Fen Wang – Heterogeneous Catalysis – Best Researcher Award 

Published on by AMO Physics

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Fen Wang embarked on her academic journey in 2009 at Fuyang Normal University, majoring in Applied Chemistry. She demonstrated strong academic potential early on, which led her to pursue a Ph.D. in Industrial Catalysis at the prestigious Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, in collaboration with Xiamen University. Under the mentorship of renowned scholars Weizhen Li, Yong Wang, and Binghui Chen, she conducted impactful research that laid a strong foundation for her future focus on Heterogeneous Catalysis. Her doctoral studies (2013–2019) were marked by rigorous training in catalytic materials and advanced reaction systems.

💼 Professional Endeavors

Dr. Fen Wang began her academic career as a Lecturer at Anhui University of Science and Technology in November 2019. Her exemplary performance in both teaching and research earned her promotion to Associate Professor in December 2024. Over the years, she has independently led numerous national and provincial-level research projects, focusing primarily on Heterogeneous Catalysis, particularly in the catalytic oxidation of VOCs and the partial oxidation of methane. Her academic contributions extend beyond the lab, as she also actively presents her findings at conferences and contributes as a journal reviewer, notably for Applied Catalysis B: Environmental.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Wang's research centers around the development of nano, sub-nano, and single-atom catalytic materials for Heterogeneous Catalysis. She specializes in spinel-type catalysts and their application in the oxidation of pollutants such as formaldehyde, toluene, and carbon monoxide. Her studies on the catalytic combustion of methane and partial oxidation to syngas have led to significant advancements in sustainable energy and environmental remediation. She has also demonstrated expertise in synthesizing atomically dispersed noble metal catalysts, as well as evaluating catalyst performance using advanced instrumental techniques including XRD, XPS, TEM, and TPD.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Fen Wang has quickly become a leading figure in Heterogeneous Catalysis, especially in the domain of VOCs and methane oxidation. Her multidisciplinary approach blending chemistry, materials science, and environmental engineering has had a profound impact on the field. She is recognized for her ability to bridge fundamental research with industrial applications, contributing directly to cleaner technologies and sustainable practices. Her methodological rigor and innovative catalyst designs have influenced both academic and applied research communities in China and beyond.

🏆Academic Cites

Dr. Wang’s scholarly work has been cited in respected international journals, underscoring the high relevance and credibility of her contributions to Heterogeneous Catalysis. Her co-authored works, such as the long-life Pt/MgAl₂O₄ catalyst for methane reforming, are frequently referenced by peers. Her growing citation profile is a testament to the originality and practical significance of her research in catalytic materials and pollutant conversion technologies.

🌟 Legacy and Future Contributions

Looking ahead, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Fen Wang is poised to continue shaping the future of Heterogeneous Catalysis. With several ongoing projects funded by national and provincial agencies, she is focused on refining catalyst structures at the atomic level and improving the efficiency of pollutant conversion processes. Her legacy is being built not only through her impactful research but also through her dedication to mentoring students and young researchers. As environmental concerns grow globally, her expertise in catalytic oxidation and green chemistry will remain essential in designing next-generation sustainable technologies.

📘Heterogeneous Catalysis

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Fen Wang’s pioneering research in Heterogeneous Catalysis focuses on nano and atomically dispersed catalytic materials, particularly for VOC oxidation and methane reforming. Her work in Heterogeneous Catalysis combines advanced material synthesis with environmental engineering, significantly impacting green technology development. The scientific community increasingly relies on her insights and novel approaches to solve real-world challenges through Heterogeneous Catalysis.

✍️ Notable Publication

1️⃣ Promoting effect of Pt on the activity and stability of Pd/MgFe₂O₄ for catalytic combustion of methane

Journal: Journal of the Energy Institute

Authors: Fen Wang, Yao Ouyang, Xiumiao Yang

Date: October 2023

2️⃣ Enhanced reactivity of methane combustion over Si-modified MgAl₂O₄ supported PdO catalysts

Journal: Journal of the Energy Institute

Authors: Fen Wang, Xiumiao Yang, Jingcai Zhang

Date: February 2023

3️⃣ Coke-resistant Au–Ni/MgAl₂O₄ catalyst for direct methanation of syngas

Journal: Journal of Energy Chemistry

Authors: Fen Wang, Jing-Cai Zhang, Wei-Zhen Li, Binghui Chen

Date: December 2019

4️⃣ Water-saving dry methanation for direct conversion of syngas to synthetic natural gas over robust Ni₀.₁Mg₀.₉Al₂O₄ catalyst

Journal: Journal of Catalysis

Authors: Fen Wang, Jing-Cai Zhang, Zhi-Qiang Chen, Jing-Dong Lin, Wei-Zhen Li, Yong Wang, Bing-Hui Chen

Date: July 2019

5️⃣ Crucial support effect on the durability of Pt/MgAl₂O₄ for partial oxidation of methane to syngas

Journal: Applied Catalysis B: Environmental

Authors: Fen Wang, Wei-Zhen Li, Jing-Dong Lin, Zhi-Qiang Chen, Yong Wang

Date: September 2018

Sumati Patil | Surface Science | Best Researcher Award 

Published on by AMO Physics

Dr. Sumati Patil | Surface Science | Best Researcher Award 

CNR - Istituto Officina dei Materiali (IOM) | Italy

AUTHOR PROFILE

EARLY ACADEMIC PURSUITS

Dr. Sumati Patil embarked on her academic journey with a B.Sc. in Physics Honours from SP Pune University, where she achieved an impressive 93% and was the university subject topper, graduating in 2006. She continued her studies at SP Pune University, earning an M.Sc. in Physics with a specialization in Material Science in 2008. Her master's thesis focused on the "Study of Imaging Parameters and Noise in Scanning Tunneling Microscope (STM) of Nanoparticles," earning a grade of 3.8/6. Dr. Patil's academic prowess culminated in a Ph.D. in Physics from the Department of Physics at SP Pune University in 2014, with a thesis titled "Development of Scanning Tunneling Microscopic Techniques for the Investigation of Nanostructures: Imaging, Electron Transport, Tunneling Spectroscopy."

PROFESSIONAL ENDEAVORS

Dr. Patil's professional career is marked by a series of prestigious research positions. She currently serves as a Fixed Term Scientist at CNR – Istituto Officina dei Materiali (IOM) in Trieste, Italy, where her research focuses on 2D Materials, Graphene, Surface Science, and Scanning Tunneling Microscopy. Prior to this role, she was an ICTP-TRIL Fellow at the International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP) in collaboration with CNR-IOM from December 2021 to March 2024. Her research activities included optimizing deposition parameters of elemental Boron, characterizing Boron doped graphene, and probing interactions of various molecules with graphene and metal surfaces using Low-temperature Scanning Tunneling Microscopy. From January 2020 to March 2021, she held another ICTP-TRIL Fellowship, where she focused on similar research themes.

Dr. Patil's earlier roles include a postdoctoral researcher position at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in Bengaluru, India, where she worked from April 2019 to August 2019. Her research involved designing a point contact spectroscopy setup, lithography, and device formation of van der Waals heterostructures. From December 2016 to April 2019, she was a UGC’s Dr. D. S. Kothari postdoctoral fellow at the Solid State and Structural Chemistry Unit, IISc, focusing on 2D Materials, Transition Metal Dichalcogenides, Heterostructures, Topological Insulators, and Surface Science.

CONTRIBUTIONS AND RESEARCH FOCUS

Dr. Patil's contributions to the field of Surface Science are substantial. Her research on 2D materials, graphene, and scanning tunneling microscopy has led to significant advancements in understanding the properties and behaviors of nanostructures. She has optimized deposition techniques for elemental Boron, characterized doped graphene, and investigated molecular interactions on metal surfaces, all using advanced microscopy techniques. Her work on van der Waals heterostructures and topological insulators has further expanded the knowledge base in Surface Science.

CITATIONS

  • Citations  126
  • h-index     07
  • i10-index  05

IMPACT AND INFLUENCE

Dr. Patil's research has had a profound impact on the field of Surface Science. Her work has contributed to the development of new materials and techniques for investigating nanostructures, influencing both academic research and practical applications. Her studies on the interaction of molecules with graphene and metal surfaces have implications for the development of advanced electronic devices and materials.

ACADEMIC CITATIONS

Throughout her career, Dr. Patil has produced numerous research publications that have been widely cited in academic literature. Her work on 2D materials, graphene, and scanning tunneling microscopy is recognized for its rigor and innovation. Her research findings are frequently referenced by other scholars in the field of Surface Science, underscoring her contributions to the scientific community.

LEGACY AND FUTURE CONTRIBUTIONS

Dr. Sumati Patil's legacy in Surface Science is marked by her pioneering research and dedication to advancing the field. As she continues her work at CNR – Istituto Officina dei Materiali, her future contributions are expected to further our understanding of 2D materials and nanostructures. Her research will likely continue to influence the development of new technologies and materials, cementing her status as a leading scientist in Surface Science.

SURFACE SCIENCE 

Dr. Patil's expertise and contributions to Surface Science have significantly advanced the understanding of 2D materials, graphene, and nanostructures. Her innovative research approaches in Surface Science involve the use of scanning tunneling microscopy to explore molecular interactions and material properties. The future of Surface Science looks promising with her continued dedication and groundbreaking research in the field.

NOTABLE PUBLICATION