Abubakar Ali | Renewable Energy | Best Research Article Award

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Dr. Abubakar Ali | Renewable Energy | Best Research Article Award

Chief Lecturer at Department of Chemical Engineering | Kaduna Polytechnic | Nigeria

Dr. Abubakar Ali is a distinguished academic and researcher in the field of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, currently serving as Chief Lecturer in the Department of Chemical Engineering at Kaduna Polytechnic, Nigeria. With a career spanning decades in teaching, research and administration, he has demonstrated exceptional dedication to advancing technical education and fostering innovation in sustainable engineering practices. His academic journey reflects a strong foundation in engineering sciences, further strengthened by advanced studies in environmental engineering and educational technology. He has contributed significantly to student mentorship, curriculum development, laboratory supervision, and project guidance, shaping the next generation of engineers. Beyond teaching, Dr. Abubakar Ali is committed to administrative leadership, having successfully held key positions such as Head of Department and departmental officer roles that enhanced academic and organizational efficiency. He is an active member of several professional bodies, including COREN, the Nigerian Society of Chemical Engineers, and renewable energy associations, underscoring his commitment to professional development and collaboration. With expertise in renewable energy, environmental sustainability and chemical process design, Dr. Abubakar Ali’s career embodies a blend of academic excellence, practical application and visionary leadership that continues to leave a lasting impact on engineering education and research in Nigeria.

Publication Profile

Scopus | Orcid | Google Scholar

Education

Dr. Abubakar Ali’s educational foundation is deeply rooted in engineering and technical sciences, which prepared him for a distinguished career in teaching, research and leadership. His academic journey began with strong primary and secondary schooling, followed by advanced preparatory studies that paved the way for higher education in engineering. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, laying the groundwork for his expertise in process design, chemical operations, and industrial systems. This was complemented by postgraduate studies in Chemical Engineering at the Master’s level, further strengthening his ability to address complex challenges in reaction engineering, thermodynamics and process optimization. His pursuit of knowledge extended into Environmental Engineering at the doctoral level, where his focus on sustainability, waste management and eco-friendly technologies broadened his research capacity to address global environmental issues. Recognizing the importance of pedagogy in technical education, he also obtained advanced qualifications in education to enhance his teaching effectiveness. These achievements reflect not only a commitment to academic excellence but also to lifelong learning, blending engineering knowledge with educational skills. His educational background continues to serve as the foundation for his professional achievements, research innovation and contributions to both the academic community and the wider society.

Professional Experience

Dr. Abubakar Ali has cultivated an extensive career in academia marked by progressive leadership, scholarly engagement, and significant contributions to technical education. His professional path began with early teaching roles where he laid the foundation for practical and theoretical engineering instruction. Over time, he rose steadily through the academic ranks, serving as Lecturer, Senior Lecturer, Principal Lecturer and ultimately achieving the position of Chief Lecturer. In these roles, he has been responsible for teaching core chemical engineering courses, supervising student research projects, guiding industrial training programs, and overseeing laboratory practices. His administrative expertise is equally notable, as he has served as Head of Department, coordinating academic planning, supervising faculty members and managing departmental operations. He has also contributed as a departmental officer responsible for student admissions, industrial work experience coordination, and timetable organization, ensuring academic efficiency and smooth departmental activities. Beyond his teaching and administrative duties, he has actively engaged in research dissemination, professional service and scholarly reviews for leading international journals. His blend of teaching, research and leadership demonstrates a holistic commitment to academic excellence and institutional development, positioning him as a vital contributor to the advancement of engineering education and professional practice in Nigeria.

Research Interest

Dr. Abubakar Ali’s research interests span across diverse yet interconnected fields within chemical and environmental engineering, with a strong focus on sustainability and renewable technologies. His doctoral training in environmental engineering has influenced his commitment to advancing research that mitigates the adverse impacts of industrialization and promotes eco-friendly solutions. He is particularly interested in renewable energy development, including solar energy applications and sustainable energy systems that address the growing global demand for clean power. Another area of focus is hazardous material management and environmental pollution control, where his work aligns with developing innovative strategies for waste minimization and safer industrial practices. In addition, he is keenly interested in process design, reaction engineering and optimization techniques that improve efficiency in chemical production while reducing environmental footprints. His research approach combines theoretical modeling with practical laboratory experimentation, bridging the gap between academic innovation and real-world application. By integrating renewable energy, environmental sustainability and chemical process engineering, his work contributes to addressing pressing global challenges such as climate change, resource depletion and industrial safety. Through mentorship and collaboration, he continues to inspire students and colleagues to explore research that benefits both the scientific community and society at large.

Research Skills

Dr. Abubakar Ali possesses a robust set of research skills that reflect his deep training in chemical and environmental engineering as well as his practical experience in applied research. He is skilled in laboratory experimentation, where he designs, supervises and evaluates experimental procedures related to process optimization, waste treatment and renewable energy systems. His expertise extends to computational modeling and simulation, enabling him to analyze chemical processes, assess system performance and develop strategies for sustainable engineering practices. He demonstrates strong competence in hazardous material analysis, risk assessment and environmental impact evaluation, which are crucial in ensuring industrial safety and compliance with environmental standards. Additionally, his experience in supervising student projects has honed his ability to design and guide research methodologies, from data collection to interpretation and reporting. His editorial contributions as a reviewer for reputable international journals highlight his critical thinking, analytical precision, and commitment to advancing scientific knowledge. Equally important are his organizational and collaborative skills, which allow him to lead multidisciplinary research teams, secure research grants, and foster partnerships that extend the reach of his work. These research capabilities underline his role as both an innovator and mentor in the advancement of engineering research and practice.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Abubakar Ali’s career is distinguished by numerous recognitions that reflect his scholarly excellence, professional service and contributions to engineering education and research. His appointment as a reviewer for the highly regarded Elsevier Journal of Hazardous Materials stands as a testament to his expertise and global recognition within the scientific community. He has earned memberships in prestigious professional organizations such as the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria, the Nigerian Society of Chemical Engineers and the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria, highlighting both his technical proficiency and pedagogical commitment. His engagement with the Solar Renewable Energy Society of Nigeria underscores his forward-looking orientation toward renewable energy solutions. In his academic environment, he has been consistently entrusted with leadership roles, including Head of Department and officer positions that directly impacted student training, curriculum management and institutional governance. These appointments reflect the confidence his peers and institution place in his leadership and vision. Each recognition and professional milestone demonstrates not only his dedication to continuous growth but also his determination to advance engineering education, research excellence and sustainable solutions that address national and global challenges in energy and the environment.

Author Metrics

  • Total Citations: 142

  • h-index: 5

  • i10-index: 5

Publications Top Notes

1. Characterization of petroleum sludge from refinery industry biological wastewater treatment unit
Citations: 29 | Year: 2017

2. Characteristics of the effluent wastewater in sewage treatment plants of Malaysian urban areas
Citations: 28 | Year: 2018

3. Analysis of solid residue and flue gas from thermal plasma treatment of petroleum sludge
Citations: 27 | Year: 2019

4. Thermal plasma: A technology for efficient treatment of industrial and wastewater sludge
Citations: 26 | Year: 2016

5. Thermal plasma treatment of municipal solid waste incineration residue: A review
Citations: 12 | Year: 2016

Conclusion

Dr. Abubakar Ali’s professional journey exemplifies a career dedicated to advancing knowledge, fostering innovation and nurturing future leaders in chemical and environmental engineering. His educational achievements, from foundational studies to advanced qualifications, provided him with the expertise and vision to contribute meaningfully to academia and society. His professional experience as a lecturer, researcher and administrator demonstrates a balance between teaching excellence, research innovation, and leadership. With research interests that address sustainability, renewable energy and industrial safety, he aligns his work with pressing global challenges, offering solutions that benefit both industry and the environment. His recognized research skills and editorial contributions reflect his ability to uphold scientific rigor and mentor students and colleagues toward impactful research outcomes. The awards and honors he has received further affirm his standing as a respected academic and professional within Nigeria and beyond. Guided by a vision of institutional growth, academic excellence and community development, Dr. Abubakar Ali continues to shape the future of engineering education and research. His career represents a legacy of scholarship, leadership and service that will continue to inspire generations of students and professionals in the years to come.

Sailin Liu | Rechargeable Batteries | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Sailin Liu | Rechargeable Batteries | Best Researcher Award

Postdoc researcher at The University of Adelaide, Australia.

Dr. Sailin Liu is an emerging expert in materials science, specializing in electrolyte systems and electrode/electrolyte interfacial studies for advanced energy storage technologies. He currently holds an Australian Research Council (ARC) Industry Early Career Fellowship, hosted in Australia. With a rapidly growing research profile, Dr. Liu has published 43 peer-reviewed journal articles, 30 of which were produced in the past four years. His scholarly contributions include publications in high-impact journals such as Science Advances, Nature Communications, Angewandte Chemie International Edition, Advanced Materials, and Energy & Environmental Science. Notably, 8 of his papers have been recognized as ESI Hot Papers (Top 0.1% by Web of Science), and 17 have been designated as ESI Highly Cited Papers (Top 1%). His work has been cited over 6,400 times, earning him an H-index of 33 as of April 2025. Beyond academia, Dr. Liu has engaged in translational research through a $0.6 million AUD industrial collaboration with IonDrive Technologies. His achievements underscore a dynamic and impactful career trajectory in the field of sustainable energy materials.

Publication Profile

Scopus

Orcid

Google Scholar

Educational Background

Dr. Sailin Liu’s educational background reflects a continuous and deepening focus on materials science and engineering. He began his academic journey at Central South University in China, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Mineral Processing in 2014. He continued at the same university to complete a Master’s degree in Materials Engineering in 2017, developing strong foundational skills in materials characterization and electrochemical applications. Driven by his passion for energy-related materials, Dr. Liu pursued doctoral studies at the University of Wollongong in Australia, completing his Ph.D. in Materials Engineering in 2021. His doctoral work emphasized cutting-edge electrolyte research and earned him the Outstanding PhD Thesis Award from the university. This international education has provided Dr. Liu with a solid theoretical and practical grounding in materials science, with strong interdisciplinary training bridging engineering, chemistry, and applied physics. His graduate and postgraduate research experience has shaped his specialization in electrolyte systems, battery interface mechanisms, and advanced spectroscopy techniques, laying the groundwork for a productive postdoctoral and early faculty career in energy storage research.

Professional Experience

Dr. Sailin Liu currently serves as an ARC Industry Early Career Research Fellow, a prestigious position awarded by the Australian Research Council beginning in December 2024. Prior to this, he was a postdoctoral research fellow at the University of Adelaide from September 2021 to December 2024, where he actively contributed to several high-profile research projects in energy storage, particularly on aqueous zinc-ion batteries. Dr. Liu’s earlier research experience includes significant work at the University of Wollongong, where he completed his Ph.D. in materials engineering while receiving awards for both academic excellence and impactful publication. Throughout his academic and professional career, he has demonstrated leadership in managing both government- and industry-funded projects, including acting as the Chief Investigator (CI) on ARC-funded initiatives and several projects supported by the Australian Synchrotron Access Program. His involvement in a long-term industrial partnership with IonDrive Technologies further exemplifies his ability to bridge academia and industry to tackle real-world energy challenges. With a well-rounded background combining education, postdoctoral training, and fellowship-supported research, Dr. Liu has built a strong reputation in energy materials and electrolyte interface science.

Research Interest

Dr. Liu’s primary research interests lie in the study of electrolytes and electrolyte/electrode interfaces for next-generation energy storage devices, including aqueous zinc-ion batteries, lithium-metal batteries, and other advanced systems. His work emphasizes the design, synthesis, and in-situ characterization of novel electrolyte formulations that exhibit anti-freezing properties, enhanced electrochemical stability, and improved ion transport mechanisms. Dr. Liu is particularly interested in the solvation structures of metal ions in aqueous and hybrid electrolyte systems, and the formation mechanisms of solid electrolyte interphases (SEI) at varying temperatures. By leveraging synchrotron-based spectroscopic and imaging techniques, he explores interfacial phenomena with high spatial and temporal resolution. His research also focuses on identifying molecular-level mechanisms behind electrolyte degradation and electrode surface passivation, using real-time operando and in-situ monitoring approaches. In addition to fundamental studies, Dr. Liu is engaged in applied research that contributes to the development of scalable, low-cost, and environmentally friendly energy storage technologies. His scientific curiosity is driven by the broader vision of accelerating the transition to carbon-neutral energy systems through materials innovation.

Research Skills

Dr. Sailin Liu possesses a comprehensive suite of research skills centered on materials characterization, electrochemical testing, and advanced spectroscopy for energy storage systems. He is proficient in designing and formulating high-performance aqueous and hybrid electrolytes, and has extensive experience with solid–liquid interface engineering. A major component of his skillset involves utilizing in-situ and operando synchrotron techniques, such as infrared microspectroscopy (IRM), X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS), micro-computed tomography (MCT), and powder diffraction (PD), to uncover dynamic interfacial processes and phase transformations in batteries. He has independently led more than ten beamline access projects at the Australian Synchrotron, highlighting his capability in complex experimental design and high-end facility operation. Dr. Liu is also skilled in electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), cyclic voltammetry, and galvanostatic cycling, enabling him to correlate materials properties with battery performance. In addition, he is experienced in data analytics, image reconstruction, and spectral deconvolution for interpreting large-scale experimental datasets. His ability to integrate chemistry, physics, and engineering concepts equips him to tackle multifaceted challenges in the field of sustainable energy technologies.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Liu has received several competitive awards and honors that reflect both his academic excellence and research innovation. In 2024, he was honored with the Executive Dean’s Excellent Early Career Research Award from the University of Adelaide’s Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Technology. That same year, he also received the Best Contribution to Research Quality (ECR) Award from the Centre for Energy Technology. Nationally, he was awarded the prestigious AINSE Early Career Research Award in 2022 and the AINSE Postgraduate Research Award in 2020, affirming his recognition as a promising researcher in the Australian scientific community. His doctoral research was distinguished with the Outstanding PhD Thesis Award by the University of Wollongong in 2021. Additionally, he received the Best Paper Award from the Institute for Superconducting and Electronic Materials (ISEM) in 2020. These accolades underscore Dr. Liu’s dedication to producing high-impact research and contributing to the broader scientific landscape in materials and energy engineering.

Author Metrics

  • Total Citations: 6,681

  • h-index: 34
    (34 publications have been cited at least 34 times each)

  • i10-index: 38
    (38 publications have been cited at least 10 times each)

Top Noted Publication

  • An in‐depth study of Zn metal surface chemistry for advanced aqueous Zn‐ion batteries
    Journal: Advanced Materials, 32(34), 2003021
    Year: 2020
    Citations: 999

  • Electrolyte Design for In Situ Construction of Highly Zn²⁺‐Conductive Solid Electrolyte Interphase to Enable High‐Performance Aqueous Zn‐Ion Batteries under Practical Conditions
    Journal: Advanced Materials, 33(11), 2007416
    Year: 2021
    Citations: 695

  • Bio-inspired design of an in situ multifunctional polymeric solid–electrolyte interphase for Zn metal anode cycling at 30 mA cm⁻² and 30 mA h cm⁻²
    Journal: Energy & Environmental Science, 14(11), 5947–5957
    Year: 2021
    Citations: 419

  • Tuning the electrolyte solvation structure to suppress cathode dissolution, water reactivity, and Zn dendrite growth in zinc‐ion batteries
    Journal: Advanced Functional Materials, 31(38), 2104281
    Year: 2021
    Citations: 372

  • Developing cathode materials for aqueous zinc ion batteries: challenges and practical prospects
    Journal: Advanced Functional Materials, 34(5), 2301291
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 353

  • From room temperature to harsh temperature applications: Fundamentals and perspectives on electrolytes in zinc metal batteries
    Journal: Science Advances, 8(12), eabn5097
    Year: 2022
    Citations: 321

  • Anion vacancies regulating endows MoSSe with fast and stable potassium ion storage
    Journal: ACS Nano, 13(10), 11843–11852
    Year: 2019
    Citations: 272

  • An intrinsically non‐flammable electrolyte for high‐performance potassium batteries
    Journal: Angewandte Chemie International Edition, 59(9), 3638–3644
    Year: 2020
    Citations: 271

  • Understanding H₂ Evolution Electrochemistry to Minimize Solvated Water Impact on Zinc‐Anode Performance
    Journal: Advanced Materials, 34(45), 2206754
    Year: 2022
    Citations: 240

  • Solvent control of water O−H bonds for highly reversible zinc ion batteries
    Journal: Nature Communications, 14(1), 2720
    Year: 2023
    Citations: 224

Conclusion

Dr. Sailin Liu exemplifies the qualities of a forward-thinking and impactful materials scientist with a growing international reputation in energy storage research. His work is characterized by a rigorous approach to understanding electrolyte behavior and interfacial dynamics, supported by state-of-the-art characterization tools and multidisciplinary collaboration. With over 6,400 citations, an H-index of 33, and a consistent output of ESI-recognized papers, Dr. Liu’s scholarly impact is both broad and deep. His leadership in multiple competitive research projects—including ARC-funded fellowships, Australian Synchrotron access programs, and a long-term industrial collaboration—demonstrates his capacity to deliver innovation across academic and applied contexts. He brings together a rare combination of experimental expertise, theoretical insight, and practical problem-solving. As he continues to push the frontiers of energy storage materials and interface science, Dr. Liu is well-positioned to make substantial contributions to sustainable energy solutions in Australia and globally. His trajectory reflects a commitment to excellence in research, mentorship, and collaboration that will shape the field for years to come.