Meng Yao | High-Barrier Materials | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Meng Yao | High-Barrier Materials | Best Researcher Award

Qingdao University of Science and Technology | China

Author Profile

Scopus

Early Academic Pursuits

Prof. Meng Yao began his academic journey with a Ph.D. in Engineering from the prestigious State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, Dalian University of Technology. During his doctoral training, he developed a strong foundation in chemical engineering and advanced materials research, which set the stage for his future academic career. His early academic pursuits reflect a consistent commitment to exploring the interface of chemistry, engineering, and material sciences, ensuring a solid platform for impactful research contributions.

Professional Endeavors

In 2019, Prof. Yao joined the College of Chemical Engineering at Qingdao University of Science and Technology as a Tier-5 recruited talent. Currently serving as the Director of the Teaching and Research Office and as a Master’s Supervisor, he actively contributes to both academic leadership and student mentorship. His professional journey is marked by a blend of administrative excellence, research supervision, and innovative academic program development, particularly within graduate programs in Chemical Engineering, Light Chemical Engineering, and Materials Science and Engineering.

Contributions and Research Focus

Prof. Yao’s research contributions primarily center on biomass-based functional materials and biomimetic structurally colored materials, with applications in high-performance packaging, optical anti-counterfeiting, and advanced photonic structures. He has published over 20 SCI-indexed papers in high-impact journals, including Advanced Functional Materials, Chemical Engineering Journal, and ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces. Additionally, his innovative work has resulted in 2 granted invention patents. His research reflects a forward-looking approach, bridging sustainability, functionality, and cutting-edge material design.

Impact and Influence

Beyond his publications, Prof. Yao’s influence extends to the wider scientific community. He serves as a Youth Committee Member of the Fine Chemicals Professional Committee of the Chemical Industry and Engineering Society of China (CIESC), where he contributes to advancing the field of chemical engineering at a national level. His role as a mentor in national innovation and entrepreneurship programs further amplifies his impact, nurturing the next generation of researchers and innovators.

Academic Citations

Prof. Yao’s publications in Q1 journals with high impact factors-some exceeding IF 19-demonstrate the visibility and relevance of his research within the international scientific community. Several of his works have been highlighted in journal features and professional press reports, reflecting both academic recognition and practical importance. His scholarship is widely cited, particularly in areas such as sustainable materials, functional films, and photonic crystal technologies.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Prof. Yao’s academic legacy is being shaped by his dual commitment to advancing sustainable material solutions and training future scholars. His pioneering work in stimulus-responsive photonic crystals and biomimetic starch composite films lays the groundwork for transformative applications in security, food packaging, and green technologies. Looking forward, his contributions are poised to influence both academia and industry, aligning with global efforts toward sustainability, functional innovation, and environmentally conscious engineering solutions.

Conclusion

In summary, Prof. Meng Yao exemplifies the qualities of a distinguished researcher whose academic pursuits, professional leadership, and impactful research make him a strong candidate for recognition such as the Best Researcher Award. His ability to bridge fundamental science with practical applications, combined with his mentorship and service to the academic community, ensures that his influence will continue to grow, leaving a lasting legacy in chemical engineering and materials science.

Notable Publications

"High barrier paper-based materials with optical anti-counterfeiting performance." 

  • Author: Jiang Y, Tu W, Ma J, Wang W, Cheng H, Zhang X, Meng Y
  • Journal: Progress in Organic Coatings
  • Year: 2025

"Manipulation of random laser by the bandgap in three-dimensional SiO2 photonic crystals" 

  • Author: Lv H, Shi B, Zhang Y, Guo J, Meng Y, Wang X.
  • Journal: Journal of Luminescence
  • Year: 2024

"A novel paper-based composite film with enhanced oxygen and water vapor barrier properties." 

  • Author: Chen X, Xiao B, Yang Y, Jiang Y, Song X, Chen F, Wang W, Wu J, Meng Y
  • Journal: Progress in Organic Coatings
  • Year: 2024

"Biomimetic Robust Starch Composite Films with Super-Hydrophobicity and Vivid Structural Colors. " 

  • Author: Wang Y, Fan J, Zhao H, Song X, Ji Z, Xie C, Chen F, Meng Y.
  • Journal: International Journal of Molecular Sciences
  • Year: 2023

"The Flotation Separation of Chalcopyrite and Galena: Crystal, Surface, Floatability and Reagents" 

  • Author: Zhang X, Zhu Y, Mkhonto PP, Meng Y, McFadzean B, Ngoepe PE, O’Connor C.
  • Journal: Separation & Purification Reviews
  • Year: 2023

 

Hebat-Allah S. Tohamy | Recycling and sustanability | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Hebat-Allah S. Tohamy | Recycling and sustanability | Best Researcher Award

Researcher, at  National Research Centre,  Egypt 📖

Dr. Hebat-Allah Tohamy is an accomplished organic chemist and researcher specializing in the development of sustainable, high-performance materials from agricultural waste. With over a decade of research experience at the National Research Center, she has spearheaded projects in water treatment, drug delivery, and environmental remediation. Dr. Tohamy has been recognized for her innovative M.Sc. thesis by the National Research Centre and has been featured on Egyptian television for her work in agricultural waste valorization. She actively shares her insights through conferences, webinars, and scientific collaborations worldwide, contributing to the advancement of sustainable technologies.

Profile

Scopus Profile

Orcid Profile

Education Background🎓

Dr. Hebat-Allah Tohamy holds a Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry from Helwan University (2020), where she focused on the Preparation, characterization, and applications of carbon allotropes derived from agricultural wastes. Her doctoral research underscores her commitment to sustainable chemistry, specifically in transforming agricultural residues into valuable carbon-based materials. Prior to her Ph.D., Dr. Tohamy earned her M.Sc. in Organic Chemistry from Helwan University in 2017, with a thesis centered on cellulose-based amphiphilic materials. This work laid the groundwork for her expertise in cellulose chemistry and nanomaterials. Dr. Tohamy completed her undergraduate studies at Helwan University, graduating in 2011 with a B.Sc. in Chemistry and Biochemistry, where she achieved top honors, ranking within the best ten students in her cohort. Additionally, she has expanded her expertise through scientific missions to Prague, Czech Republic, in 2019, 2022, and 2023, further enriching her knowledge in international research environments.

Professional Development🌱

Dr. Tohamy is a seasoned researcher at the National Research Center (NRC) in Cairo, where she has contributed significantly to the Cellulose and Paper Department since 2012. Her expertise spans cellulose chemistry, agricultural waste recycling, and nanotechnology, with a focus on developing sustainable materials for applications in water treatment, drug delivery, and environmental remediation. She has an extensive background in materials characterization, including techniques such as XRD, TEM, SEM, IR, TGA&DTA, DSC, Raman spectroscopy, UV, VSM, and fluorescence spectroscopy.

Her work emphasizes the transformation of agro-wastes into high-value materials like graphene oxide, carbon nanotubes, carbon quantum dots, and amphiphilic polymers. She is skilled in designing pH- and thermo-responsive hydrogels, adsorption materials, and sensors for waste contaminant detection. Dr. Tohamy has demonstrated her capabilities in scientific research, laboratory work, and project management on multiple national and international research collaborations.

Research Interests🔬

Dr. Tohamy’s research focuses on sustainable materials development through the recycling of agricultural wastes, particularly in synthesizing cellulose-based and carbon-based nanomaterials. Her work is centered around applications in water treatment, drug delivery, and environmental safety. Key areas of interest include:

  • Cellulose chemistry and hydrogels
  • Carbon-based materials like graphene oxide and carbon nanotubes
  • Kinetics and thermal analysis
  • Responsive polymers for medical and industrial applications
  • Material characterization and nanotechnology

Author Metrics

Dr. Hebat-Allah Tohamy is a recognized researcher with a solid impact in the field of organic chemistry and materials science, as reflected in her author metrics. She holds an h-index of 15, demonstrating her work’s high citation rate and influence in advancing sustainable material applications and waste valorization. Dr. Tohamy’s contributions to scientific literature are cataloged on platforms like Scopus and ORCID, where her publications in reputable journals are consistently cited by peers worldwide. Her research spans a range of innovative applications, from nanomaterials to environmental and pharmaceutical applications, underscoring her authority and continued engagement in impactful research.

Publications Top Notes📄

  1. “Fullerenes and tree-shaped/fingerprinted carbon quantum dots for chromium adsorption via microwave-assisted synthesis”
    • Journal: RSC Advances
    • Publication Year: 2024
    • DOI: 10.1039/D4RA04527K
    • Contributors: Hebat-Allah S. Tohamy, Mohamed El-Sakhawy, Samir Kamel
    • Summary: This study explores the synthesis of fullerenes and uniquely structured carbon quantum dots (tree-shaped and fingerprinted) using microwave-assisted techniques for the adsorption of chromium, a critical environmental contaminant.
  2. “Application of electrospun N-doped carbon dots loaded cellulose acetate membranes as cationic dyes adsorbent”
    • Journal: Journal of Environmental Management
    • Publication Date: November 2024
    • DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.122714
    • Contributors: Stefania Mottola, Gianluca Viscusi, Hebat-Allah S. Tohamy, Mohamed El-Sakhawy, Giuliana Gorrasi, Iolanda De Marco
    • Summary: The article reports on the development of electrospun cellulose acetate membranes enhanced with nitrogen-doped carbon dots, designed for the adsorption of cationic dyes, showcasing potential for water purification applications.
  3. “Development and characterization of fluorescent cellulose succinate hydrogels for efficient chromium adsorption”
    • Journal: Journal of Polymer Research
    • Publication Date: November 2024
    • DOI: 10.1007/s10965-024-04164-4
    • Contributors: Hebat-Allah S. Tohamy, Mohamed El-Sakhawy, Beata Strachota, Silvia Mares Barbosa, Adam Strachota, Samir Kamel
    • Summary: This research focuses on creating fluorescent cellulose succinate hydrogels, demonstrating their efficacy for chromium ion adsorption, and highlighting their potential use in environmental cleanup.
  4. “Antimicrobial Plectranthus amboinicus emulsions prepared with amphiphilic cellulose stearate”
    • Journal: Euro-Mediterranean Journal for Environmental Integration
    • Publication Date: November 5, 2024
    • DOI: 10.1007/s41207-024-00675-0
    • Contributors: Hebat-Allah S. Tohamy, Mohamed El-Sakhawy, Sally A. Abdel-Halim, Hossam M. El-Masry, Mona Mohamed AbdelMohsen
    • Summary: The study investigates the preparation of antimicrobial emulsions using amphiphilic cellulose stearate and extracts from Plectranthus amboinicus, aiming to develop eco-friendly antimicrobial solutions.
  5. “Novel, Speedy, and Eco-Friendly Carboxymethyl Cellulose-Nitrogen Doped Carbon Dots Biosensors with DFT Calculations, Molecular Docking, and Experimental Validation”
    • Journal: Gels
    • Publication Date: October 24, 2024
    • DOI: 10.3390/gels10110686
    • Contributors: Hebat-Allah S. Tohamy
    • Summary: This publication introduces a fast, eco-friendly biosensor based on carboxymethyl cellulose and nitrogen-doped carbon dots. The study includes density functional theory (DFT) calculations, molecular docking, and experimental validation, providing insights into the sensor’s efficiency and accuracy.

Conclusion

Dr. Hebat-Allah S. Tohamy’s work aligns exceptionally well with the core goals of sustainability and environmental stewardship. Her contributions to developing eco-friendly materials from agricultural waste, as well as her significant publication record and respected standing in the field, present a compelling case for her as a deserving recipient of the Best Researcher Award. With further expansion of her research focus and international collaboration, Dr. Tohamy’s contributions are likely to continue growing in impact, making her a fitting and influential leader in her field.