Prof . Chi He | Air Pollution | Best Researcher Award

Professor from Xi’an Jiaotong University, China

Dr. Chi He is a distinguished academic and researcher in the field of environmental engineering, currently serving as a Full Professor at Xi’an Jiaotong University, China. With a robust portfolio of over 260 publications and more than 12,000 citations, he has earned international recognition for his contributions to environmental catalysis, air pollution control, and functional nanomaterials. His scholarly excellence is underscored by a high H-index of 66, and multiple ESI highly cited papers. Dr. He’s research aims to tackle some of the most pressing environmental challenges through the design of novel catalytic materials and pollution remediation strategies. He is actively involved in national and international collaborations and holds leadership roles as Dean of the Department of Environmental Science and Engineering and Director of the Center of Environmental Materials and Pollution Prevention Technology. He is also affiliated with the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences as an adjunct professor. In addition to his academic work, Dr. He has filed 48 patents, 21 of which have been authorized, and contributed to several textbooks. His career is marked by a dynamic fusion of scientific rigor, innovation, and dedication to environmental sustainability, making him a strong candidate for accolades such as the Best Researcher Award.

Professional Profile

• Scopus Profile
• ORCID Profile

Education

Dr. Chi He obtained his Doctorate in Environmental Engineering from the Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) in 2010, one of China’s most prestigious institutions for environmental research. His doctoral studies laid a strong foundation in environmental chemistry, catalysis, and pollution control technologies. During this period, he engaged in rigorous scientific training and made early contributions to air pollution remediation. His academic journey reflects a strong commitment to interdisciplinary research, blending material science, chemistry, and environmental engineering. To further enhance his global academic perspective, Dr. He later joined Cardiff University in the United Kingdom in 2016 as a visiting scholar under the mentorship of Professor Graham John Hutchings. This international exposure enriched his research outlook and facilitated cross-cultural academic collaboration. Dr. He’s educational trajectory showcases a blend of academic excellence, technical depth, and global research engagement. It has enabled him to address complex environmental issues with advanced, innovative methodologies. His early focus on functional nanomaterials and catalytic degradation of pollutants continues to influence his present research themes. This solid educational background has been instrumental in shaping Dr. He into a leading researcher, educator, and thought leader in the field of environmental science and engineering.

Professional Experience

Dr. Chi He holds several prominent roles in academia and environmental science in China. He is currently a Full Professor at the State Key Laboratory of Multiphase Flow in Power Engineering, a highly prestigious research institution at Xi’an Jiaotong University. He also serves as the Dean of the Department of Environmental Science and Engineering and Director of the Center of Environmental Materials and Pollution Prevention Technology at the same university. These roles underscore his leadership and expertise in advancing interdisciplinary research and education in environmental engineering. Additionally, since 2018, Dr. He has served as an adjunct professor at the National Engineering Laboratory for VOCs Pollution Control Material & Technology, affiliated with the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences. His academic influence is further strengthened by his international experience as a visiting scholar at Cardiff University, where he collaborated on advanced environmental catalysis under the mentorship of Professor Graham John Hutchings. Through these positions, Dr. He has managed over 40 major research projects funded by the NSFC, MOST of China, and industrial partners. His career is a remarkable example of integrating academic excellence, scientific research, and administrative leadership, solidifying his reputation as a pioneering figure in environmental pollution control technologies.

Research Interests

Dr. Chi He’s research interests lie at the intersection of environmental chemistry, materials science, and pollution remediation. His work primarily focuses on the design and application of functional nanomaterials for the mitigation of air pollutants, particularly volatile organic compounds (VOCs), formaldehyde, and other hazardous substances. Environmental catalysis is a cornerstone of his research, where he develops novel catalytic systems to enhance degradation efficiency, water resistance, and selectivity. His group also works on optimizing the interfacial environments of multi-phase catalysts for CO₂ hydrogenation, methanol oxidation, and deep destruction of industrial pollutants. Dr. He’s research extends to single-atom catalysis, hierarchical porous composites, and bifunctional catalytic systems, contributing to fundamental understanding and real-world applications. He is particularly interested in achieving breakthroughs in the selectivity and durability of catalysts under varying environmental conditions. His studies are highly practical and are supported by collaborations with industries and government projects. By bridging laboratory research with environmental policy and engineering applications, Dr. He aims to create sustainable, scalable technologies for air pollution control. His interdisciplinary approach and commitment to applied research position him as a leader in combating environmental challenges through scientific innovation.

Research Skills

Dr. Chi He possesses a wide range of research skills, particularly in environmental catalysis, materials science, and chemical engineering. He has extensive expertise in the synthesis and structural tuning of functional nanomaterials, enabling the development of catalysts with enhanced activity, selectivity, and stability. Dr. He is proficient in advanced material characterization techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and surface area analysis, which are crucial for understanding the properties of catalytic systems. His work in catalytic oxidation, hydrodealkylation, and hydrogenation reactions involves both experimental design and kinetic modeling. He has demonstrated significant competence in managing large-scale research projects, applying both laboratory and pilot-scale methodologies. Additionally, Dr. He has contributed to the writing and editing of academic texts, scientific reviews, and technology transfer proposals. His practical experience extends to the invention and application of pollution control technologies, with 48 patent applications and 21 authorized patents. These reflect his capacity to bridge fundamental research with industrial innovation. Dr. He’s collaborative abilities, international research experience, and multidisciplinary problem-solving approaches make him exceptionally skilled in leading high-impact environmental research.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Chi He has received numerous prestigious awards and honors in recognition of his outstanding research contributions and academic leadership. Among his most notable accolades is the Excellent Young Scholar Award from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC), which acknowledges promising early-career scientists. He was also named a K.C. Wong Young Scholar in 2019, further underscoring his national recognition as an emerging leader in environmental science. Dr. He’s work has been recognized by multiple professional societies and governmental bodies. He received the First Prize in Environmental Protection Science and Technology from the Ministry of Ecology and Environment of China, as well as the Special Prize in Science and Technology awarded by the China Environmental Protection Federation. His commitment to innovation and excellence was further recognized by the Young Scientist Award from the Chinese Society of Environmental Sciences, and the First Youth Innovation Award by the Volatile Organic Matter Control Special Committee. At the regional level, he earned the Shaanxi Provincial Environmental Protection Youth Science and Technology Award and the Second Prize in Science and Technology of Shaanxi Province. These accolades collectively reflect Dr. He’s sustained contributions to environmental research, technological innovation, and science-based policy development.

Conclusion

Dr. Chi He is a visionary environmental researcher whose work continues to make a transformative impact on the field of air pollution control and nanomaterials-based catalysis. His extensive publication record, influential patents, and leadership roles place him at the forefront of environmental engineering both in China and globally. His research not only advances scientific understanding but also yields practical solutions for real-world environmental challenges. By fostering cross-disciplinary collaborations and aligning academic work with industry and government needs, Dr. He exemplifies the qualities of a modern scientific leader. His international experience and role as an educator and administrator further enhance his profile as a holistic academic professional. Although there is always room for deeper engagement in global collaborations and greater visibility in international scientific forums, Dr. He has already established an outstanding foundation. His trajectory points to continued innovation and impact. Considering his significant scholarly contributions, leadership in environmental research, and dedication to sustainability, Dr. Chi He is highly deserving of the Best Researcher Award. His career is a benchmark for excellence in environmental science, and he stands as a role model for aspiring researchers in the field.

Publications Top Notes

1. Title: A new scheme for boosting in situ Fenton-like reaction in plant pathogenic tissues for selective structural degradation of capsid proteins
   Authors: J. Ma, Jun; M. Chen, Ming; Y. Wang, Yujie; C. He, Chi; J.P. Chen, Jiaping Paul
   Year: 2025

2. Title: An unexpected increase in PM2.5 levels in Xi’an during the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions: The interplay of anthropogenic and natural factors
   Authors: S. Yang, Shuqi; X. Yang, Xu; Y. Wang, Yujing; C. He, Chi; F. Liu, Fobang
   Year: 2025
   Citations: 1

3. Title: High-efficiency toluene degradation over Co@N-doped hollow carbon by plasma catalysis: O3-induced bifunctional sites and synergy
   Authors: C. Chen, Changwei; X. Liu, Xiaohe; M. Ma, Mudi; H. Zhang, Hongna; C. He, Chi
   Year: 2025
   Citations: 1

4. Title: Deactivation effect of different Pb salts over Fe/Zr-W catalyst for selective catalytic reduction of NO with NH3
   Authors: L. Wang, Liang; S. Ren, Shan; X. Li, Xiaodi; S. Chai, Shouning; C.C. Xu, Chunbao Charles
   Year: 2025

5. Title: Engineering Cr−O−Ti structure towards boosted vinyl chloride destruction: Oxygen species evolution and reaction mechanism
   Authors: H. Xu, Han; Q. Yang, Qin; M. Tian, Mingjiao; R. Albilali, Reem; C. He, Chi
   Year: 2025

6. Title: Taming the acidity and redox property of phosphorylated Ca doped LaMnO3 for catalytic n-butylamine elimination: Breaking the see-saw effect of activity and N2 selectivity
   Authors: M. Ma, Mudi; Y. Chen, Yutao; Q. Liu, Qiyuan; C. Chen, Changwei; C. He, Chi
   Year: 2025
   Citations: 1

7. Title: Impacts of Pandemic-Associated Plastic Waste on Microplastics in Ambient PM2.5
   Authors: F. Liu, Fobang; M. Guo, Mengting; Y. Wang, Yanan; C. He, Chi; P. Wu, Pengfei
   Year: 2025

8. Title: Rationally Fabricated Ce-Mn@ZrO2-SO42- Catalyst Boosts the Efficient Destruction of Chlorobenzene with SO2 Impurity: Synergy of Surface SO42- and Acidic Sites
   Authors: Y. Sun, Yukun; S. Xu, Shuai; B. Bai, Bo; Z. Hao, Zhengping; C. He, Chi
   Year: 2025

9. Title: Sulfur-resistant mechanism of MnOx@CeO2@MgO core-shell catalyst in simultaneous removal of NOx and chlorobenzene
   Authors: H. Pan, Hua; Z. Chen, Zhenghui; X. Feng, Xiangbo; J. Chen, Jun; C. He, Chi
   Year: 2025
   Citations: 2

10. Title: Hydrodechlorination under O2 promotes catalytic oxidation of CVOCs over a Pt/TiO2 catalyst at low temperature
    Authors: Y. Zhao, Yonghua; Y. Yu, Yanke; J. Li, Jiahang; J. Xie, Jinmin; C. He, Chi
    Year: 2025