Prof. Hui DING, Catalysis, Outstanding Scientist Award

Professor at Tianjin University, China

Professional Profiles

🎓 Education Background

Hui DING Doctor of Engineering degree in Chemical Engineering from Tianjin University, completed in 2006. Prior to this, I earned my Master of Engineering degree, also in Chemical Engineering from Tianjin University, in 2003. My academic foundation in chemical engineering has been crucial to my research and development work in environmental and materials engineering.

🔍 Research Interests

My primary research interests focus on Normal Temperature Catalytic Oxidation (NTCO) for the treatment of VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds), a critical area in pollution control. Additionally, I am dedicated to Agricultural Soil Remediation, where I work on sustainable and innovative solutions to restore damaged soil. My interests also extend to Carbon Capture, exploring technologies that contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, which is essential in today’s environmental context.

📖 Courses Taught

In my teaching role, I instruct courses in Material Separation and Purification, where students gain foundational skills in chemical separation processes. Additionally, I teach Principles of Chemical Engineering, providing a thorough understanding of the core principles and methodologies essential in chemical engineering practices.

🤝 Professional Memberships

I am an active member of several professional organizations, including the All-China Environment Federation VOCs Pollution Prevention and Control Professional Committee and the China Industry-University-Research Institute Collaboration Association. My memberships also extend to specialized committees, such as the Hunan International Rice City Agricultural Technology Research Institute, the Beijing Energy and Environment Society’s Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei Expert Committee, and the Chinese Society for Environmental Sciences. These affiliations support my professional development and involvement in collaborative efforts within the field.

💼 Positions & Employments

Throughout my career, I have held various notable positions. From 2019 to 2020, I served as a Senior Visiting Scholar at Melbourne University, enriching my expertise through international collaboration. Since 2017, I have also directed the Tianjin University-Taixing Energy Conservation and Environmental Protection Industry Joint Research Center, overseeing initiatives to address key environmental challenges. Additionally, I have been an Associate Professor at the School of Environmental Science and Engineering at Tianjin University since 2014, where I contribute to research and teaching. I also held the role of Deputy Director at the Taixing Economic Development Zone Administrative Committee from 2014 to 2015, supporting regional development projects. My academic journey began as a Postdoctoral Researcher at Tianjin University, where I worked from 2006 to 2008, laying the groundwork for my subsequent research pursuits.

Publications Top Noted📚

Is it possible to realize the catalytic oxidation of toluene on the atomic active site ZnNi/SNC catalysts without external energy?

Authors: Gao, G., Zhang, L., Dai, C., Zhao, D., Ding, H.

Journal: Separation and Purification Technology

Year: 2025

Layered double hydroxides for efficient treatment of heavy metals and organic pollutants: Recent progress and future perspectives

Authors: Dai, C., Wu, X., Wang, Q., Fu, B., Ding, H.

Journal: Separation and Purification Technology

Year: 2025

Mechanism of synthesis ammonia over atomically dispersed Ni/BCN catalyst under atmospheric pressure and low-temperature conditions

Authors: Dai, C., Wu, X., Gao, G., Fu, B., Ding, H.

Journal: Applied Surface Science

Year: 2024

Rapeseed cake (RSC) as a novel bulking agent for accelerated biodrying of dewatered sludge

Authors: Cao, X., Gao, J., Wang, Z., Liu, S., Ding, H.

Journal: Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering

Year: 2024

Catalytic Oxidation of Benzene over Atomic Active Site AgNi/BCN Catalysts at Room Temperature

Authors: Zuo, X., Zhang, L., Gao, G., Liu, S., Ding, H.

Journal: Molecules

Year: 2024

Dr. Isaac N. Beas, Catalysis, Best Researcher Award

Doctorate at Botswana Institute for Technology Research and Innovation, Botswana

Professional Profiles

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🎓Educational Background

Dr. Beas earned his Ph.D. in Materials Science and Heterogeneous Catalysis from the University of Johannesburg, South Africa, in 2013. His thesis, titled “N-doped and B-doped carbon materials and Yolk carbon nanostructures: synthesis, characterisation, and application for heterogeneous catalysis,” explored the synthesis and applications of advanced nanomaterials. His doctoral studies were supervised by Prof. Neil Coville and Prof. R. Meijboom, focusing on oxidation, carbon nanomaterials, and hydrogenation.

He also holds an M.Sc. in Physical Chemistry and Computational Chemistry from the University of Yaoundé I, Cameroon (2010), where his thesis examined the thermodynamic solubility of gas oil in organic solvents under the supervision of Prof. Paul Mingo Ghogomu. Dr. Beas completed his B.Sc. in Physical Science at the same institution, with a focus on Physical Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, and Photochemistry.

💼Working Experience

Dr. Isaac N. Beas has been serving as a Research Scientist at the Botswana Institute for Technology Research and Innovation (BITRI) since July 2017. His research primarily focuses on heterogeneous catalysis, gasification, and pyrolysis, contributing to advancements in materials science for energy and environmental sustainability. He also holds a dual role as a Research Fellow at the University of South Africa (since September 2017), where he supervises students, publishes cutting-edge research, and collaborates with industry to apply his findings to real-world applications.

From May 2013 to June 2017, he worked as a Post-Doctoral Fellow at the University of South Africa, where he managed projects on carbon materials and nanoparticle catalysts. During this time, he played a critical role in graduating several master’s and Ph.D. students. He also led a major industrial project on reducing sulfur dioxide emissions using gold nanoparticles in partnership with Mintek. Prior to this, Dr. Beas gained valuable experience as a Visiting Researcher at the University of the Witwatersrand (2010–2012), where he conducted research on carbon nanomaterials for catalytic applications.

🔬Research Interests

Dr. Beas’s research interests lie in catalysis, thermodynamics, Fischer-Tropsch reactions, and kinetics. He has a particular focus on zeolites and silica derived from fly ash, with recent efforts in integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning into material design and process optimization.

🧑‍🏫Teaching Experience

Dr. Beas has extensive teaching experience, having taught Physical Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry Practical, and Chemical Quality Assurance at the University of Johannesburg (2012–2014). Earlier in his career, he delivered lectures on Atomistics, Chemical Bonding, and Thermodynamics at the University of Yaoundé I (2001–2003).

👨‍🎓Academic Supervision

As a committed mentor, Dr. Beas has supervised numerous students, including Tefo Olefile (M.Sc.) on catalytic dehydrogenation and Thabiso Sekai (M.Sc.) on aluminosilicates from coal fly ash. He is currently supervising several Ph.D. students conducting research on zeolite synthesis and silica nanoparticle applications.

📜Appointments

Dr. Beas has held several prominent academic appointments, including serving as a Moderator for Advanced Inorganic Chemistry at Sol Plaatje University (July 2021) and as an External Examiner for Ph.D. research proposals at Banasthali Vidyapith, India (January 2024). He was also a Guest Speaker at Kirinyaga University, Kenya (May 2023), where he delivered a lecture on the synthesis of dimethyl ether and methanol from CO2.

🌐Professional Memberships

He is a member of several prestigious scientific societies, including the Royal Society of Chemistry, United Kingdom (since 2010, Member #622502), the Catalysis Society of South Africa (since 2012, Member #110), and the African Materials Research Society (2022–2024).

Publications Top Noted📚

Mechano-synthesis of a AgSrFeO3 catalyst for epoxidation of ethylene in a chemical looping set-up

Authors: Chawangwa Damba; Isaac N. Beas; Mmilili M. Mapolelo; James Darkwa; E. J. Marek

Journal: Materials Advances

Year: 2024

High‐Purity Template‐Free Mesoporous Silica Synthesized FROM Coal Fly Ash

Authors: Thapelo Manyepedza; Emmanuel Gaolefufa; Isaac N. Beas; Moses T. Kabomo; Bakang Modukanele

Journal: ChemistrySelect

Year: 2024

Thermogravimetric-mass spectrometry study of pyrolysis of Botswana-Morupule coal: kinetic parameters determination using iso-conversional and model fitting methods

Authors: Kgalalelo P. Kgatlane; Sebusi Odisitse; Casper Gate; James Darkwa; Isaac N. Beas

Journal: Reaction Kinetics, Mechanisms and Catalysis

Year: 2023

The Transfer Hydrogenation of Cinnamaldehyde Using Homogeneous Cobalt(II) and Nickel(II) (E)-1-(Pyridin-2-yl)-N-(3-(triethoxysilyl)propyl)methanimine and the Complexes Anchored on Fe3O4 Support as Pre-Catalysts: An Experimental and In Silico Approach

Authors: Fortunate P. Sejie; Olayinka A. Oyetunji; James Darkwa; Isaac N. Beas; Banothile C. E. Makhubela; Nelson Y. Dzade; Nora H. de Leeuw

Journal: Molecules

Year: 2023

Photocatalytic Degradation of Methylene Blue and Ortho-Toluidine Blue: Activity of Lanthanum Composites LaxMOy (M: Fe, Co, Ni)

Authors: Mmabatho L. Mocwana; Puseletso P. Mokoena; Pontsho S. Mbule; Isaac N. Beas; Guy L. Kabongo; Simon N. Ogugua; Themba E. Tshabalala

Journal: Catalysts

Year: 2022

TiO2@hollow carbon spheres: A photocatalyst for hydrogen generation under visible irradiation

Authors: A. Boudjemaa; I. Nongwe; B.K. Mutuma; B.J. Matsoso; K. Bachari; N.J. Coville

Journal: Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology A: Chemistry

Year: 2021