Tag: top researcher materials award

Jacob Olchowka | Materials Science | Innovative Research Award

Published on by WSA Awards

Dr. Jacob Olchowka | Materials Science | Innovative Research Award

ICMCB (Institute of Condensed Matter Chemistry of Bordeaux), France

Dr. Jacob Olchowka is a French CNRS researcher in the field of material science with a specialization in electrochemical energy storage, particularly Na-ion/Li-ion batteries, hybrid supercapacitors, and direct recycling of lithium-ion batteries. He earned his Ph.D. in Material Science with very honorable mention through a joint program between the University of Lille, France, and the University of Siegen, Germany, following a Master’s degree in Chemistry, Energy, and Environment and a Bachelor’s degree in Physical Chemistry from the University of Lille, and more recently completed his Habilitation (HDR) at the University of Bordeaux in 2025. His professional career includes international postdoctoral experiences at the University of Geneva, Switzerland, and the University of Siegen, Germany, before securing a permanent CNRS position at ICMCB in 2017. His research interests cover synthesis and nanostructuration of electrode materials, surface modifications, operando and in-situ characterizations, crystallochemistry, and the regeneration of end-of-life electrodes. Skilled in advanced synthesis methods (solid-state, sol-gel, ionothermal, molten salt), particle morphology control, structural characterizations (XRD, Raman, IR, UV-vis, SEM, XAS), and electrochemical testing, he combines fundamental and applied expertise to address energy challenges. His contributions include 56 peer-reviewed publications, 4 patents, more than 900 citations, an h-index of 18, and leadership in major projects such as ANR NANO-INSPIRE, REGENERATE, and H-BAT, alongside supervision of Ph.D. and postdoctoral researchers, teaching commitments at the University of Bordeaux, and involvement in European programs such as Battery 2030+ and H2020 NAIMA. He has received notable honors, including the ANR Young Researcher Grant, Fondation Roi Baudouin – Solvay Grant, and recognition for his research presentations, while being an active member of RS2E, Alistore, and the French Chemical Society. With his strong international collaborations, scientific leadership, and commitment to mentoring, Dr. Olchowka has established himself as an influential researcher whose work significantly advances sustainable energy storage and positions him as a future leader in the global transition toward greener technologies.

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Featured Publications

Croguennec, L., Duttine, M., Grebenshchikova, A., Lyonnard, S., Olchowka, J., Simonin, L., & Stievano, L. (2027). Multi-scale multi-techniques investigations of Li-ion batteries: Towards a European Battery Hub [Dataset]. European Synchrotron Radiation Facility.

Grebenshchikova, A., Olchowka, J., Simonin, L., Yaroslavtsev, S., Duttine, M., Fauth, F., Stievano, L., Masquelier, C., & Croguennec, L. (2025). Na₂Fe₃(SO₄)₄: A zero‐strain sustainable positive electrode material for Na‐ion batteries. Angewandte Chemie International Edition. Advance online publication.

Grebenshchikova, A., Olchowka, J., Simonin, L., Yaroslavtsev, S., Duttine, M., Fauth, F., Stievano, L., Masquelier, C., & Croguennec, L. (2025). Na₂Fe₃(SO₄)₄: A zero‐strain sustainable positive electrode material for Na‐ion batteries. Angewandte Chemie. Advance online publication.

Grebenshchikova, A., Olchowka, J., Simonin, L., Duttine, M., Weill, F., Suard, E., Masquelier, C., & Croguennec, L. (2025). NaSICON NaFe₂PO₄(SO₄)₂ revisited: Insights into the crystal structure and electrochemical performance. ACS Applied Energy Materials. Advance online publication.

Hayagan, N., Guillou, P., Olchowka, J., Ercicek, F., Lecoutre, C., Nguyen, O., Aymonier, C., Marre, S., Erriguible, A., & Philippot, G. (2025). Understanding the role of pressurized CO₂ in the direct recycling process of Li-ion battery positive electrode. Journal of CO₂ Utilization, 103, 103080.

Mehdi Rafizadeh | Materials Science | Best Research Article Award

Published on by WSA Awards

Prof. Dr. Mehdi Rafizadeh | Materials Science | Best Research Article Award

Amirkabir University of Technology, Iran

Prof. Dr. Mehdi Rafizadeh, is a distinguished Professor in the Department of Polymer Engineering and Color Technology at Amirkabir University of Technology, Iran, where he has established himself as a leading authority in polymer science and chemical engineering. He earned his B.Sc. (1989) and M.Sc. (1991) in Chemical Engineering from Amirkabir University of Technology, followed by a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering (Polymer) from McGill University, Montreal, Canada, in 1997. With over three decades of academic and research excellence, his professional experience spans teaching, supervising graduate students, conducting applied research, and leading industrial projects that bridge the gap between academia and industry. His research interests focus on polymer engineering, materials science, color technology, sustainable chemical processes, and industrial applications of advanced polymeric materials. He has an impressive scholarly record, with 83 peer-reviewed journal publications, 163 conference papers, two books, and 12 industrial research projects, along with a Scopus profile showing 92 indexed documents, 1,161 citations, and an h-index of 14, which testify to his global academic impact. His research skills encompass polymer synthesis and characterization, advanced chemical engineering methodologies, industrial process optimization, and interdisciplinary collaboration, making him a highly versatile researcher and mentor. Throughout his career, Prof. Rafizadeh has been recognized with several honors for his contributions to polymer research and his dedication to academic excellence, including leadership roles in academic platforms and involvement in international scientific communities. His achievements reflect a commitment not only to advancing scientific knowledge but also to mentoring young researchers, promoting industrial innovation, and contributing to the broader scientific community. In conclusion, Prof. Dr. Mehdi Rafizadeh’s exceptional academic background, impactful research contributions, strong international collaborations, and dedication to education and industrial development make him a highly respected scholar and deserving candidate for recognition in the global scientific community.

Profile: Scopus | ORCID | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Neghlani, P. K., Rafizadeh, M., & Taromi, F. A. (2011). Preparation of aminated-polyacrylonitrile nanofiber membranes for the adsorption of metal ions: Comparison with microfibers. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 186(1), 182–189.

Fallahi, D., Rafizadeh, M., Mohammadi, N., & Vahidi, B. (2008). Effect of applied voltage on jet electric current and flow rate in electrospinning of polyacrylonitrile solutions. Polymer International, 57(12), 1363–1368.

Rafizadeh, M., Patterson, W. I., & Kamal, M. R. (1996). Physically-based model of thermoplastics injection molding for control applications. International Polymer Processing, 11(4), 352–362.

Zahedi, A. R., Rafizadeh, M., & Ghafarian, S. R. (2009). Unsaturated polyester resin via chemical recycling of off‐grade poly(ethylene terephthalate). Polymer International, 58(9), 1084–1091.

Ahmadi, R., Alivand, M. S., Tehrani, N. H. M. H., Ardjmand, M., Rashidi, A., & Rafizadeh, M. (2021). Preparation of fiber-like nanoporous carbon from jute thread waste for superior CO₂ and H₂S removal from natural gas: Experimental and DFT study. Chemical Engineering Journal, 415, 129076.