Sun-Dong Kim | Water Electrolysis | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Sun-Dong Kim | Water Electrolysis | Best Researcher Award

Chief at Korea Institute of Energy Research | South Korea

Dr. Sun-Dong Kim is a distinguished materials scientist from the Republic of Korea, renowned for his expertise in ceramic engineering, fuel cell systems, and clean hydrogen technologies. He obtained both his bachelor’s and doctoral degrees in Ceramic Engineering from Yonsei University, Seoul. Dr. Kim began his professional career as a Principal Researcher at Hyundai Motor Corporation and later joined the Korea Institute of Energy Research (KIER), where he currently serves as Chief and Head of the National Hydrogen Hub Laboratory. He has also contributed to academia as an Associate Professor at the University of Science and Technology and serves on the Board of Directors of the Korean Hydrogen & New Energy Society. With 47 Scopus-indexed publications and 1,505 citations, Dr. Kim holds an h-index of 22, reflecting his strong influence in the field of solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOECs), solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs), and high-temperature electrochemical systems. His work has appeared in top-tier journals such as Journal of Power Sources, Ceramics International, and Applied Energy. Beyond publications, Dr. Kim has been a key innovator in energy materials, contributing to over 70 patents in hydrogen production, electrochemical device engineering, and advanced fuel cell technologies, solidifying his leadership in advancing clean and sustainable hydrogen manufacturing research.

Profile: Scopus | ORCID | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Kim, S. D., Hyun, S. H., Shin, M. Y., Lim, T. H., Hong, S. A., & Lim, H. C. (2005). Phase and microstructure stabilities of LiAlO₂ in molten Li/Na carbonate for molten carbonate fuel cells. Journal of Power Sources, 143(1–2), 24–29. Cited by 28 documents.

Hong, G., Kim, T. W., Kwak, M. J., Song, J., Choi, Y., Woo, S. K., & Kim, S. D. (2020). Composite electrodes of Ti-doped SrFeO₃–δ and LSGMZ electrolytes as both the anode and cathode in symmetric solid oxide fuel cells. Journal of Alloys and Compounds, 846, 156154. Cited by 27 documents.

Choi, H. J., Na, Y. H., Kwak, M., Kim, T. W., Seo, D. W., Woo, S. K., & Kim, S. D. (2017). Development of solid oxide cells by co-sintering of GDC diffusion barriers with LSCF air electrode. Ceramics International, 43(16), 13653–13660. Cited by 26 documents.

Choi, H. J., Kim, T. W., Na, Y. H., Seo, D. W., Woo, S. K., Huh, J. Y., & Kim, S. D. (2018). Enhanced electrochemical performance of metal-supported solid oxide fuel cells via an inner coating of Gd₀.₁Ce₀.₉O₂–δ nanosol in the porous NiFe-metal support. Journal of Power Sources, 406, 81–87. Cited by 25 documents.

Kim, S. D., Hyun, S. H., Lim, T. H., & Hong, S. A. (2004). Effective fabrication method of rod-shaped γ-LiAlO₂ particles for molten carbonate fuel cell matrices. Journal of Power Sources, 137(1), 24–29. Cited by 21 documents.

Xiaomi Zhou | Hydrogen Energy | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Xiaomi Zhou | Hydrogen Energy | Best Researcher Award

Doctor at Jining University | China

Dr. Xiaomi Zhou is a distinguished faculty member at the School of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Jining University, whose research centers on next-generation energy materials and solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). She has made notable contributions to the field through the development of molten hydroxide-based electrolytes that enable efficient operation at low temperatures, addressing one of the major limitations in traditional SOFC systems. Her innovative work on molten aluminum hydroxide (Al(OH)₃) as a high-performance electrolyte led to the creation of a bilayer structure (Al(OH)₃/SrTiO₃), facilitating superior proton conduction through a dynamic hydrogen-bonding network. Dr. Zhou’s research, supported by the Hundred Outstanding Talent Program of Jining University, has been published in leading international journals such as Ceramics International, where her paper “Molten Al(OH)₃ as an Innovative Electrolyte for SOFCs Below 500 °C” stands out as a significant scientific contribution. She has collaborated with prominent institutions including Hubei University, Shenzhen MSU-BIT University, and Kaili University, enhancing interdisciplinary research and innovation in energy systems. According to her Scopus profile, Dr. Zhou has authored 12 publications, received 148 citations, and holds an h-index of 7, reflecting her growing influence in the materials and energy research community. Her pioneering studies on proton transport mechanisms via the Grotthuss process have substantially advanced the understanding of low-temperature SOFCs, paving the way for sustainable, high-efficiency fuel cell technologies with potential industrial and environmental benefits.

Profile: Scopus | Research Gate

Feautured Publications

Zhou, X., Niu, S., Tian, Q., Ma, X., Jing, Y., Fu, M., & Wang, B. (2025). Molten Al(OH)₃ as an innovative electrolyte for SOFCs below 500 °C. Ceramics International.

Chen, H., Zhong, D., Xia, C., Zhou, X., & Wang, B. (2025). Cr poisoned the LiNi₀.₈Co₀.₁₅Al₀.₀₅O₂−δ cathode and the alkaline Li impregnation to recover the performance of Cr poisoned solid oxide fuel cell. Journal of Power Sources.

Zhou, X., Zheng, D., Wang, Q., Xiang, Y., & Wang, B. (2023). In situ formation of Ba₃CoNb₂O₉/Ba₅Nb₄O₁₅ heterostructure in electrolytes for enhancing proton conductivity and SOFC performance. Journal of Materials Chemistry A. Cited by 5

Xiang, Y., Jiang, C., Zheng, D., Zhou, X., & Wang, B. (2022). Interlayer conducting mechanism in α-LiAlO₂ enables fast proton transport with low activation energy for solid oxide fuel cells. Electrochimica Acta, 431, 141208. Cited by 13

 

Maheshika Perera | Sustainable Hydrogen | Best Researcher Award

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Mrs. Maheshika Perera | Sustainable Hydrogen | Best Researcher Award

Queensland University of Technology | Australia

Mrs. Maheshika Perera is an energetic and motivated researcher with strong expertise in chemistry, nanotechnology, and sustainable energy. With over seven years of experience in research and development, she has made significant contributions in areas such as green hydrogen generation, material chemistry, nanomaterials, and electrochemistry. Her career spans both industrial and academic research, with projects focused on environmental remediation, nanofertilizers, electrocatalysts, and advanced functional materials. She has successfully bridged scientific innovation with practical applications, developing novel nano-based formulations for cosmetics, healthcare, and sustainable agriculture. Currently, she is pursuing her Ph.D. at Queensland University of Technology, Australia, focusing on advanced electrocatalysts for green energy solutions. Maheshika has published peer-reviewed research articles, authored a book chapter, and contributed to international conferences. Her drive for excellence, combined with her ability to collaborate across disciplines, positions her as a rising scientist dedicated to addressing critical global challenges through innovative chemistry and nanotechnology.

Professional Profile

Scopus | Google Scholar | ORCID

Education

Mrs. Maheshika Perera’s educational foundation demonstrates her strong academic journey in chemistry and material sciences. She earned her B.Sc. (Special) in Chemistry with Second Class Upper Division Honors from the Institute of Chemistry Ceylon. Her undergraduate thesis focused on the development of a fluorescent sensor for fluoride ion detection. Building on this, she pursued her M.Phil. in Chemistry at the University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, where she developed environmentally benign nano-fertilizers for nitrogen management in agriculture. Her M.Phil. research integrated material chemistry, nanotechnology, and plant physiology to create hybrid nano-carriers for controlled nutrient release. She began her Ph.D. at Queensland University of Technology, Australia, under the supervision of leading academics, focusing on the plasma-assisted synthesis of advanced electrocatalysts for sustainable hydrogen production and water splitting. She is also an Associate Member of the Institute of Chemistry Ceylon, reflecting her professional affiliation with the chemical sciences community.

Experience

Mrs. Maheshika Perera has extensive research and development experience spanning academia and industry. She worked as a Research and Development Chemist and Quality Assurance Executive at Seri Natural, Sri Lanka, formulating and testing cosmetic and personal care products. She then joined the Sri Lanka Institute of Nanotechnology (SLINTEC) as a Research Scientist, where she contributed to the development of gold nanoparticle-based cosmetics, wound dressings, hydrogels, and green catalysts. She served as a Research Assistant at the Institute of Fundamental Studies, Sri Lanka, while pursuing her M.Phil., focusing on precision nitrogen management using hybrid nanomaterials. She began her Ph.D. research at Queensland University of Technology, advancing work on green hydrogen generation and electrocatalysts. Across her career, she has gained expertise in synthesis, characterization, and application of nanomaterials, alongside collaborations with industry to commercialize innovative formulations.

Awards and Honors

Mrs. Maheshika Perera has received recognition for her contributions to science, leadership, and innovation. She was the President of the Young Scientist Association at the National Institute of Fundamental Studies, where she fostered research collaboration among early-career scientists. She has been an active member of professional and scientific communities, including the Hydrogen Society of Australia and the SEF-HDR Society. Her early career also reflects a blend of academic and extracurricular achievements: she secured first place at the All-Island Inter-School Western Music and Dance Competition (Provincial Level) and third place nationally. She also won second place in a Rocket & Space Science quiz contest, demonstrating her long-standing passion for science. Additionally, her contributions to cosmetic and nanotechnology-based product development at SLINTEC gained industry recognition. Her international conference presentations and invited talks further highlight her growing influence as a young scientist working on sustainable nanotechnology and green energy solutions.

Research Focus

Mrs. Maheshika Perera’s research focus lies at the intersection of nanotechnology, electrochemistry, and sustainable energy systems. Her work primarily targets the design and development of green nanomaterials for applications in hydrogen generation, environmental remediation, and agriculture. She has conducted pioneering studies on environmentally benign nanofertilizers for nitrogen management, contributing to sustainable agriculture through precision nutrient delivery. Her current Ph.D. research expands into green hydrogen generation, where she investigates plasma-assisted synthesis of bifunctional electrocatalysts for efficient water splitting. She also explores gold- and silver-based nanocomposites for photocatalysis and environmental remediation. Her multidisciplinary expertise extends to inorganic chemistry, surface science, and material characterization techniques, enabling her to work across energy, environmental, and industrial challenges. By combining innovative nanomaterial synthesis with advanced characterization and application-driven research, Mrs. Perera aims to contribute solutions to pressing global issues including clean energy production, environmental sustainability, and advanced materials development for industrial applications.

Publication top Notes

Gold nanoparticle decorated titania for sustainable environmental remediation: Green synthesis, enhanced surface adsorption and synergistic photocatalysis
Cited by: 39
Year: 2020

Nanoclay composites as agrochemical carriers
Cited by: 7
Year: 2023

Plasma‐Electrified Synthesis of Atom‐Efficient Electrocatalysts for Sustainable Water Catalysis and Beyond
Cited by: 2
Year: 2024

Conclusion

Mrs. Maheshika Perera is a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award, especially in fields tied to sustainable energy, green hydrogen, and nanotechnology. Her blend of academic research, practical innovations, and community engagement aligns well with the award’s vision to recognize transformative scientific contributions. With continued emphasis on publishing in leading journals and scaling her innovations, she has the potential to be an influential leader in sustainable materials and energy research.