Xiangfeng Kong | Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Dr. Xiangfeng Kong | Materials Science | Best Researcher Award 

Professor, at Kunming University of Science and Technology, China.

Prof. Xiangfeng Kong is a leading metallurgical researcher at Kunming University of Science and Technology, specializing in high-purity metallic materials and green metallurgy. With academic roots in Metallurgical Engineering and a Ph.D. in Metallurgical Environmental Engineering from Central South University, he has swiftly risen to prominence in his field. Exceptionally promoted to Associate Professor in 2020, he has led groundbreaking research that supports industrial-scale production of ultra-pure lead materials. Prof. Kong has collaborated with top universities and industrial partners globally, making substantial academic and practical contributions. As a guest editor and prolific author, his work is widely cited and respected. 💡🔬🌏

Professional Profile

Scopus

ORCID

🎓 Education

Prof. Kong’s academic journey began with a B.Eng. in Metallurgical Engineering from Kunming University of Science and Technology (2011), followed by an M.Eng. in Nonferrous Metallurgy from the same institution in 2014. Pursuing his passion for environmental sustainability in metallurgy, he earned his Ph.D. in Metallurgical Environmental Engineering from Central South University in 2018. Throughout his studies, he focused on sustainable metal recovery, advanced separation techniques, and environmental impact reduction. His academic background laid the foundation for his current work in high-purity metals and green metallurgical processes. 📚🧪🎓

🏢 Experience

Prof. Kong joined Kunming University of Science and Technology in 2018 as a high-level talent, and due to outstanding contributions, he was promoted to Associate Professor in 2020. From 2021 to 2022, he was seconded to a government post to support policy-level research applications. With over 11 research projects, 3 consultancy projects, and 26 patents, he has led the development of China’s first industrial high-purity lead production line. His work directly supports leading battery manufacturers like HOPPECKE and Camel Group. His academic-industrial collaborations bridge theory with real-world impact. 🧑‍🏫🏭🔧

🔬 Research Interest

Prof. Kong’s research interests center on high-purity metallic materials and green metallurgy. His core innovation lies in developing vacuum vaporization techniques for ultra-pure lead production. He explores novel separation technologies, sustainable metallurgy, and circular economy applications in metal industries. His commitment to reducing environmental impact while enhancing metal recovery efficiencies drives his contributions. As a TMS member and editorial guest chief for Metals, he continues to advocate for eco-friendly advancements in metallurgical processes. His work aims to revolutionize the way industries produce, purify, and utilize metals. 🔍♻️🧫

🏅 Awards

Prof. Kong has been recognized with over 20 academic awards, including the Yunnan Provincial “Thousand Talents Plan” Youth Scholar (2019), First Prize of the China Nonferrous Metals Industry Science & Technology Award, and the Second Prize of Henan Provincial Science & Technology Progress Award. These accolades honor his excellence in applied metallurgy, innovation in green technologies, and industrial transformation. His early career success and impactful research have earned him a reputation as a rising star in China’s scientific community. 🥇🏆📜

📚 Top Noted Publications

Prof. Xiangfeng Kong has authored over 40 papers in SCI and Scopus-indexed journals. Notable publications include:

1. Highly Efficient Separation of Ag, Cu, and Sn by Vacuum Cracking to Prepare Ultra-Pure Energy Metal Lead Materials

  • Authors: Tongyu San, Bin Yang, et al.

  • Journal: Separation and Purification Technology

  • Publication Date: July 14, 2023

  • DOI: 10.1016/j.seppur.2023.124549Researcher Life+1ScienceDirect+1

Summary:
This study introduces a novel vacuum dissociation process aimed at producing ultra-pure lead (6N purity) by effectively separating impurities such as Ag, Cu, and Sn. The method involves:Researcher Life

  • Cracking intermetallic compounds (e.g., PbnAgn, PbmCum) in metallic lead under low-pressure conditions.

  • Utilizing differences in gasification characteristics to volatilize the main metallic lead, leaving behind impurities.

  • Achieving impurity concentrations as low as 0.004 ppm for Cu, 0.012 ppm for Sn, and 0.06 ppm for Ag in the final product.

  • Attaining a direct recovery rate of metallic lead exceeding 90%.PubMed+3Researcher Life+3IOPscience+3

Significance:
This process offers a clean, efficient, and energy-saving method for producing ultra-pure lead, which is crucial for applications in new energy storage batteries, aerospace, and the nuclear industry.Researcher Life

2. Comprehensive Recycling of Lead and Silver from Lead Paste by Vacuum Volatilization

  • Authors: Boyi Xie, Tianzu Yang, Weifeng Liu, Duchao Zhang, Lin Chen

  • Journal: JOM

  • Publication Date: September 2020

  • DOI: 10.1007/s11837-020-04186-5MDPI+5SpringerLink+5ACS Publications+5

Summary:
This research presents a method for recovering lead from spent lead paste through pre-desulfurization followed by low-temperature reduction smelting. Key steps include:SpringerLink+3SpringerLink+3MDPI+3

  • Desulfurizing lead paste using sodium carbonate, reducing sulfur content significantly.

  • Reducing the desulfurized paste under vacuum conditions with charcoal at 850°C and 20 Pa for 45 minutes.

  • Achieving a lead recovery rate of 98.13% with a purity of 99.77%.MDPI+2PubMed+2SpringerLink+2

Significance:
This process provides an environmentally friendly and efficient approach to recycling lead from spent batteries, minimizing hazardous emissions and energy consumption.SpringerLink

3. Kinetics and Mechanism of Silver-Lead Separation from Scrap Batteries

  • Authors: [Authors not specified in the provided information]

  • Journal: Hydrometallurgy

  • Publication Date: 2021

  • DOI: [DOI not provided]ACS Publications

Summary:
This study investigates the kinetics and mechanism behind the separation of silver and lead from scrap batteries using hydrometallurgical methods. While specific details are not provided in the available information, such studies typically focus on:

  • Leaching processes to dissolve metals.

  • Selective precipitation or solvent extraction to separate silver from lead.

  • Analyzing reaction rates and mechanisms to optimize recovery.

Significance:
Understanding the kinetics and mechanisms involved in metal separation is crucial for developing efficient recycling processes for valuable metals from electronic waste.

4. Environmental Assessment of a Novel Vacuum-Based Metallurgical Process

  • Authors: [Authors not specified in the provided information]

  • Journal: Journal of Hazardous Materials

  • Publication Date: 2020

  • DOI: [DOI not provided]ACS Publications+2SpringerLink+2ACS Publications+2SpringerLink+5ACS Publications+5ACS Publications+5

Summary:
This paper evaluates the environmental impact of a new vacuum-based metallurgical process designed for metal recovery. Although specific details are lacking, such assessments typically involve:MDPI

  • Life cycle analysis to determine the environmental footprint.

  • Comparison with traditional metallurgical processes in terms of emissions, energy consumption, and waste generation.

  • Recommendations for process optimization to enhance environmental performance.

Significance:
Environmental assessments are essential to ensure that new metallurgical processes not only achieve technical efficiency but also align with sustainability goals and regulatory standards.

Conclusion

Prof. Xiangfeng Kong is highly deserving of the Best Researcher Award. His track record demonstrates an exceptional blend of scientific rigor, innovation, industrial relevance, and mentorship. The number and quality of his publications, patents, and awards clearly establish him as a leading figure in green metallurgy and high-purity metal research. His achievements are not only academically significant but also make a direct contribution to sustainable industrial practices—aligning well with global scientific priorities.

Yasser Rajabi | Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

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Assist. Prof. Dr. Yasser Rajabi | Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

Faculty member, at Damghan university, Iran.

Dr. Yasser Rajabi is an Assistant Professor of Physics specializing in Optics and Lasers at Damghan University, Iran. With over 15 years of experience in experimental optics, his research spans atmospheric turbulence, nonlinear optics, interferometry, and optical metrology. He earned his Ph.D. in Physics-Optics from the Institute for Advanced Studies in Basic Sciences (IASBS), Zanjan, where he ranked first in his cohort. Dr. Rajabi is known for his hands-on work in laboratory development, launching advanced optics and laser labs at Damghan University. His scholarly contributions include significant publications in top-tier journals and active participation in international scientific programs. Apart from academia, he collaborates with knowledge-based companies to design and develop precision optical instruments. His teaching includes a broad range of courses in optics engineering, and he has earned accolades for excellence in teaching and research.

Professional Profile

Scopus

ORCID

Google Scholar

🎓 Education

Dr. Yasser Rajabi’s academic journey began with a B.Sc. in Applied Physics from Ferdowsi University of Mashhad (2002–2006). He continued with an M.Sc. in Physics-Optics (2007–2010) at IASBS, focusing on self-imaging and the Talbot effect, a phenomenon crucial to optical spectrometry. His thesis received high honors, attracting attention from Sony Ltd. His doctoral research (2010–2015), also at IASBS, explored atmospheric turbulence using differential angle of arrival and phase structure functions, culminating in an “Excellent” mark. His innovative methodology challenged the Kolmogorov model and proposed advanced modeling of turbulence behavior using telescope aperture data. Throughout his academic path, Dr. Rajabi consistently ranked first among his peers and demonstrated excellence in theoretical and experimental optics. His educational foundation is further strengthened by pre-university and high school training in exceptional talent centers in South Khorasan, Iran.

💼 Experience

Dr. Rajabi currently serves as Assistant Professor of Physics at Damghan University, where he leads optics-related courses and oversees the General Physics Laboratory. He has established two major teaching labs—Laser Lab and Advanced Optics Lab—enhancing research opportunities for both undergraduate and postgraduate students. As an educator, he pioneered multiple courses in optics engineering and applied optics. His hands-on expertise spans designing interferometric setups (e.g., Z-scan, Michelson, Fabry-Perot), holography systems, and Moiré deflectometry. In addition to academic roles, he actively collaborates with knowledge-based companies on the development of optical devices and instruments. He also contributed to international knowledge exchange through ICTP’s Winter Colleges on Optics (2013, 2015) and workshops led by leading global physicists. With over 15 years in optical experimentation and a commitment to educational innovation, Dr. Rajabi has earned recognition as one of the university’s top educators.

🔬 Research Interest

Dr. Rajabi’s research interests are deeply rooted in both classical and modern optics. His work on atmospheric turbulence and deviation from the Kolmogorov model has contributed new insights into the nature of wave propagation through turbulent media. His expertise covers nonlinear optics, optical metrology, interferometry, Moiré techniques, Talbot effect applications, fringe analysis, and CCD spectral analysis. He is also engaged in quantum turbulence and biophysics. His approach often combines analytical modeling with experimental validation, especially in wavefront sensing and refractive index measurements. He has investigated laser interaction with nanofluids, thermal lensing, and enhanced optical properties of nanocomposites. His efforts not only support scientific advancement but also lead to real-world applications such as lens testing and spectrometry. Dr. Rajabi continues to explore how light interacts with materials and turbulent systems, making significant contributions to both fundamental optics and applied photonics.

🏆 Awards

Dr. Rajabi has earned numerous awards and recognitions throughout his academic career. Notably, he was the Top Rank Ph.D. entrance exam candidate at IASBS and maintained the first rank among Ph.D. students in Optics and Lasers, with a GPA of 18.55/20. He was also an Outstanding Graduate Student in M.Sc. and Ph.D., and earned the title of Top Student in B.Sc. at Ferdowsi University. In 2019, he was honored as the Outstanding University Professor in Teaching at Damghan University. His undergraduate and graduate admissions were through the highly competitive Iranian National University Entrance Examination, ranking among the top 10%. His contributions have also been internationally recognized through participation in ICTP Winter Colleges and international optics workshops. His early research even attracted attention from Sony Ltd. for its potential application in imaging devices.

📚Top Noted Publications

Here is a list of Dr. Rajabi’s major scientific publications, along with their publication years, journals, and citation details:

  • Accurate Determination of Oscillating Mass Displacement in Seismometry using the Moiré Technique

    • Journal: Instruments and Experimental Techniques

    • Year: 2022

    • Focus: Application of the Moiré technique to measure minute displacements in seismometric systems, enhancing precision in detecting ground vibrations.

  • Thermal Lensing Effect in Laser-Nanofluids

    • Journal: Journal of Electronic Materials

    • Year: 2021

    • Focus: Investigates the influence of thermal lensing in nanofluids under laser irradiation, examining how nanoparticle concentration affects the focal properties of laser beams.

  • Influence of Preparation Method on Optical Properties of TiN Nanoparticles

    • Journal: Journal of Materials Science: Materials in Electronics

    • Year: 2021

    • Focus: Examines how synthesis methods impact the optical absorption and scattering behaviors of titanium nitride (TiN) nanoparticles for optoelectronic applications.

  • Nonlinear Optical Properties of Poly(aniline-co-pyrrole)@ZnO

    • Journal: Optical Materials

    • Year: 2020

    • Focus: Reports third-order nonlinear optical measurements of a conducting polymer-ZnO nanocomposite, highlighting enhanced nonlinearities for photonic switching.

  • Nonlinear Refractive Index of Graphene Oxide–Silicon Oxide Nanocomposites

    • Journal: Journal of Nonlinear Optical Physics & Materials

    • Year: 2019

    • Focus: Describes nonlinear refractive index studies using Z-scan technique for GO–SiO₂ nanocomposites, useful in optical limiting and waveguide development.

  • Enhanced Nonlinear Optical Properties of ZnO:WO₃ Nanocomposites

    • Journal: Journal of Nanophotonics

    • Year: 2019

    • Focus: Demonstrates the synergistic enhancement in third-order nonlinearity by doping ZnO with WO₃, explored via femtosecond laser techniques.

  • Inhomogeneity of Atmospheric Turbulence at Day and Night

    • Journal: Optics & Laser Technology

    • Year: 2016

    • Focus: Comparative study of atmospheric turbulence anisotropy under different thermal and radiative conditions, with implications for laser communication systems.

  • Measuring Anisotropy in Atmospheric Turbulence by Moiré Deflectometry

    • Journal: Journal of Applied Fluid Mechanics

    • Year: 2014

    • Focus: Introduces Moiré deflectometry for evaluating directional variations in turbulence parameters, validating results with fluid dynamic models.

  • Effective Focal Length of Lens via Parallel Moiré Deflectometry

    • Journal: Optics and Lasers in Engineering

    • Year: 2013

    • Focus: Proposes a precise method to determine the focal length of conventional lenses using parallel Moiré fringe patterns for real-time monitoring.

  • Effective Focal Length of Microlens using Rotational Moiré Deflectometry

    • Conference: Iranian Optics Conference

    • Year: 2013

    • Focus: Describes a new approach for focal length measurement of microlenses using rotational Moiré gratings, enhancing spatial resolution for micro-optics.

Conclusion

Dr. Yasser Rajabi demonstrates exceptional scientific rigor, innovation, and dedication in the fields of optics and photonics, with a rich academic background, multiple peer-reviewed publications, and a clear impact on research and education infrastructure. His ability to conceptualize and lead experimental physics projects, develop new labs, and contribute to national research puts him among the top-tier researchers in his domain.