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

Dr. Pitchaiah S | Renewable Energy | Best Researcher Award

Assistant Professor at SRM TRP Engineering College | India

Dr. Pitchaiah Sudalaimuthu is a dynamic Research Assistant Professor at the Center for Advanced Energy Materials, SRM TRP Engineering College, Tamil Nadu, India. With deep expertise in renewable energy systems, solar desalination, and waste-to-energy technologies, his academic journey spans from a diploma in mechanical engineering to a Ph.D. from Anna University. His work focuses on sustainable water production, solar dryers, and advanced nanomaterials from waste. Dr. Sudalaimuthu has authored multiple high-impact publications, contributed to international conferences, and supervised experimental projects involving hydrogen production, thermal systems, and catalytic pyrolysis. His commitment to sustainable development and circular economy applications is evident in both his teaching and research contributions. With strong interdisciplinary skills and a passion for engineering innovation, Dr. Pitchaiah continues to drive forward impactful solutions in clean energy, water purification, and bioresource valorization.

Professional Profiles

Scopus

Google Scholar

Education

Dr. Sudalaimuthu earned his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering (Solar Desalination) from Anna University (2021–2025), where he specialized in experimental solar still enhancements using nanomaterials. He completed his M.E. in Thermal Engineering from Government College of Technology, Coimbatore (2016–2018), funded by a TEQIP Phase-2 scholarship. His undergraduate degree, B.E. in Mechanical Engineering (2013–2016), was from the National Engineering College, Tamil Nadu. Prior to that, he received a Diploma in Mechanical Engineering (2010–2013) from Sankar Polytechnic College. His academic foundation is rooted in strong theoretical and practical knowledge of thermodynamics, heat transfer, renewable energy, and sustainable engineering systems. Each stage of his education has contributed to his focus on waste-to-energy conversion, solar thermal systems, and nanomaterials for clean water production. His early interest in solar technology and circular economy applications was reinforced through hands-on research and guided thesis work under esteemed professors.

Professional Experience

Dr. Sudalaimuthu’s professional experience integrates research, teaching, and industry practice. From June 2021 to June 2025, he served as a Research Fellow at KPR Institute of Engineering and Technology, focusing on solar desalination and nanomaterials, supported by an institutional research fellowship. He previously worked in HVAC maintenance at ETA Engineering Pvt. Ltd. (2020–2021) and served as a Teaching Associate at KPR Institute and part-time lecturer at Government College of Technology. He taught renewable energy systems, HVAC, power plant engineering, and thermal sciences, and managed labs including IC engines and thermal systems. His Ph.D. research contributed new knowledge in solar still design, especially involving bio-wick and MXene-coated surfaces. With practical exposure to biodiesel production, lab-scale pyrolysis, and thermochemical reactors, he combines deep experimental insights with strong pedagogical skills, preparing him to lead advanced interdisciplinary research in green energy and sustainable engineering.

Research Focus

Dr. Sudalaimuthu’s research is centered on sustainable water production and renewable energy integration. His Ph.D. focuses on passive inclined solar stills enhanced with localized interfacial evaporation techniques and MXene-based nanocoatings under varying flow conditions. He has developed novel approaches for improving freshwater yield from solar desalination systems using nanostructured bio-wick materials. His work also extends to green hydrogen generation via agro-waste valorization, catalytic pyrolysis of plastic waste, and sustainable fuel production. He has investigated emission-reduction strategies for CI engines using alternative fuels like Bael biodiesel and plastic-derived oils. His studies employ experimental, numerical (RSM, ANN), and optimization tools to understand energy and exergy dynamics in renewable systems. In the broader scope, he aims to create scalable, low-cost technologies for food preservation, water purification, and waste-to-energy conversion, aligning with the goals of a circular economy and net-zero carbon emissions. His work bridges thermal science, material science, and environmental engineering.

Publications to Notes

Enhancement and prediction of a stepped solar still productivity integrated with paraffin wax enriched with nano-additives
Citations: 57
Year: 2023

Prediction and performance optimisation of a DI CI engine fuelled diesel–Bael biodiesel blends with DMC additive using RSM and ANN: Energy and exergy analysis
Citations: 45
Year: 2023

Performance analysis on single slope solar still with absorber coated using iron oxide nanoparticles at different water thickness
Citations: 15
Year: 2023

The clean energy aspect of plastic waste — hydrogen gas production, CO₂ reforming, and plastic waste management coincide with catalytic pyrolysis
Citations: 14
Year: 2023

Experimental investigation of inclined solar still through localized interfacial evaporation using nano enhanced Bio wick under disparate flow rate Citations: 12
Year: 2024

Conclusion

Dr. Pitchaiah Sudalaimuthu is highly suitable for the Best Researcher Award, particularly in categories related to sustainable energy systems, green technologies, or emerging environmental scientists. His portfolio showcases technical depth, research originality, and a commitment to impactful science, addressing pressing global challenges like water scarcity and plastic waste. With continued strategic development in global collaboration and translational output, he is poised to become a recognized leader in clean energy research. His profile aligns well with the award’s vision of innovation, sustainability, and societal benefit.