Xiaofei Dong | Experimental methods | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Xiaofei Dong | Experimental methods | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Xiaofei Dong | Northwest Normal University | China

Xiaofei Dong is a dedicated researcher in the field of photovoltaic materials and neuromorphic electronics. He completed his Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees at the College of Physics and Electronic Engineering, Northwest Normal University, showcasing unwavering academic consistency and depth. In June 2024, he was appointed as an Associate Professor at the same institution, reflecting his rapid academic growth and research productivity. His research primarily focuses on copper-based thin-film solar cells and memristor devices, contributing to the development of high-performance, sustainable energy and intelligent electronic systems. Dong has led multiple university-level funded projects and published influential papers in prestigious journals such as The Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters, Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells, and Materials Letters. His ability to integrate fundamental materials science with practical device engineering has gained recognition within the academic community. Dong continues to strive for breakthroughs in energy efficiency and bio-inspired electronic systems.

Author Profile

Scopus

Education

Xiaofei Dong pursued all his higher education at Northwest Normal University, College of Physics and Electronic Engineering. He obtained his Bachelor’s degree from 2014 to 2018, followed by a Master’s degree between 2018 and 2021. His postgraduate research focused on thin-film solar cell development and was supervised by senior faculty, including Prof. Yan Li and Dr. Yun Zhao. Dong completed his Doctoral program, delving deeper into advanced optoelectronic materials and memristive devices. His consistent academic journey in a singular research environment has enabled him to build deep expertise and conduct long-term, coherent investigations in copper-based semiconductor systems, gaining both theoretical and experimental mastery over key challenges in solar cell efficiency and neuromorphic component design.

Professional Experience

Xiaofei Dong has served as an Associate Professor at the College of Physics and Electronic Engineering, Northwest Normal University. His career has been deeply rooted in the same institution, where he also completed his academic training. Prior to this role, Dong was extensively involved in research projects and academic publications throughout his Master’s and Ph.D. studies. As a graduate student, he led several funded research programs, focusing on novel optoelectronic materials, solar cells, and memristor-based artificial synapses. His current responsibilities include research leadership, teaching duties, and mentoring students in the areas of energy materials and electronic devices. Dong’s seamless transition from student researcher to faculty member reflects his scientific maturity, institutional trust, and commitment to research excellence.

Awards and Honors

Xiaofei Dong has received multiple academic honors and internal funding awards that reflect the quality and promise of his research. He was the recipient of the 2019 Graduate Research Grant Program, where he investigated Li-doped Cu₂ZnSn(S,Se)₄ solar cells. He later secured the 2021 Graduate Research Grant Program and the Outstanding Doctoral Dissertation Cultivation Grant Program, where he explored photosensitive films and memristor simulation respectively. These competitive programs not only provided research funding but also recognized Dong’s innovative work in energy conversion and neuromorphic electronics. His publications in high-impact journals have also contributed to his academic visibility, and he is considered a rising scholar within his department. These recognitions mark his research as both relevant and forward-looking in today’s energy and smart electronics sectors.

Research Focus

Xiaofei Dong’s research revolves around copper-based semiconductors, particularly Cu₂ZnSn(S,Se)₄ (CZTSSe) thin films used in solar cell applications. His work emphasizes improving the efficiency and stability of these devices through innovative treatments such as Li and Na doping and interface engineering. Additionally, he explores memristive behaviors in kesterite materials, aiming to simulate artificial synaptic functions for neuromorphic computing. Dong’s approach integrates both material synthesis and device fabrication, bridging the gap between fundamental material science and practical optoelectronic applications. He also investigates optoelectronic memristors embedded in polymers, contributing to the development of light-controlled memory and learning devices. His goal is to design energy-efficient, environmentally friendly components for next-generation electronics, making a tangible impact in sustainable technology and intelligent systems.

Notable Publication

Coexistence of Bipolar Resistive Switching and the Negative Differential Resistance Effect from a Kesterite Memristor

  • Authors: Xiao-Fei Dong, Yun Zhao, Ting-Ting Zheng, Xue Li, Cheng-Wei Wang, Wei-Min Li, Yan Shao, Yan Li
    Journal: The Journal of Physical Chemistry C
    Year: 2021

An effective Li-containing interfacial-treating strategy for performance enhancement of air-processed CZTSSe solar cells

  • Authors: Xiao-Fei Dong, Ting-Ting Zheng, Feng-Xia Yang, Xu-Dong Sun, Lei Yu, Jiang-Tao Chen, Cheng-Wei Wang, Yun Zhao, Yan Li
    Journal: Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells
    Year: 2021

Influence of Mo-pretreating on microstructure evolution of solution-processed absorbers for high efficient CZTSSe solar cells

  • Authors: Xiaofei Dong, Siyuan Li, Hao Sun, Qian He, Yun Zhao, Yan Li
    Journal: Materials Letters
    Year: 2022

Optoelectronic Memristive Synapse Behavior for the Architecture of Cu₂ZnSnS₄@BiOBr Embedded in Poly(methyl methacrylate)

  • Authors: Xiaofei Dong, Siyuan Li, Hao Sun, Lijuan Jian, Wenbin Wei, Jianbiao Chen, Yun Zhao, Jiangtao Chen, Xuqiang Zhang, Yan Li
    Journal: The Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters
    Year: 2023

A new strategy for improving the efficiency of thin-film solar cells by regulating the gradient grain structure of CZTSSe absorbers: Na treatment induces uniform selenization

  • Authors: Xiaofei Dong, Fengxia Yang, Siyuan Li, Hao Sun, Jiangtao Chen, Xuqiang Zhang, Yun Zhao, Yan Li
    Journal: Ceramics International
    Year: 2023

Conclusion

Xiaofei Dong has established himself as a promising young researcher in energy materials and neuromorphic electronics. His consistent academic path, project leadership, and impactful publications illustrate a strong foundation in both scientific rigor and practical innovation. As an early-career Associate Professor, Dong is well-positioned to contribute further to clean energy solutions and bio-inspired electronic devices. His work aligns with global research trends and societal needs, making him a fitting candidate for research recognition and academic advancement.

Brajadulal Chattopadhyay | Experimental Methods | Innovative Research Award

Prof. Dr. Brajadulal Chattopadhyay | Experimental Methods | Innovative Research Award

Prof. Dr. Brajadulal Chattopadhyay | Jadavpur University | India

Professor Brajadulal Chattopadhyay is a distinguished academic in the Department of Physics, Jadavpur University, with over two decades of experience in interdisciplinary scientific research. His work spans biophysics, nanotechnology, microbial applications in concrete, and environmental sustainability. An alumnus of the University of Calcutta, he earned his Ph.D. in Biophysics and Molecular Biology in 1994. His innovative research has resulted in several patents and impactful publications, and his projects often integrate molecular biology with applied physics. He has supervised over 28 Ph.D. students and leads several national and international research projects. His pioneering work on microbial bio-concrete has earned recognition for its potential in green construction technology. A recipient of multiple prestigious fellowships and awards, Professor Chattopadhyay is a committed educator, a prolific researcher, and a regular reviewer for high-impact international journals.

Author Profile

Scopus

Education

Professor Chattopadhyay completed his B.Sc. (Hons.) in Physics in 1985 from Ramakrishna Mission Vidyamandira, affiliated with the University of Calcutta. He pursued M.Sc. in Physics with a specialization in Biophysics from the University of Calcutta, graduating in 1987. He qualified the CSIR-UGC NET in Physics in 1989. He earned his Ph.D. in 1994 from the University of Calcutta under the supervision of Professor Ashoke Ranjan Thakur, with a thesis titled “Biophysical Studies of Methane Emission by Methanogenic Bacteria.” His educational trajectory reveals a strong foundation in interdisciplinary sciences, combining core physics with life sciences and biotechnology, setting the stage for his later work in bioconcrete and nanobiotechnology.

Professional Experience

Professor Chattopadhyay has been serving in the Physics Department of Jadavpur University since 1998. Beginning his academic journey as a Lecturer, he steadily progressed to Senior Lecturer, Reader, and Associate Professor, and has held the position of Professor since July 2013. His cumulative academic experience spans over 25 years. He has undertaken significant leadership in research and teaching, having guided 28 Ph.D. students (with 8 currently enrolled), reviewed numerous international journal articles, and managed over 9 government-funded research projects. His expertise lies in merging biophysics, material science, and molecular biology to develop innovative technologies such as microbial self-healing concrete and nanostructured materials for biomedical and environmental use. His work has received both national and international recognition and involves collaborations with reputed institutions and funding bodies like DBT, DRDO, and AICTE. His commitment to applied research is evidenced by patents, publications, and a strong mentorship legacy.

Awards and Honors

Professor Chattopadhyay’s research excellence has earned him numerous accolades. He received the National Scholarship (1979–85) and UGC Research Fellowship (1990–94) early in his academic career. His postdoctoral contributions were supported by a DBT Fellowship (1994–96) and a DAE Research Associateship (1996–98). In recognition of his pioneering work, he was awarded an Overseas Associateship by DBT (2007–08). Notably, he received the Best Patentable Research Award from Intellectual Ventures, Asia Chapter, in 2010–11. These awards underline his sustained contribution to applied and innovative science, particularly in microbial bioconcrete, bio-remediation, and nanobiotechnology. In addition, he is a recognized reviewer for several high-impact SCI/SCIE-indexed international journals, further cementing his role in shaping global scientific discourse.

Research Focus

Professor Chattopadhyay’s research seamlessly bridges physics, molecular biology, nanotechnology, and environmental science. His primary research interest lies in bio-concrete technology, where he explores microbial solutions for developing self-healing, eco-friendly concrete materials. He has patented bioconcrete processes and discovered hot spring bacterial strains contributing to crack remediation in construction. His other major area includes nanobiotechnology, particularly the use of black phosphorus, doped nanoparticles, and nano-curcumin in therapeutic, antibacterial, and photocatalytic applications. His studies also address environmental sustainability, such as water purification using nanoparticles and microbial synthesis of sophorolipids from industrial waste. Notably, he investigates the role of dietary agents and nanoparticles in mitigating nicotine-induced damage and diabetes-related complications. His work is highly interdisciplinary, involving collaborative research in microbiology, civil engineering, and biomedical sciences, backed by substantial government funding. Professor Chattopadhyay’s vision is to innovate at the interface of fundamental science and practical technology for societal benefit.

Notable Publications

Wealth from waste: Multifaceted yeast bio-synthesised sophorolipids using industrial waste by-products as substrate

  • Authors: Srija Pal, Niloy Chatterjee, Brajadulal Chattopadhyay, Sriparna Datta, Pubali Dhar
    Journal: Indian Journal of Chemical Technology
    Year: 2025

Valorization of oil refinery by-products: production of sophorolipids utilizing fatty acid distillates and their potential antibacterial, anti-biofilm, and antifungal activities

  • Authors: Srija Pal, Niloy Chatterjee, Sagnik Sinha Roy, Brajadulal Chattopadhyay, Krishnendu Acharya, Sriparna Datta, Pubali Dhar
    Journal: World Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
    Year: 2024

Sonochemically synthesized black phosphorus nanoparticles: a promising candidate for piezocatalytic antibacterial activity with enhanced dielectric properties

  • Authors: Piyali Halder, Indrajit Mondal, Neelanjana Bag, Alapan Pal, Somen Biswas, Souvik Sau, Biplab Kumar Paul, Dheeraj Mondal, Brajadulal Chattopadhyay, Sukhen Das
    Journal: Dalton Transactions
    Year: 2024

Te4+ and Er3+ doped ZrO₂ Nanoparticles with Enhanced Photocatalytic, Antibacterial Activity and Dielectric Properties: A Next Generation of Multifunctional Material

  • Authors: Piyali Halder, Indrajit Mondal, Anwesha Mukherjee, Somen Biswas, Souvik Sau, Sucheta Mitra, Biplab Kumar Paul, Dheeraj Mondal, Brajadulal Chattopadhyay, Sukhen Das
    Journal: Journal of Environmental Management (Accepted)
    Year: 2024

Efficacy of nano-curcumin on nicotine-induced genotoxicity and immunomodulatory disruption in protein-malnourished female rats

  • Authors: Somashree Biswas, Krishna Chattopadhyay, Brajadulal Chattopadhyay
    Journal: Indian Journal of Physiology and Allied Sciences
    Year: 2024

Modified Bacteria Incorporated Geopolymer – A Qualitative Approach for an Eco-friendly, Energy-efficient and Self-healing Construction Material

  • Authors: Avishek Chatterjee, Nurul Alam, Trinath Chowdhury, Brajadulal Chattopadhyay
    Journal: Journal of Civil Engineering and Construction
    Year: 2024

Codon usage pattern of a novel Satyabrata bacterial strain BKH4 isolated from hot spring

  • Authors: Satyabrata Sahoo, Brajadulal Chattopadhyay, Ria Rakshit
    Journal: Industrial Biotechnology
    Year: 2023

Conclusion

Professor Brajadulal Chattopadhyay exemplifies impactful interdisciplinary research, integrating physics, microbiology, and materials science to address global challenges. His pioneering work in bioconcrete and environmental nanotechnology has resulted in patented innovations, impactful publications, and strong mentorship. His career reflects academic excellence, practical relevance, and a commitment to sustainability.

 

Tanmay CHATTOPADHYAY | Experimental methods | Best Researcher Award

Assoc Prof Dr. Tanmay CHATTOPADHYAY | Experimental methods | Best Researcher Award

Associate Professor at Diamond Harbour Women’s University, India

Dr. Tanmay Chattopadhyay is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry at Diamond Harbour Women’s University, West Bengal, India. With over 14 years of teaching and research experience, he has made significant contributions to the fields of bio-inorganic chemistry, coordination chemistry, and nanomaterials. Dr. Chattopadhyay has held various academic positions, including his current role at DHWU and previously at Panchakot Mahavidyalaya. His research expertise has led to multiple patents, and his work has been published extensively in renowned scientific journals. He is an active member of several professional organizations, including the Indian Chemical Society and IACS.

Profile:

Education:

Dr. Chattopadhyay has a robust academic background in chemistry, with a focus on inorganic and coordination chemistry. He completed his Ph.D. in 2008 at the University of Calcutta under the guidance of Professor Debasis Das, where he explored advanced bio-inorganic and coordination chemistry. His academic journey began with a Bachelor of Science from the University of Burdwan in 2001, followed by a Master of Science from Visva-Bharati University in 2003, where he specialized in inorganic chemistry. Dr. Chattopadhyay further enhanced his academic credentials with a postdoctoral fellowship at the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) in Tsukuba, Japan, under the supervision of Professor Masumi Asakawa. During his postdoctoral research, he developed innovative nanomaterials and catalytic systems, setting the foundation for his future research interests.

Professional experience:

Dr. Chattopadhyay’s professional journey in academia began in 2010 when he joined Panchakot Mahavidyalaya as an Assistant Professor in Chemistry. He held this position until 2019, where he played a crucial role in developing the chemistry curriculum and mentoring undergraduate students. In 2019, he transitioned to Diamond Harbour Women’s University as an Assistant Professor, quickly establishing himself as a key faculty member. His academic leadership was further recognized when he was promoted to Associate Professor in June 2022. Dr. Chattopadhyay’s research experience also includes a postdoctoral fellowship at AIST, Japan, where he worked on cutting-edge nanomaterials and coordination chemistry. His extensive teaching experience, coupled with his contributions to research, makes him a respected figure in the academic community.

Research focus:

Dr. Chattopadhyay’s research primarily focuses on bio-inorganic chemistry, coordination chemistry, and nanomaterials. His work has involved the development of novel catalytic systems using transition metal complexes and nanostructured materials for organic transformations. He has a particular interest in magnetically recoverable nanocatalysts and their applications in sustainable chemical processes, such as alcohol oxidation and nitrophenol reduction. Dr. Chattopadhyay’s research also delves into metalloenzyme mimics, exploring the catalytic potential of Zn(II) and Ni(II) complexes. His research output includes 64 publications in refereed journals, with collaborations both in India and internationally. His dedication to advancing the understanding of catalysis and materials science has established him as a leader in his field.

Awards and Honors:

Dr. Chattopadhyay has received several accolades for his contributions to chemistry. He was awarded a prestigious WB-DST research grant in 2018, worth INR 4 lakh, for his ongoing research. Earlier, he received the SERB-DST Early Career Research grant in 2014, a notable award of INR 24.18 lakh, recognizing his potential as a researcher. Additionally, he secured a UGC research grant of INR 4.95 lakh in 2014, further supporting his work in coordination chemistry and nanomaterials. Dr. Chattopadhyay has also been granted a Japanese patent for his innovative contributions to catalysis. As a member of esteemed professional societies such as the Indian Chemical Society and IACS, his work continues to receive recognition both nationally and internationally.

Publication Top Notes:

  1. Title: Synthesis of copper(ii) complex-functionalized Fe3O4@ISNA (ISNA = isonicotinic acid) as a magnetically recoverable nanomaterial: catalytic studies in alcohol oxidation and nitrophenol reduction, and TD-DFT studies
    Authors: Mondal, R., Chakraborty, A., Zangrando, E., Shukla, M., Chattopadhyay, T.
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 0 📖
  2. Title: Comparative analysis of Zn(ii)-complexes as model metalloenzymes for mimicking Jack bean urease
    Authors: Ghanta, R., Chowdhury, T., Ghosh, A., Das, A.K., Chattopadhyay, T.
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 2 📖📖
  3. Title: Ni(II)-Complex Anchored Over Functionalized Mesoporous SBA-15: A Nanocatalyst for the Synthesis of Aminophenoxazinone Derivatives
    Authors: Ghanta, R., Mondal, R., Chowdhury, T., Chattopadhyay, T., Bhaumik, A.
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 0 📖
  4. Title: Experimental and theoretical investigation of the catalytic performance of reduced Schiff base and Schiff base iron complexes: Transformation to magnetically retrievable catalyst
    Authors: Mondal, R., Chakraborty, A., Ghanta, R., Menéndez, M.I., Chattopadhyay, T.
    Year: 2021
    Citations: 11 📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖
  5. Title: Iron Complexes Anchored onto Magnetically Separable Graphene Oxide Sheets: An Excellent Catalyst for the Synthesis of Dihydroquinazoline-Based Compounds
    Authors: Chakraborty, A., Chowdhury, T., Menendez, M.I., Chattopadhyay, T.
    Year: 2020
    Citations: 15 📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖
  6. Title: Triton X-100 functionalized Cu(II) dihydrazone based complex immobilized on Fe3O4@dopa: A highly efficient catalyst for oxidation of alcohols, alkanes, and sulfides and epoxidation of alkenes
    Authors: Chakraborty, T., Mondal, R., Ghanta, R., Chakraborty, A., Chattopadhyay, T.
    Year: 2020
    Citations: 5 📖📖📖📖📖
  7. Title: Experimentally formulated and theoretically rationalized alumina immobilized copper catalyst for alcohol oxidation
    Authors: Chowdhury, T., Chatterjee, S., Banerjee, P., Shukla, M., Chattopadhyay, T.
    Year: 2020
    Citations: 3 📖📖📖
  8. Title: Pd(0) immobilized on Fe3O4@AHBA: an efficient magnetically separable heterogeneous nanocatalyst for C–C coupling reactions
    Authors: Chakraborty, T., Sarkar, A., Chattopadhyay, T.
    Year: 2019
    Citations: 8 📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖
  9. Title: Surfactant-mediated solubilization of magnetically separable nanocatalysts for the oxidation of alcohols
    Authors: Chakraborty, A., Chakraborty, T., Menendez, M.I., Chattopadhyay, T.
    Year: 2019
    Citations: 14 📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖
  10. Title: Designing of a magnetically separable Fe3O4@dopa@ML nano-catalyst for multiple organic transformations (epoxidation, reduction, and coupling) in aqueous medium
    Authors: Dasgupta, S., Chatterjee, S., Chattopadhyay, T.
    Year: 2019
    Citations: 8 📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖