and Cycle Stability in a P2-Type Na₂/₃Mn₂/₃Ni₁/₃O₂ Na-Ion Battery Cathode (2025)

  • Authors: Neha N. Dagar, Samriddhi S. Saxena, Hari Narayanan H.N. Vasavan, Vikram V. Rathee, Sunil Nabanita S.N. Kumar
  • Citation: Energy and Fuels, 2025.

 

Zhiyu Mao | Electrochemical Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zhiyu Mao | Electrochemical Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Associate Researcher at Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics Chinese Academy of Sciences, China

Dr. Zhiyu Mao, Associate Professor at the Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics (CAS), China, is a distinguished researcher specializing in electrochemical energy storage systems and materials. He holds a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Waterloo, Canada, with expertise in lithium-ion batteries, fuel cells, and lead-carbon batteries. His research focuses on developing advanced materials and technologies for energy storage and electric vehicles, leveraging artificial intelligence for battery management systems. With over 9 years of experience in both academia and industry, Dr. Mao has contributed significantly to the development of high-performance electrochemical systems and holds multiple patents.

Profile

Scopus

🎓 Education 

Dr. Zhiyu Mao earned his Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Waterloo, Canada, in 2016. Before that, he completed his M.Sc. in Chemical Engineering at Taiyuan University of Technology, China, in 2011, and his B.Sc. in Materials Chemistry from Inner Mongolia University, China, in 2008. His academic background laid a strong foundation for his career in electrochemical engineering and energy storage technologies.

💼 Experience

Dr. Mao’s professional journey spans academia and industry. He is an Associate Professor at the Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, CAS, and has previously held roles as a Research Scientist at CWZE Power Inc. and Newtech Power Inc., Waterloo, Canada. He has led research projects on advanced battery systems, supervised graduate students, and contributed to the development of innovative technologies for electric vehicles and renewable energy storage. His industry experience includes the design, testing, and commercialization of high-performance lithium-ion and lead-carbon batteries.

🏆 Awards & Honors

Dr. Mao has received several prestigious awards including the Canada Mitacs-Accelerate Award (2017-2019), Doctoral Thesis Completion Award (University of Waterloo, 2016), and the International Doctoral Student Award (University of Waterloo, 2013-2015). He also won the Second Prize for 18650 Lithium-ion Battery R&D from Tianjin Lishen Battery Co., China, in 2012. His recognition reflects his significant contributions to electrochemical energy storage research and development.

🔬 Research Focus

Dr. Mao’s research revolves around electrochemistry, with a particular focus on the development of advanced materials and systems for energy storage, including lithium-ion and lead-carbon batteries. His work also explores the aging processes in batteries, failure mechanisms, and the use of artificial intelligence for battery management systems in electric vehicles. Additionally, Dr. Mao investigates the integration of renewable energy storage into smart energy grids and the optimization of electrochemical systems for enhanced performance and longevity.

🔍Conclusion

Dr. Zhiyu Mao’s outstanding research in electrochemical energy storage, coupled with his leadership in high-impact projects, makes him a prime candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His continuous efforts to advance battery technologies, combined with his academic and industrial experience, position him as a significant contributor to the future of renewable energy and electric vehicle technologies. With further collaboration and commercialization of his innovations, Dr. Mao’s work has the potential to revolutionize energy storage systems globally.

📚Publications 

  1. Significant Enhancement of Electrocatalytic Activity of Nickel-Based Amorphous Zeolite Imidazolate Frameworks for Water Splitting at Elevating Temperatures
    • Authors: Iqbal, M.F., Xu, T., Li, M., Xu, P., Chen, Z.
    • Journal: ACS Applied Energy Materials
    • Volume: 7
    • Issue: 11
    • Pages: 4845–4855
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: 1

 

  1. Optimizing Annealing Treatment of Mesoporous MoO2 Nanoparticles for Enhancement of Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
    • Authors: Iqbal, M.F., Xu, T., Li, M., Zhang, J., Chen, Z.
    • Journal: International Journal of Hydrogen Energy
    • Volume: 61
    • Pages: 377–386
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: 1

 

  1. A Hybrid Deep Learning Approach for Remaining Useful Life Prediction of Lithium-Ion Batteries Based on Discharging Fragments
    • Authors: Liu, Y., Hou, B., Ahmed, M., Feng, J., Chen, Z.
    • Journal: Applied Energy
    • Volume: 358
    • Pages: 122555
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: 6

 

  1. A Review on Iron-Nitride (Fe2N) Based Nanostructures for Electrochemical Energy Storage Applications: Research Progress, and Future Perspectives
    • Authors: Sajjad, M., Zhang, J., Mao, Z., Chen, Z.
    • Journal: Journal of Alloys and Compounds
    • Volume: 976
    • Article: 172626
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: 10

 

  1. Long-Life Lead-Carbon Batteries for Stationary Energy Storage Applications
    • Authors: Sajjad, M., Zhang, J., Zhang, S., Mao, Z., Chen, Z.
    • Journal: Chemical Record
    • Volume: 24
    • Issue: 3
    • Article: e202300315
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: 8

 

Jun Yang | Electrochemical Energy Materials | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jun Yang | Electrochemical Energy Materials | Best Researcher Award 

Assoc. Prof. Dr at Shaanxi University of Science & Technology,  China

Jun Yang is an Associate Professor at Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi’an, China. He specializes in physical chemistry, focusing on electrochemical energy storage and conversion. With over 50 published papers, he has garnered significant recognition in his field, achieving an h-index of 26. Yang completed his Ph.D. at Fudan University and has gained international experience through a postdoctoral fellowship at Hanyang University, Korea. He is known for his innovative research in cathode materials for lithium-ion and sodium-ion batteries, making significant contributions to energy storage technology.

Profile

Scholar

Education 🎓

Jun Yang obtained his Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Heilongjiang University in 2009, where he continued to earn a Master of Science in Inorganic Chemistry in 2012 under Prof. Honggang Fu. He then pursued a Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry at Fudan University, completing his degree in 2016 under the supervision of Prof. Yongyao Xia. His academic journey reflects a strong foundation in chemistry and materials science, paving the way for his research contributions in energy storage systems.

Experience 💼

Yang has been an Associate Professor at Shaanxi University of Science and Technology since 2016, focusing on materials science and engineering. He held a postdoctoral fellowship at Hanyang University in Korea from 2022 to 2023, working under Prof. Yang-Kook Sun. His role at the university involves teaching, mentoring students, and leading research projects in electrochemical energy storage. With extensive research experience, he has contributed to various national and international collaborations, enhancing his expertise in battery materials and applications.

Awards and Honors 🏆

Jun Yang has received numerous accolades throughout his career. He was recognized as a High-level Young Talent in Shaanxi Province in 2017 and received the Excellent Young Talent award from Shaanxi University of Science and Technology in 2016. His Master’s dissertation was honored as Excellent in Heilongjiang Province in 2012. Yang also earned the Excellent Poster Prize at the 6th Sino-US Nano Forum in 2011 and was appointed as the guest editor for the journal Energies in 2023, reflecting his esteemed position in the academic community.

Research Focus 🔬

Jun Yang’s research focuses on electrochemical energy storage and conversion, particularly in developing cathode materials for lithium-ion and sodium-ion batteries. He explores electrocatalysts for water splitting and fuel cells, aiming to enhance energy efficiency and storage capabilities. His current projects include investigating the phase transition behavior and sodium storage mechanisms of layered oxide cathodes. Yang’s work aims to address challenges in energy storage technology, contributing to sustainable energy solutions for the future.

Conclusion

Associate Professor Jun Yang is a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to his innovative research, significant contributions to the field of materials science, and his leadership within the academic community. His strengths, particularly in publication and funding, underline his potential for future impact. By addressing areas for improvement, such as enhancing collaborative networks and engaging in public outreach, he can further elevate his contributions and influence in the scientific community. Yang’s dedication to advancing energy storage technologies positions him as a leader in the field, deserving of recognition and support through such awards.

Publications Top Notes

    1. Ni-Rich Layered Cathodes for Lithium-Ion Batteries: From Challenges to the Future
      Jun Yang, Xing-hui Liang, Hoon-Heen Ryu, Chong S. Yoon, Yang-Kook Sun
      Energy Storage Materials, 2023, 63, 102969.
      (Cover Paper)
    1. Interstitial Hydrogen Atom to Boost Intrinsic Catalytic Activity of Tungsten Oxide for Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
      Jun Yang, Yifan Cao, Shuyu Zhang, Qingwen Shi, Siyu Chen, Shengcai Zhu, Yunsong Li, Jianfeng Huang
      Small, 2023, 19(29), 2207295.
      (Cover Paper)
    1. Spinel-Layered Intergrowth Composite Cathode for Sodium-Ion Batteries
      Manjing Tang, Jun Yang, Hao Liu, Xueying Chen, Luo Kong, Zhanwei Xu, Jianfeng Huang, Yongyao Xia
      ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, 2020, 12, 45997.
    1. O₃-Type Layered Ni-Rich Oxide: A High-Capacity and Superior-Rate Cathode for Sodium-Ion Batteries
      Jun Yang, Manjing Tang, Hao Liu, Xueying Chen, Zhanwei Xu, Jianfeng Huang, Yongyao Xia
      Small, 2019, 201905311.
    1. Overall Structural Modification of Layered Ni-Rich Cathode for Enhanced Cycling Stability and Rate Capability at High Voltage
      Manjing Tang, Jun Yang, Nantao Chen, Shengcai Zhu, Xing Wang, Tian Wang, Congcong Zhang, Yongyao Xia
      Journal of Materials Chemistry A, 2019, 7, 6080-6089.