Azim Khan | Metal Materials | Research Excellence Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Azim Khan | Metal Materials | Research Excellence Award

University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, China

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Azim Khan is a dedicated materials scientist whose academic and professional journey spans advanced research, university teaching, and extensive laboratory expertise across China and Pakistan. He holds an M.Sc. and M.Phil. in Physics with a specialization in solid-state materials, followed by a Ph.D. in Physics/Material Science and Engineering from the Institute of Metal Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, where he investigated metal oxide dispersion effects on alumina phase transformation and oxidation performance of Ni₂Al₃ coatings. His postdoctoral work and subsequent faculty roles at Anhui University of Technology further strengthened his contributions to high-temperature oxidation, corrosion behavior, phase transformation of nickel-based superalloys, thermal spray coatings, and catalyst development. He has also served as a lecturer and currently works as an associate researcher at the Yangtze River Delta Research Institute, focusing on catalyst synthesis and CVD-based fabrication of carbon nanomaterials such as SWCNTs, MWCNTs, and carbon nanocoils. His research interests include nanostructured coatings, diffusion coatings, nano-composite materials, and high-entropy alloys. Recognized for his scientific excellence, he has received multiple honors, including a prestigious young scientist research fund and awards from IMR-CAS and leading material science laboratories. Dr. Khan continues to advance innovative materials for high-temperature and catalytic applications.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Azim Khan, Rostami, K., Sedighi, M., Khan, S., & Ghasemi, M. (2025). “A Comparative Electrochemical Study of Pt and Ni–Oxide Cathodes: Performance and Economic Viability for Scale-Up Microbial Fuel Cells.” Catalysts. https://doi.org/10.3390/catal15121153

Yu, T., Chen, Y., Fan, Y., Chen, G., Khan, A., Liu, Y., & Jian, X. (2025). “Environmental-friendly visible-light inducing bond change of fluorinated carbon in large-scale for ultrahigh-rate lithium/fluorinated carbon battery.” Journal of Power Sources. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpowsour.2025.236367

Chen, G., Fan, Y., Yu, T., Shoaib, M., Khan, A., Liu, Y., & Jian, X. (2024). “Efficient microwave induction to modify surface for high-rate lithium/fluorinated carbon battery with ultra-high power density.” Chemical Engineering Journal. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2024.154899

Ullah, S., Gul, U., Tariq, S., Ullah, R., Rahman, N., Ali, E.A., Husain, M., Abbas, M., Ullah, H., & Khan, A. (2024). “First principal investigations to explore the half-metallicity, structural, mechanical, and optoelectronic properties of sodium-based fluoroperovskites NaYF₃ (Y = Sc and Ti) for applications in spintronics and optoelectronics.” Inorganic Chemistry Communications. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.inoche.2024.112369

Rehman, S.U., Sun, Q., Wang, J., Lv, W., Khan, A., Liu, Y., Mahmood, N., & Xian, J. (2024). “In-plane heterostructures of transition metal dichalcogenide monolayers with enhanced charge separation and effective overall water splitting.” International Journal of Hydrogen Energy. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhydene.2024.07.171

Shah, S.S.A., Liu, M., Khan, A., Ahmad, F., Abdullah, M.R., Zhang, X., Xu, S., & Peng, Z. (2024). “Twinning aspects and their efficient roles in wrought Mg alloys: A comprehensive review.” Journal of Magnesium and Alloys. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jma.2024.04.035

Ullah, S., Gul, U., Tariq, S., Ullah, R., Rahman, N., Ali, E.A., Husain, M., Abbas, M., Ullah, H., & Khan, A. (2023). “First Principal Investigations to Explore the Half-Metallicity, Structural, Mechanical, and Optoelectronic Properties of Sodium-Based Fluoroperovskites NaYF₃ (Y = Sc and Ti) for Applications in Spintronics and Optoelectronics.” SSRN. https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4668900

Dr. M. Belen Garcia Bl | Recubrimientos Protectores | Best Researcher Award

Dr. M. Belen Garcia Bl | Recubrimientos Protectores | Best Researcher Award

Fundación Cidetec | Spain

Dr. M. Belén García-Blanco is a distinguished researcher specializing in surface modification of materials through chemical and electrochemical processes, including anodizing, plasma electrolytic oxidation, electropolishing, and anaphoretic deposition. She earned her Ph.D. in Electrochemistry from the University of Barcelona, following a DEA from the same institution and a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Sciences from the University of the Basque Country. She currently serves as Principal Investigator and Project Leader at Fundación CIDETEC, where she has contributed to over twenty national and European research projects. Her notable projects include coordinating and leading large-scale European initiatives focused on advanced surface treatments and eco-friendly coatings for conventional and additive-manufactured materials. Dr. García-Blanco has authored multiple articles in high-impact journals on surface treatments and additive manufacturing and has actively participated in international conferences presenting her work on anodizing, electropolishing, and sustainable coatings. She has also guided undergraduate and graduate research projects, mentoring students in electrodeposition and surface engineering, and delivered specialized seminars in surface engineering technologies. Fluent in Basque and English, she is recognized for her scientific leadership, interdisciplinary expertise, and commitment to advancing sustainable and innovative surface modification strategies. Her work continues to drive developments in both fundamental research and industrial applications.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications

Mancisidor, A.M.; García-Blanco, M.B.; Quintana, I.; Arrazola, P.J.; Espinosa, E.; Cuesta, M.; Albizuri, J.; Garciandia, F. (2023). Effect of Post-Processing Treatment on Fatigue Performance of Ti6Al4V Alloy Manufactured by Laser Powder Bed Fusion. Journal of Manufacturing and Materials Processing.

Fernández-Calvo, A.I.; Delgado, C.; Dufour, P.; Aldanondo, E.; Díaz, M.; García-Blanco, M.B. (2023). New EoL Routes of Al-Li Aircraft Integral LBW and FSW Welded Panels including New Cr-Free Coatings. Crystals.

García-Blanco, M.B. (2022). A study of parameter and post-processing effects on surface quality improvement of Binder Jet 3D-printed Invar36 alloy parts. Progress in Additive Manufacturing.

García-Blanco, M.B. (2021). Comparative study of different surface treatments applied to Ti6Al4V parts produced by Selective Laser Melting. Transactions of the IMF.

Garcia-Blanco, M.B.; Querejeta, A.; Perez-Garcia, M.R.; Ochoa, J.; Rodriguez, J.; Hope, P.; Hope, J.; Nunez, Y.; Gonzalez, C.; De Saja, R.; et al. (2020). Eco-friendly anaphoretic e-coating for corrosion protection in aeronautic applications (part 2). Galvanotechnik.

García-Blanco, M.B.; Diaz-Fuentes, M.; Espinosa, E.; Mancisidor, A.M.; Vara, G. (2020). Study of the effect of EP, blasting and laser treatments on the surface roughness of Ti6Al4V alloy fabricated by SLM at different build angles. Euro PM 2018 Congress and Exhibition.

García-Blanco, M.B. (2020). Corrosion protection of aeronautic components by an eco-friendly anaphoretic e-coating.

García-Blanco, M.B. (2019). Obtaining tailored surface characteristics by combining shot peening and electropolishing on 316L stainless steel. Applied Surface Science.