Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jun Gu | Hydrogen Fuel Cell | Best Researcher Award

Nanjing University, China.

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🎓Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Gu Jun, PhD, began his academic journey with a deep curiosity for electrochemical energy systems and renewable energy conversion technologies. His early research training was centered on the fundamentals of electrochemistry, materials science, and catalysis, which formed the basis of his lifelong interest in sustainable energy innovation. During his doctoral studies, he focused on understanding proton exchange membrane (PEM) systems and hydrogen energy conversion, emphasizing material design and reaction efficiency improvement. His rigorous scientific foundation, coupled with practical exposure to laboratory research, enabled him to establish a solid footing in the interdisciplinary field of fuel cells and hydrogen production technologies.

Through his early years, Dr. Gu showcased a passion for bridging theoretical insight with engineering application—an approach that would later define his professional career. His academic excellence and innovative mindset positioned him as a promising researcher capable of translating scientific discovery into real-world energy solutions.

🔬 Professional Endeavors

As a Senior Researcher, Dr. Gu Jun has led numerous projects and research teams dedicated to the advancement of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs), hydrogen production systems, and electrochemical energy conversion devices. His areas of expertise include PEM fuel cell catalysts, porous gas diffusion layers, membrane electrodes, flow field plates, and stack and system integration.

Dr. Gu has successfully presided over several high-impact national and provincial projects, including the National 863 Program, Jiangsu Province Industrial Support Projects, Industry-University-Research Cooperation Projects, Dual-Carbon Key Projects of Jiangsu Province, and National Key R&D Programs. These large-scale initiatives demonstrate his leadership in advancing China’s clean energy and hydrogen economy.

He has also been deeply involved in standardization work, serving as a Member of the National Technical Committee for Standardization of Fuel Cells and Flow Batteries (SAC/TC342). Additionally, he acts as Deputy Director of the Hydrogen Energy Professional Committee of the Jiangsu Renewable Energy Society, where he contributes to guiding national strategies and industrial policies related to hydrogen energy and renewable integration.

⚗️ Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Gu Jun’s scientific contributions are extensive and impactful. His research spans the full value chain of PEM fuel cell technology—from catalyst design and electrode fabrication to system-level integration and performance optimization. He has published nearly 70 SCI-indexed papers in reputable international and domestic journals, showcasing innovative advancements in electrochemical materials and systems.

Some of his notable publications include:

• “Enhancing carrier collection in CsPbBr3 solar cells through crystal orientation and defect passivation”, Applied Physics Letters (2024).

• “Enhancing the durability of the oxygen reduction reaction catalyst through improved graphitization and nitrogen doping”, International Journal of Hydrogen Energy (2024).

• “Preparation of mesoporous carbon with adjustable diameter and pore size”, Diamond and Related Materials (2022).

• “High Oxygen Reduction Activity of Pt-Ni Alloy Catalyst for Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells”, Catalysts (2022).

Dr. Gu has also applied for 75 national patents, with 56 invention patents and 30 authorized patents, underscoring his exceptional innovation capacity. His developments, such as portable fuel cell systems, fuel cell testers, and low-speed micro electric vehicle fuel cell systems, have achieved wide recognition and practical application.

🏅 Accolades and Recognition

Dr. Gu Jun’s inventive work has earned multiple national and international honors. His “Portable Fuel Cell System” received the Gold Medal at the 7th International Invention Exhibition, while his “Fuel Cell System for Low-Speed Micro Electric Vehicles” was awarded the Gold Medal at the 14th China International Invention Exhibition.

He also developed the “Wind-Solar Complementary Landscape Light”, which won the Second Prize at the 7th International Invention Exhibition, and the “Characteristics Tester”, which secured First Prize during the 11th National College Physics Experiment Teaching Seminar. In recognition of his leadership and dedication, he was honored as an Advanced Individual of the Energy Society in 2022.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Dr. Gu’s influence extends beyond academia into industrial innovation and policy formulation. His work in hydrogen energy systems directly supports China’s “dual-carbon” strategy—aiming for carbon peaking and neutrality. By leading multi-sectoral collaborations between universities, industries, and government programs, he has accelerated the deployment of hydrogen-based energy technologies and strengthened China’s presence in the global clean energy landscape.

His active participation in standardization committees also contributes to shaping national fuel cell and flow battery standards, ensuring the safe, efficient, and sustainable development of these technologies.

🚀 Legacy and Future Contributions

With a rich portfolio of research achievements and technological innovations, Dr. Gu Jun continues to advance the frontiers of electrochemical energy conversion. His ongoing work focuses on enhancing the efficiency, durability, and scalability of PEM fuel cells and hydrogen production systems. Looking ahead, he aims to deepen international collaboration, promote green hydrogen industrialization, and mentor the next generation of researchers in sustainable energy science.

📚 Selected Publications

Enhancing carrier collection in CsPbBr₃ solar cells through crystal orientation and defect passivation

Authors: H. Dong, Z. Wang, Q. Zhang, Z. Zhang, Z. Zhu, X. Han, J. Gu, X. Wang, J. Yang, T. Yu, C. Bao, Z. Zou

Journal: Applied Physics Letters, 2024, Vol. 124, Article 173903

Enhance the durability of the oxygen reduction reaction catalyst through the synergy of improved graphitization and nitrogen doping of carbon carrier

Authors: S. Zhu, Y. Huang, T. Yu, Y. Lei, X. Zhu, T. Yang, J. Gu, C. Wang

Journal: International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, 2024, Vol. 51, Pages 956–965

Preparation of mesoporous carbon with adjustable diameter and pore size

Authors: Y. Huang, J. Gu, Y. Hu, Y. Lei, T. Yu, C. Wang

Journal: Diamond and Related Materials, 2022, Vol. 130, Article 109515

High Oxygen Reduction Activity of Pt-Ni Alloy Catalyst for Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells

Authors: J. Gu, G. Zhang, R. Yao, T. Yu, M. Han, R. Huang

Journal: Catalysts, 2022, Vol. 12, Article 250