Ziyu Liu | Emission Control Technologies | Research Excellence Award

Posted on by Automobile Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ziyu Liu | Emission Control Technologies | Research Excellence Award

Beihang University  | China

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ziyu  Liu is a post‑doctoral research scientist in the Department of Physics at Columbia University, where he works in the Dean Lab, specializing in experimental condensed‑matter physics. His research centers on correlated phases in quantum materials, investigated through electronic transport measurements and optical spectroscopy. His interests span phenomena such as collective excitations and phase interplay in the fractional quantum Hall effect, engineering the band structure of materials via superlattice potential modulations, and developing next‑generation quantum devices using van der Waals heterostructures. Over recent years he has contributed to key experimental advances: for example, his work demonstrated high‑mobility monolayer semiconductor devices facilitating access to correlation-driven quantum phases at low charge density; he has also explored dynamic interfacial quantum dipoles in two-dimensional heterostructures, revealing a novel mechanism for hysteretic gate responses in graphene/BN-based devices — with potential implications for nanoelectronic memory and quantum‑device design. His approach combines precision device fabrication, low-temperature transport measurements, and spectroscopic techniques to probe subtle many-body effects in quantum materials. Through these efforts he advances understanding of how quantum interactions and material engineering can produce emergent quantum phenomena; his work contributes both fundamental insight into condensed-matter physics and practical pathways toward advanced quantum technologies. In conclusion, Ziyu Liu stands out as an experimental physicist bridging materials engineering, quantum‑many body physics, and device innovation — helping to push the frontier of quantum materials research through rigorous experimentation and inventive design. He has achieved 691 Citations, 59 Documents, 14 h‑index.

 Profiles:  Scopus | Research Gate

Featured Publications

Liu, Z., et al. (2026). Decoding cetane number law of key aviation fuel components: From structure–property relationships to reaction pathway analysis.

Liu, Z., et al. (2025). Microalgae biorefinery in the belt and road initiative: Opportunities for green growth.

Liu, Z., et al. (2025). Synergistic remediation of Cd-contaminated soil with biochar-sulfate reducing bacteria: Differential roles of straw- and sludge-derived biochars. Journal of Hazardous Materials.

Liu, Z., et al. (2025). Phenylboronic Acid-Modified and ROS-Responsive Polymeric Nanoparticles for Targeted Anticancer Drug Delivery. ACS Applied Nano Materials.

Liu, Z., et al. (2025). Carbon dots for reactive oxygen species modulation.

Ziyu Liu research establishes a strong scientific foundation for cleaner, more efficient aviation by linking hydrocarbon molecular structures with their ignition performance. By developing a benchmark cetane-number database and decoding structure–property–reaction pathways, the work advances the design of both traditional and sustainable aviation fuels. It improves combustion safety, enhances engine reliability, and supports global innovation in low-emission, high-performance aerospace energy systems. The vision is to accelerate the transition toward cleaner aviation through intelligent fuel engineering grounded in molecular science.

 

Sung Jong Yoo | Fuel Cell Technology | Best Researcher Award

Posted on by Automobile Award

Prof. Dr. Sung Jong Yoo | Fuel Cell Technology | Best Researcher Award

Principal Research Scientist  |  Korea Institute of Science and Technology  |  South Korea

Dr. Sung Jong Yoo is a distinguished scientist and principal research leader at the Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), widely recognized for his pioneering contributions to hydrogen energy, fuel cell systems, and advanced electrochemical materials. With extensive professional experience that spans roles from postdoctoral researcher to tenured principal research scientist and professor, Dr. Yoo has played a vital role in advancing sustainable energy research and national R&D initiatives. His research primarily focuses on in situ analysis of catalysts and electrode materials for fuel cells, electrochromic devices, and thin-film batteries using synchrotron-based X-ray techniques. He is also an expert in electrocatalyst design, transition metal oxide synthesis, and electrochemical performance optimization, integrating methodologies such as HR-XPS, XANES, EXAFS, and impedance spectroscopy. Dr. Yoo’s professional service includes significant editorial and leadership roles, such as associate editorships and board memberships in leading chemical and electrochemical societies, reflecting his commitment to advancing interdisciplinary scientific collaboration. His outstanding achievements have earned him numerous prestigious honors, including multiple KIST Awards of the Month, the KIST Grand Prize, Minister of Science and ICT Awards, the Korea Environmental Energy Award, and recognition in the National Top 100 R&D Performances. His impactful research has led to publications in high-impact journals such as Nature, Nature Communications, and Energy & Environmental Science, significantly influencing the global field of hydrogen and fuel cell technologies. Dr. Yoo’s sustained excellence in research, mentorship, and innovation positions him as a global leader driving the future of clean energy technologies and electrochemical materials science. He has achieved 12,878 citations,  330 documents , h-index: 60.

Profiles:  Google Scholar  |  ORCID  |  Scopus

Featured Publications 

Chung, D. Y., Jun, S. W., Yoon, G., Kwon, S. G., Shin, D. Y., Seo, P., Yoo, J. M., Shin, H., … & Yoo, S. J. (2015). Highly durable and active PtFe nanocatalyst for electrochemical oxygen reduction reaction. Journal of the American Chemical Society, 137(49), 15478–15485. Citations: 681

Ryu, J., Jung, N., Jang, J. H., Kim, H. J., & Yoo, S. J. (2015). In situ transformation of hydrogen-evolving CoP nanoparticles: Toward efficient oxygen evolution catalysts bearing dispersed morphologies with Co-oxo/hydroxo molecular units. ACS Catalysis, 5(7), 4066–4074. Citations: 470

Chen, N., Wang, H. H., Kim, S. P., Kim, H. M., Lee, W. H., Hu, C., Bae, J. Y., Sim, E. S., … & Yoo, S. J. (2021). Poly (fluorenyl aryl piperidinium) membranes and ionomers for anion exchange membrane fuel cells. Nature Communications, 12(1), 2367. Citations: 409

Jung, N., Chung, D. Y., Ryu, J., Yoo, S. J., & Sung, Y. E. (2014). Pt-based nanoarchitecture and catalyst design for fuel cell applications. Nano Today, 9(4), 433–456. Citations: 371

Chung, D. Y., Ham, H. C., & Yoo, S. J. (2014). Edge-exposed MoS₂ nano-assembled structures as efficient electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction. Nanoscale, 6(4), 2131–2136. Citations: 322

Dr. Yoo’s research advances global sustainability through breakthroughs in hydrogen energy and fuel cell efficiency, directly contributing to carbon-neutral energy systems and clean technology innovation. His visionary work bridges fundamental electrochemistry with real-world energy solutions, driving progress in scientific discovery, industry transformation, and environmental sustainability worldwide.