Prof. Haiyan Zhu | Low-carbon energy catalysis | Best Researcher Award
Professor at Northwest University, China
Haiyan Zhu is a distinguished professor at the Institute of Modern Physics, Northwest University, with a strong background in materials chemistry and physics. With extensive experience in academia and research, she has contributed significantly to the field of materials science, particularly in the areas of energy storage and electrocatalysis. Her work integrates computational simulations, machine learning techniques, and experimental validations to develop advanced materials for sustainable energy applications. Over the years, she has established herself as a leading researcher, recognized for her innovative approaches to theoretical and applied materials science.
Profile
Education
Haiyan Zhu pursued her academic journey with a focus on materials chemistry and physics. She obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Materials Chemistry from Northwest University in 2001, followed by a Master of Science in Physical Chemistry from the same institution in 2006. She further advanced her studies with a Ph.D. in Materials Physics and Chemistry from Xi’an Jiaotong University, which she completed in 2011. Her academic background has provided her with a solid foundation in theoretical and experimental materials science, enabling her to explore complex phenomena in energy-related materials.
Experience
Haiyan Zhu’s professional career spans multiple prestigious institutions and international collaborations. She started as a lecturer at the Institute of Modern Physics, Northwest University, in 2011, where she later became an associate professor in 2012. Her dedication and contributions to research led to her appointment as a full professor in 2019. In addition to her academic positions, she has completed postdoctoral research at esteemed institutions, including Nanyang Technological University in Singapore, the City University of Hong Kong, and the Southern University of Science and Technology. Her international research exposure has greatly influenced her interdisciplinary approach to solving scientific challenges.
Research Interests
Her research interests lie in the theoretical and computational study of materials for energy applications. She focuses on electrocatalysis, battery materials, and nanomaterials, utilizing cutting-edge techniques such as density functional theory (DFT) and machine learning-assisted screening. Her recent work involves exploring NiMn binary battery cathode materials and single-atom catalysts for lithium-sulfur batteries. By integrating computational modeling with experimental validation, she aims to design more efficient and sustainable materials for energy storage and conversion applications. Her contributions have significantly enhanced the understanding of material behavior at the atomic and electronic levels.
Academic Awards
Haiyan Zhu’s research excellence has been acknowledged with various academic awards. Notably, she received the First Prize of the 10th Weinan City Outstanding Natural Science Papers and Academic Achievements Award, conferred by the Weinan Municipal People’s Government. This prestigious recognition highlights her impactful contributions to the field of natural sciences, particularly in advancing theoretical and computational methods for materials research. Her pioneering work continues to receive accolades from the scientific community, reinforcing her reputation as an influential researcher in materials science.
Representative Publications
Haiyan Zhu has authored numerous high-impact research papers in leading scientific journals. Below are some of her recent representative publications:
- Yin G, Zhu H*, Chen S, Li T, Wu C, Jia S, Shang J, Ren Z, Ding T, Li Y*. “Machine Learning-Assisted High-Throughput Screening for Electrocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution Reaction.” Molecules (2025), 30(4): 759.
- Wu C, Zhu H*, Jia S, Xia J, Xu W, Liu P, Zou W, Suo B, Meeladi G, Li Y*. “Theoretical Design and Study of a Single-Atom Catalyst in Lithium-Sulfur Batteries.” ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces (2024), 16(40): 53729–53739.
- Jia S, Zhu H*, Cao R, Wu Q, Zhou Q, Liu P, Li B, Li A*, Li Y*. “Efficient Nitrogen-Doped Graphene Supported Heteronuclear Diatomic Electrocatalyst for Nitrogen Reduction Reaction.” International Journal of Hydrogen Energy (2024), 83(68): 559–565.
- Liu P, Zhu H*, Li B, Wu C, Jia S, Suo B, Zou W, Li Y*. “Electrocatalytic Reduction of CO2 to C2H4 by Monometallic Cu4 Cluster Supported on CeO2(110) Surface.” International Journal of Hydrogen Energy (2024), 73(68): 274–281.
- Li B, Cao R, Zhu H*, Liu P, Suo B, Li Y*. “Theoretical Study of Electrochemical Hydrogen Evolution Reaction of Pt-Co Diatomic Sites Catalyst.” International Journal of Hydrogen Energy (2024), 68: 559–565.
Conclusion
Professor Haiyan Zhu’s distinguished academic credentials, extensive postdoctoral training, impactful research contributions, and prestigious awards make her a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her innovative work continues to shape the future of materials science and electrocatalysis, positioning her among the foremost experts in her discipline.