Siqi Liu | Material Characterization | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Siqi Liu | Material Characterization | Best Researcher Award 

Siqi Liu is a PhD candidate at Queensland University of Technology specializing in thermoelectric materials, particularly based systems. With a background in chemistry and chemical engineering, his research integrates material synthesis, advanced characterization, and performance analysis to explore the effects of crystal defects on material properties. He has also worked on photocatalytic systems for methane conversion and has experience in both academic and industrial research settings.

Mr. Siqi Liu | Queensland University of Technology | China

Profile

ORCID

Education

  • Siqi Liu is currently pursuing a PhD in Materials Science and Engineering at the Queensland University of Technology in Brisbane, Australia, having commenced his doctoral studies. Prior to this, He completed a Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering at the University of Queensland. His foundational training in the sciences began with a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry at Jiangsu University.

Experience

  • Siqi Liu has a diverse research and industrial background in materials science and chemical engineering. Currently, He is a PhD candidate and research associate at Queensland University of Technology, focusing on the synthesis and characterization of thermoelectric materials. He previously worked as a research assistant at the University of Queensland, where, he developed photocatalysts for methane conversion. Earlier, during his internship at Suzhou Highfine Biotech Co., Ltd., he gained hands-on experience in quality control and analytical techniques such as HPLC and GC, contributing to process improvements in product separation and analysis.

Awards and Recognition

  • Siqi Liu was awarded the UQ Summer Research Scholarship by the School of Chemical Engineering at the University of Queensland. The research award, supported his project titled “Photocatalyst for Oxidative Coupling of Methane Reaction.” As part of the project, he synthesized Strontium Titanate  using molten salt, solid-state, and hydrothermal reactions. He then loaded various noble metal nanoparticles onto the surface and evaluated the catalytic performance, with a focus on gold nanoparticles deposited via photo-deposition. His performance analysis was supported by XRD, UV-Vis spectroscopy, and gas chromatography.

Skills and Expertise

  • Siqi Liu has extensive hands-on experience with advanced experimental techniques including Spark Plasma Sintering, Physical Vapor Deposition, Seebeck Coefficient Measurement, Laser Flash Analysis, and Scanning Thermal Probe Micro-Imaging.  He is proficient in material characterization using XRD, SEM, TEM, and FIB. Additionally, he is skilled in quality and purity analysis techniques such as HPLC and GC. On the computational front, he is adept with MATLAB and LAMMPS for materials modeling and analysis.

Research Focus 

  • Siqi Liu’s research is centered on van der Waals layer-structured based materials, with particular interest in how crystal defects influence thermal, electrical, and mechanical properties. He integrates experimental synthesis and characterization with computational simulation to gain insights into the structure–property relationships in thermoelectric materials. His interdisciplinary approach is supported by a strong track record of peer-reviewed publications and international research presentations, including participation in the Asia Pacific Microscopy Congress scheduled.

Research Projects

  • Siqi Liu has been actively involved in several research projects across materials science and chemical engineering. His current doctoral research focuses on the development of based thermoelectric materials, investigating the impact of crystal defects on their thermal and electrical properties. During his master’s studies, he worked on photocatalytic materials, specifically developing and optimizing and systems for the oxidative coupling of methane. His research integrates experimental synthesis, advanced material characterization, and performance evaluation to design high-efficiency functional materials.

Publications

  • Copper ion diffusion by solid solution treatment advancing GeTe-based thermoelectrics
    Authors: Yongqi Chen, Meng Li, Xiaodong Wang, Wenyi Chen, Siqi Liu, Min Zhang, Wanyu Lyu, Nanhai Li, Han Gao, Weidi Liu et al.
    Journal: Nature Communications

  • Defect Engineering in van der Waals Layer‐Structured Bi2Te3‐Based Materials
    Authors: Si‐Qi Liu, Wei‐Di Liu, Wanyu Lyu, Han Gao, Dmitri V. Golberg, Zhi‐Gang Chen
    Journal: cMat

  • Indium‐Doping Advances High‐Performance Flexible Ag₂Se Thin Films
    Authors: Tianyi Cao, Xiao‐Lei Shi, Boxuan Hu, Siqi Liu, Wanyu Lyu, Meng Li, Sen Wang, Wenyi Chen, Wei‐Di Liu, Raza Moshwan et al.
    Journal: Advanced Science

  • Realizing High Performance in Flexible Mg₃Sb₂₋ₓBiₓ Thin‐Film Thermoelectrics
    Authors: Boxuan Hu, Xiao‐Lei Shi, Tianyi Cao, Min Zhang, Wenyi Chen, Siqi Liu, Meng Li, Weidi Liu, Zhi‐Gang Chen
    Journal: Advanced Science

  • Compromising Configurational Entropy Leading to Exceptional Thermoelectric Properties in SnTe‐Based Materials
    Authors: Raza Moshwan, Min Zhang, Meng Li, Siqi Liu, Nanhai Li, Tianyi Cao, Wei‐Di Liu, Xiao‐Lei Shi, Zhi‐Gang Chen
    Journal: Advanced Functional Materials

Conclusion

  • Siqi Liu’s strong foundation in materials synthesis, advanced characterization, and thermoelectric research, combined with his interdisciplinary experience and international academic exposure, positions his as a promising researcher in the field of functional materials. His dedication to solving real-world energy challenges through innovative material design reflects both technical excellence and a forward-looking research vision.

Xiangqian Fan | Materials | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Xiangqian Fan | Materials | Best Researcher Award

Fan Xiangqian is a PhD holder, senior engineer, and doctoral supervisor at Zhengzhou University. His research focuses on concrete materials and structural fracture resistance. Recognized as a Youth Top-notch Talent under national and provincial programs, he has published extensively and received wide academic attention. His expertise lies in enhancing the durability and performance of structural materials, contributing significantly to the advancement of civil and structural engineering.

Mr. Xiangqian Fan | Nanjing Hydraulic Research Institute | China

Profile

SCOPUS ID

🎓Education

  • Fan Xiangqian completed his academic training with a focus on civil engineering and material science, culminating in a PhD. His academic journey laid a solid foundation in structural engineering principles, cementitious materials, and fracture mechanics. His pursuit of knowledge through advanced degrees has positioned him as a thought leader in the domain of concrete materials and structural durability.

👨‍🏫 Experience

  • Fan Xiangqian is currently affiliated with Zhengzhou University in Zhengzhou, China, where he serves as a doctoral supervisor and senior engineer. Throughout his career, he has been actively involved in both academic research and engineering applications. His work bridges the gap between theoretical advancements and practical solutions in structural engineering, especially in concrete technologies.

🤝 Awards and Recognition

  • Fan Xiangqian has been honored with multiple prestigious titles recognizing his contributions to engineering and material science. He was selected under the National High-Level Talents Special Support Program as a Youth Top-Notch Talent. Additionally, he was recognized by the Ministry of Water Resources and Jiangsu Province for his exceptional potential and performance, earning accolades as a top-notch youth talent and an Excellent Youth awardee, respectively. These honors reflect his influence and leadership in the field.

💡Skills and Certifications

  • Fan Xiangqian possesses deep technical knowledge in structural fracture resistance and the mechanical behavior of concrete materials. He is skilled in experimental methods, finite element modeling, and the development of new materials aimed at improving the durability and sustainability of infrastructure. His combined abilities in research design, supervision, and engineering innovation make him a valuable contributor to the academic and civil engineering communities.

🔬 Research Focus

  • His research centers on the performance and durability of concrete under various environmental and mechanical stressors. He is particularly interested in enhancing the fracture resistance of structural materials to improve the long-term safety and resilience of buildings, bridges, and water infrastructure. Through his work, he aims to address critical challenges in material failure and sustainability in structural systems.

🌎Conclusion

  • Fan Xiangqian is a dedicated and impactful researcher whose work is shaping the future of concrete material performance and structural engineering. With a combination of strong academic credentials, high-level recognitions, and a sharp research focus, he continues to contribute significantly to the understanding and development of resilient infrastructure systems. His role as a mentor and innovator positions him as a leading figure in the next generation of civil engineering solutions.

📖Publications

  • Title: Mechanical properties of the liner for strengthening steel pipe under the action of normal fault
    Authors: Fan Xiangqian
    Journal: Journal of Pipeline Science and Engineering

  • Title: Fracture properties of early-age concrete based on digital image correlation technique
    Authors: Fan Xiangqian
    Journal: Engineering Fracture Mechanics

  • Title: Effect of different CFRP strengthening methods on fracture parameters of concrete beam
    Authors: Fan Xiangqian
    Journal: Engineering Fracture Mechanics

  • Title: Macro-mechanics and Microstructure of Nanomaterial-modified Geopolymer Concrete: A Comprehensive Review
    Authors: Fan Xiangqian
    Journal: Journal of Wuhan University of Technology – Materials Science Edition

  • Title: Experimental study on dynamic mechanical properties of carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP)-reinforced concrete beams based on rate correlation
    Authors: Fan Xiangqian
    Journal: Structural Concrete

Yaling Zhang | Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

Mrs. Yaling Zhang | Materials Science | Best Researcher Award 

Zhang Yaling is a postgraduate student at the Faculty of Materials Science and Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Materials Science and Engineering from Lanzhou University of Arts and Science in 2023. Her research focuses on materials processing and performance enhancement, with published work in Metals and other scientific journals. She has received multiple academic honors, including a First-class Scholarship and a National Encouragement Scholarship, and has been actively involved in innovation competitions and laboratory research. Zhang is also certified in English proficiency (CET-6) and heat treatment technologies.

Mrs. Yaling Zhang | Wuhan University of Science and Technology | China

Profile

🎓Education

  • Zhang Yaling is currently pursuing her postgraduate studies at the Faculty of Materials Science and Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, beginning in September 2023. She completed her undergraduate education in Materials Science and Engineering at Lanzhou University of Arts and Science, graduating in June 2023. Her academic foundation is rooted in a solid understanding of material properties, processing, and engineering principles, preparing her for advanced research and practical applications in the field.

👨‍🏫 Experience

  • Zhang has gained valuable hands-on experience through various academic and industrial engagements. In 2021, she served as a Laboratory Assistant in the Inorganic Laboratory at the School of Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University of Arts and Science, where she was later recognized as an “Excellent Assistant.” During the same year, she completed an entrepreneurship training program at Lanzhou Yinte Training School. In 2020, she interned at Jinhua Group in Jinchang City, Gansu Province, where she focused on material synthesis, process optimization, and waste residue treatment. These roles reflect her practical engagement with materials engineering and laboratory work.

🤝 Awards and Recognition

  • Zhang has received numerous accolades recognizing both academic and extracurricular excellence. In 2024, she was awarded a First-class Scholarship by the Graduate School of Wuhan University of Science and Technology and achieved third place in the Mixed Doubles Badminton Competition. During her undergraduate years, she received the National Encouragement Scholarship (2022), the Yanyuan Scholarship (2021), and was named a University-level Merit Student. In addition, she was recognized as an Excellent Communist Youth League Member in 2020 and received an Excellence Award in a knowledge competition centered on the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party.

💡Skills and Certifications

  • Zhang possesses strong language and technical proficiencies. She has passed both the CET-6 and CET-4 (College English Test) and holds a Putonghua Proficiency Certificate. Technically, she holds a Probationary Heat Treatment Qualification Certificate, signifying her training in one of the essential areas of materials processing. Her communication skills and technical foundation support her academic and research endeavors.

🔬 Research Focus

  • Zhang has actively engaged in academic research and innovation competitions. She has published three academic papers: as the first author in the Journal of Lanzhou University of Arts and Science (Natural Science) in 2021 and in Metals in 2025, where she examined how combining direct aging and cryogenic treatment enhances mechanical properties of 18Ni300 via selective laser melting. Additionally, she contributed as a fourth author in Organic Chemistry Magazine in 2020. Her research interests primarily revolve around materials processing and performance optimization, particularly in advanced manufacturing techniques.

🌎Conclusion

  • Zhang Yaling is exceptionally qualified for the Research for Women Researcher Award. Her potential to contribute significantly to the future of materials science, particularly in sustainable and high-performance materials, is clear. Recognizing her achievements through this award will not only honor her current accomplishments but also empower her continued contributions to global scientific progress and the advancement of women in engineering and research.

📖Publications

  • Title: Atomic-scale investigation of B′, Q′ and Q phases in Al-Mg-Si-(Cu) alloys: structural, mechanical and electronic properties via HAADF-STEM and first-principles calculations
    Authors: Bo Qu, Xia Chen, Qiang Chen, Yaling Zhang, Yao Tao, Bin Chen
    Journal: Vacuum

  • Title: The Combination of Direct Aging and Cryogenic Treatment Effectively Enhances the Mechanical Properties of 18Ni300 by Selective Laser Melting
    Authors: Yaling Zhang, Xia Chen, Bo Qu, Yao Tao, Wei Zeng, Bin Chen
    Journal: Metals