Assoc. Prof. Dr. Qihao Yang | Cluster | Outstanding Scientist Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Qihao Yang, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, CAS, China

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Qihao Yang is an accomplished materials chemist at the Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering (NIMTE), Chinese Academy of Sciences. He holds a Ph.D. in Inorganic Chemistry from the University of Science and Technology of China. His research focuses on sub-nanometer catalysts, low-concentration CO₂ utilization, and electrocatalytic two-electron oxygen reduction reactions. Dr. Yang has authored high-impact papers in Advanced Materials, Nature Communications, and Angewandte Chemie, and has received multiple honors, including the YouthTorrent Talent (2024) and CAS Youth Innovation Promotion Association membership (2023).

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🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Qihao Yang began his academic journey in Chemistry at Zhejiang Normal University, where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in 2014. Demonstrating strong research potential early in his career, he advanced to pursue a Ph.D. in Inorganic Chemistry at the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC)—one of the country’s most prestigious research institutions. During his doctoral studies (2014–2019), he was mentored by eminent scientists and delved deep into advanced materials chemistry, laying the groundwork for his later innovations in catalyst design and environmental applications.

🧪 Professional Endeavors and Research Focus

Dr. Yang joined NIMTE in July 2019 as a Distinguished Young Research Fellow, and by 2023, he had risen to the rank of Associate Research Fellow. His research lies at the intersection of catalysis, materials science, and sustainable chemistry. He specializes in:

• Sub-nanometer catalysts: Designing and tailoring ultra-small catalytic systems with precise atomic control for enhanced reactivity and selectivity.

• Low-concentration CO₂ capture and utilization: Developing efficient systems to not only capture but also convert CO₂ into value-added chemicals, contributing to carbon neutrality.

• Electrocatalytic two-electron oxygen reduction reaction (2e⁻-ORR): A promising approach for sustainable hydrogen peroxide production, offering alternatives to traditional industrial routes.

His research has garnered attention for its innovation and applicability, with results published in top-tier journals such as Advanced Materials, Nature Communications, Angewandte Chemie, Chemical Society Reviews, and Nano Letters.

🏅 Accolades and Recognition

Dr. Yang’s academic excellence and innovative work have been recognized with numerous prestigious awards:

• YouthTorrent Talent at NIMTE (2024) – acknowledging his leadership in cutting-edge research.

• Member of the Youth Innovation Promotion Association, CAS (2023) – a highly competitive program that supports promising young researchers.

• Ningbo Yongjiang Talent Program (2022) – recognition of his talent and potential to contribute to regional scientific development.

• Science Research Famous Achievement Award in Higher Institutions (2021) – recognizing his impactful research (ranked 3rd).

• Ningbo Natural Science Excellent Paper Award (2021) – for outstanding scholarly publications (ranked 1st).

• Special Prize of the Presidential Scholarship, Chinese Academy of Sciences (2019) – the highest honor for doctoral students in the CAS system.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Dr. Yang’s work addresses urgent challenges such as climate change, clean energy, and sustainable chemical production. His innovative sub-nanometer catalyst designs have pushed the boundaries of selectivity and efficiency in electrocatalysis, offering more sustainable alternatives to traditional catalytic processes. Moreover, his efforts in CO₂ utilization help in transforming greenhouse gas emissions into economic resources, aligning with global goals of carbon neutrality and environmental protection.

His publications not only contribute to scientific knowledge but also act as a springboard for future industrial applications in green chemistry and advanced manufacturing.

🤝 Leadership and Collaboration in Research

As a corresponding author on several multi-author studies, Dr. Yang exemplifies scientific leadership. He actively collaborates with internationally renowned scientists such as Prof. Zhiyi Lu, Liang Chen, and Sheng Dai, among others. His ability to lead interdisciplinary teams and mentor young researchers has further amplified the impact of his work.

He also plays a pivotal role in research programs at NIMTE, contributing to national strategies in material innovation and sustainable development. His collaborative ethos and strategic vision foster a research environment that emphasizes both academic rigor and practical outcomes.

🌟 Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Yang’s work not only addresses present scientific questions but also paves the way for long-term solutions to environmental and energy issues. His innovations in catalyst technology hold the potential to revolutionize CO₂ conversion technologies, hydrogen peroxide production, and electrochemical systems used in clean energy storage and conversion.

Looking ahead, his research is expected to make significant contributions to green industrial chemistry, smart manufacturing, and low-carbon energy technologies. He is also poised to mentor the next generation of chemists, nurturing a culture of scientific excellence.

✍️Publication Top Notes

📘 Metal–organic frameworks meet metal nanoparticles: synergistic effect for enhanced catalysis